Projects > Arduino Tool Locker

Arduino Tool Locker

December 2019

The purpose of this project was to create a proof of concept for a tool storage system for our school's shop to prevent tools from being misplaced or stolen. The total cost for all the material was $90. All 5 doors utilize custom 3D printed hooks and latches with embedded magnets and photoresistors.

For this project I design, fabricated, the selected the electronic components. I was also responsible for programming the the servo motor, LCD and SD card data logger.

My partner seen in the video, wrote most of the logic code. He also programmed the RFID tag, keypad, and detection photoresistor sensors. We received a 98/100 on this project.

As you will see in the video, our project needed to meet the following requirements:

  • Multiple users profiles

  • Invalid user detection

  • A checkout and return option for 5 large tools

  • Tool detection sensors

  • Open door detector with an alarm

  • Data logging (check-in and check-out history)

  • A 45 second auto shutoff timer

Design Features

Red Boxes: 3D printed latch and hook mechanism. The hook is controlled by a servo motor.

Blue Boxes: Photoresistor sensors that detect the presence of light. The bottom sensor detects if the tool is present. The higher sensor detects if the door is closed.

Purple Box: Small magnet to keep the door from swinging open under its own weight when the hook is not engaged.

Wiring schematic

Actual wiring (yikes!)