The University of Sri Jayewardenepura proudly showcased its talent and innovation at the prestigious Arduino Challenge, part of the “Challenge Sphere” competition series organized by the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society of SLTC. This highly competitive event, which drew nearly 40 teams from various institutions, aimed to discover Arduino-based solutions to combat climate change using a limited set of components. Each team strived to present the most innovative and effective ideas, demonstrating their creativity and technical prowess in addressing one of the most pressing global issues.
Representing the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, four teams from the Electronic and Embedded System combination participated in this challenge. These teams, driven by creativity and a commitment to addressing real-world problems, proposed and constructed groundbreaking projects that stood out among their peers.
Out of nearly 40 groups that participated in the Arduino Challenge, all four teams from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura were selected as top 10 finalists, a remarkable achievement that highlights their innovation and technical expertise. Among these talented teams, Team Forsaken stood out with their exceptional project, ultimately earning them the prestigious position of 2nd Runners-up in the competition. This accomplishment reflects not only the team’s dedication and creativity but also the high standards of excellence upheld by the university’s Electronic and Embedded System program.
Self-Sustaining Greenhouse
Team Forsaken – Kasun Ukwattage, Dinusha Godage, Yasara Nawarathna
Urban areas, which house more than half of the world’s population, contribute significantly to the global carbon footprint. The high concentration of buildings, vehicles, and industrial activities in cities leads to substantial energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed solution was to build automated greenhouses. Which will create an environment where plants can grow without human supervision. Technologies such as control systems, signal processing, data acquisition were used in order to provide the optimal conditions for the prototype. This innovation paves the way to a more sustainable future by shoring up urban agriculture, enlarging conservatories and even protecting endangered plants.
Temperature Controlled Mushroom Planting Room using Automated Solar Tracking System
Team Solar Surge – Devindi Manage, Heshan Tharuka, Shashith Saputhanthri
In response to the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on agriculture, Team Solar Surge developed a sustainable solution that harnesses renewable energy to optimize agricultural productivity. Their project integrates a solar tracking system that maximizes sunlight capture to power an energy-efficient mushroom planting house. By regulating the temperature and humidity within the planting room, this system ensures optimal growing conditions while minimizing reliance on fossil fuels. This innovative approach not only addresses the challenges of climate change but also promotes sustainable agriculture.
Hexagon Plantation Unit
Team Hyper – Nehan De Silva, Janith Shehara, Gysni Sawbagya
Team Hyper’s project focuses on the critical role of bees in agriculture and environmental preservation. They designed an automatic bee control unit that not only protects bees but also enhances plant pollination. The system creates a controlled environment that automatically adjusts temperature, humidity, light quality, and soil moisture to support both bees and plants. Additionally, it uses sound waves of specific frequencies to attract bees, facilitating their role in pollination and honey production. This project demonstrates a harmonious blend of technology and nature, aiming to protect bees and support sustainable agriculture.
Balancing Indoor and Outdoor Lighting for Energy Efficiency
Team Bright Sense – Dinura Kumarasinghe, Janidu Navod
Team Bright Sense tackled the issue of energy efficiency in households by developing an intelligent lighting control system. Their project dynamically balances indoor lighting with natural outdoor light, reducing electricity consumption and promoting energy conservation. The system uses sensors to monitor light intensity, temperature, and human presence, allowing it to make real-time adjustments to indoor lighting. By optimizing the use of natural light and incorporating energy-efficient LED bulbs, this project contributes to climate change mitigation and sustainable living.
The University of Sri Jayewardenepura congratulates all four teams for their remarkable achievements. Their success at the Arduino Challenge not only highlights the potential of our students but also reinforces the importance of fostering creativity and innovation in addressing global challenges. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of these talented individuals in the field of electronics and embedded systems.