When you’re brainstorming fun projects to do with your Arduino microcontroller board, one interesting addition that can open up a new layer of possibilities is an ultrasonic sensor. An ultrasonic sensor allows you to measure the distance to a certain object by emitting ultrasonic (sound) waves.
With an ultrasonic sensor and an Arduino board, you can make all sorts of creations ranging from radar contraptions to specialized measurement devices, among many others. There are quite a few projects out there that feature both an Arduino and an ultrasonic sensor, so we’ve brought together eight of the best to get you started.
To narrow down the selection, we opted for replicable projects that can easily be done at home with accessible materials, and which include clear explanations, be they photos and text, videos, or a combination of both. We also aimed to include a variety of ultrasonic sensor projects that range from the practical to the lighthearted. Let’s sense what’s out there!
Fun Counter With Bluetooth
On the search for a simple and fun ultrasonic sensor project for your Arduino? This Instructables tutorial, complete with a video demonstration, has you covered. Utilizing Bluetooth technology, this creative device allows users to count objects that appear in view, and will display the numbers directly as the objects appear.
Code, photos, and instructions are all provided, and this would make a perfect activity for families with kids at home who want to integrate skills like counting and technology together!
- Who designed it: GeorjaiwinM
- Core components: Arduino, ultrasonic sensor, Bluetooth shield, laptop with Bluetooth
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Where to find it: Instructables
Alarm
With the help of an ultrasonic sensor, you can create a simple alarm device with your Arduino board in the comfort of your home. The alarm can be used as a wake-up alert or for whatever other purpose you’d like to use it for. Toddler’s near the computer? Cat’s getting too close to the Christmas tree? You’re covered.
This how-to guide provides helpful step-by-step instructions plus links to YouTube tutorials, with code included. The project’s designer offers contact info if you have any questions about the instructions or the end result.
- Who designed it: iwoox
- Core components: Arduino Mega or Uno, ultrasonic sensor, relay module, LEDs, resistors, breadboard
- Difficulty: Advanced beginner
- Where to find it: Instructables
Parking Sensor
This rather useful parking sensor project helps drivers figure out if their car is parked properly in the garage – no more wondering if you’re too close to the door or to other objects in the surrounding space, the sensor will let you know!
While the project was built using a Diavolino development board and a USB adaptor, you can skip the adaptor by opting for an Arduino Uno instead (which is what the creator used for prototyping). There’s a helpful diagram, sketch and photos, as well as a link to a YouTube tutorial so you can watch the project come to life from scratch.
- Who designed it: atatistcheff
- Core components: Diavolino (or Arduino Uno), ultrasonic range finder, LEDs, resistor, potentiometer
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Where to find it: Instructables
Radar Detection
With the help of a trusty servo motor, the ultrasonic sensor in this project is used for object radar detection. Together with an Arduino Nano, you’ll be able to use your device to detect objects in a certain range. An alert symbol will then be displayed and will also let you know the distance of the object.
Featuring an easy-to-follow video tutorial, this project really optimizes the potential of an ultrasonic sensor and doesn’t require a ton of materials or expensive pieces.
- Who designed it: The IoT Projects
- Core components: Arduino Nano, ultrasonic sensor, servo motor, breadboard, OLED display
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Where to find it: IoT Projects, YouTube
Smart White Cane
With this project, you’ll learn how to create a practical smart cane for the blind or vision-impaired. The cane uses the sensor to measure distances in the field of the person ahead of them. So, not only is this project interesting to make, it also has an incredibly practical real-life use.
The project’s creator is quite responsive to comments and questions, and the video tutorial breaks down the materials, assembly, and usage of the smart stick in a straightforward manner. Note that it does require a few highly specific parts, so pay attention to the materials list.
- Who designed it: Ideas TV
- Core components: Arduino Uno, ultrasonic sensor, PVC pipe, DC buzzer, LED diode
- Difficulty: Intermediate/advanced
- Where to find it: YouTube
Quadruped Robot
Designed for a school project, this charming quadruped robot is operated by your Arduino Nano and uses an ultrasonic sensor to “watch out” for anything in its path.
The robot, Quattro, looks like a spider and has servo motor-coordinated movement. It can even “dance” in addition to obstacle avoidance. This is a particularly well-written project in terms of directions and guidance with lots of crystal-clear instructions, plus all needed files. A YouTube video is also available for an overview.
- Who designed it: satyachiavina
- Core components: Arduino Nano, servo shield and motors, ultrasonic sensor, Bluetooth module
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Where to find it: Hackaday
Body Temperature Measurement
If you’re on the search for a clever and very practical design for Covid times, this Arduino project is a great bet. In this endeavor, you’ll make a device with automatic temperature measurement that doesn’t require physical contact. It even offers a voice greeting to make the experience more friendly!
The project itself is well written and complete with code, photos, and individual instructions. It also includes a video tutorial to walk you through the process.
- Who designed it: engineer2you
- Core components: Arduino Uno, amplifier and speaker, ultrasonic sensor, infrared thermometer, SD card and module
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Where to find it: Arduino Project Hub
Obstacle Avoiding Robot
This creative and engaging obstacle-avoiding robot is a great way to test out the possibilities of both the ultrasonic sensor and your Arduino board. The creator of this project has done an especially nice job breaking down the steps for making the robot, even explaining aspects such as the sensor’s capacity and why a motor shield is necessary.
Note that the creator used a CNC machine to make some of the parts, and a 3D printer can be used to print some parts as well.
- Who designed it: Chihab
- Core components: Arduino Mega or Uno, ultrasonic sensor, motor shield, motor, wheels, micro servo, caster wheel
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Where to find it: Instructables
License: The text of "Best Ultrasonic Sensor Projects Using Arduino" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.