Smart Lamp IOT

Smart Lamp is my first IoT project developed with three classmates. It is an internet-connected lamp controlled through the Blynk application, with added voice control using Google Assistant via IFTTT. We also implemented a Wi-Fi login page on the NodeMCU ESP8266, allowing users to set Wi-Fi credentials without modifying the code. This project introduced us to real IoT development and cloud-based device control.

Client

Campus Project

Start Date

February 2022

End Date

April 2022

Descriptions

The main objective of this project was to design an IoT-based lighting system that is easy to use, accessible from anywhere, and capable of integrating smart features such as automation and voice control.
We utilized the NodeMCU ESP8266 as the core microcontroller, supported by relays and servo motors for hardware execution. The development process was guided by several references from Arduino Project Hub to ensure the system functioned smoothly.

Through the use of the Arduino IDE and C++ programming language, we built the communication logic between hardware, the Blynk platform, and IFTTT automation. Completing this project gave us a deeper understanding of IoT development, cloud-based device control, and microcontroller programming.

THE STORY

This project began as our final assignment for the second semester. Initially, we wanted to create something practical and modern, and a smart lamp felt like the perfect introduction to IoT. Our early challenges revolved around understanding how the NodeMCU interacts with cloud platforms and how to ensure reliable communication between hardware and the Blynk application. We explored many tutorials, documentation, and community projects before finally finding the right implementation approach. A breakthrough moment was when we successfully configured voice commands using Google Assistant through IFTTT. This turned the lamp into more than just a remote-controlled device—it became an interactive system that users could operate naturally with their voice. The built-in Wi-Fi configuration page was another milestone. Instead of inserting Wi-Fi credentials in the code, users could now change networks easily through a browser. This made the lamp much more flexible and user-friendly.

OUR APPROACH

Our approach was to ensure every part of the system—from hardware wiring to cloud integration—worked seamlessly together. We started by prototyping the circuit using the NodeMCU ESP8266, relays, and servo components. Once the hardware foundation was stable, we focused on programming the controller through Arduino IDE. The coding phase involved connecting the device to the Blynk API, creating control widgets, handling input/output logic, and enabling real-time device status monitoring. For automation, we integrated IFTTT to bridge Google Assistant commands with Blynk’s API endpoints. This allowed phrases like “Turn on the lamp” to instantly trigger actions on our IoT device. Finally, we developed a simple Wi-Fi configuration page using captive portal principles. When powered on, the lamp could create its own hotspot so users could input their Wi-Fi details—making the system easier to set up in various environments. This structured approach helped us complete the Smart Lamp project efficiently while gaining valuable hands-on experience in IoT system development.