1

VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

BELGAVI- 590018

Mini Project Report on

“IoT-Based Garbage Container System Using Node MCU ESP32
Microcontroller”
Submitted in partial fulfilment of requirement for the award of the degree of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (B.E)

In
ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING (ECE)

Submitted by
Niranjan Kumar C (10X21EC056)
Punith Kumar PV (1OX21EC067)
Ranjitha RP (1OX21EC072)
Sai Baktha Varshini AS (1OX21EC080)

Under the guidance of

Mrs. Mary Francy Joseph
Assistant Professor
Department of ECE
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DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

THE OXFORD COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
BOMMANAHALLI, HOSUR ROAD, BENGALURU - 560 068
July 2024

THE OXFORD COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

BOMMANAHALLI, HOSUR ROAD, BENGALURU-560 068
(Affiliated to VTU and approved by AICTE)

Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering

CERTIFICATE
Certified that the Project work entitled “IoT-Based Garbage Container System Using Node
MCU ESP32 Microcontroller” carried out by: Niranjan Kumar C (10X21EC056), Punith Kumar
PV (1OX21EC067), Ranjitha RP (1OX21EC072), Sai Baktha Varshini AS (1OX21EC080) ,a bonafide
student of THE OXFORD COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING in partial fulfilment for the award of
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING of the VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY,
BELGAUM during the academic year 2023-2024. It is certified that all the corrections/suggestions
indicated for Internal Assessment have been incorporated in the report deposited in the Department library.
The Mini Project report has been approved as it satisfies the academic requirements for the above said
degree

Guide HOD Principal

Mrs. Mary Francy Joseph Dr . MANJU DEVI Dr. RAMESH H N
Assistant Professor Dept. of ECE TOCE
Dept. of ECE TOCE
TOCE
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

A project is a job of great enormity, and it can’t be accomplished by an individual all by them.
Eventually, we are grateful to a number of individuals whose professional guidance, assistance
and encouragement have made it a pleasant endeavor to undertake this project.

It gives us great pleasure in expressing our deep sense of gratitude to our respected Founder
Chairman Late Shri S. Narasa Raju and to the respected Chairman Dr.S.N.V.L Narasimha Raju
for having provided us with great infrastructure and well-furnished labs.

We take this opportunity to express our profound gratitude to our respected Principal
Dr. Ramesh H N for his support.

We are grateful to the Head of the Department Dr. Manju Devi for the unfailing encouragement
and suggestion given to us during our major project work.

Guidance and deadlines play a very important role in successful completion of the project on
time. We convey our gratitude to Mrs. Mary Francy Joseph ,Assistant Professor Dept. of
ECE , for having constantly guided and monitored the development of the project.

We express our sincere thanks to Mini Project Coordinators Mrs. Sheeba Kumari &
Mrs. Thanka Saranya C. Assistant Professor, Department of ECE for their constant
encouragement and support throughout the course, especially for their useful suggestions given
during the Mini project work.

We thank our parents for their constant support and encouragement. Last, but not the least, we
would like to thank our peers and friends.

Niranjan Kumar C (10X21EC056)

Punith Kumar PV (1OX21EC067)
Ranjitha RP (1OX21EC072)
Sai Baktha Varshini AS (1OX21EC080)
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DECLARATION

We, Niranjan Kumar C (10X21EC056), Punith Kumar PV (1OX21EC067), Ranjitha

RP(1OX21EC072), Sai Baktha Varshini AS (1OX21EC080), students of Bachelor of
Engineering (BE.), Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering of THE
OXFORD COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, Bengaluru. I hereby declare that the report
entitled “IoT-Based Garbage Container System Using Node MCU ESP32

Microcontroller”, embodies the report of my mini project work carried out by me in the
course of VI semester under VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY,
Belgaum. I have not submitted the content embodied to any other University or Institution for the
award of any other degree.

Place: Bengaluru Niranjan Kumar C (10X21EC056)

Punith Kumar PV (1OX21EC067)
Date: 01.08.2024 Ranjitha RP (1OX21EC072)
Sai Baktha Varshini AS (1OX21EC080)
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ABSTRACT

Urban areas face significant challenges with waste management, including overflowing bins,
inefficient waste collection schedules, and high operational costs. Traditional garbage collection
methods often lead to unsanitaryconditions, attracting pests and causing pollution, which poses
health risks to residents. The inconsistent monitoring and irregular collection exacerbate the
problem, resulting in an urgent need for a more efficient, responsive, and environmentally
friendly waste management solution.

The Internet of Things (IoT) presents a promising approach to tackling these waste management
issues. By leveraging IoT technologies, we can create smart garbage container systems that
provide real-time data on fill levels and optimize waste collection routes. This not only reduces
operational costs but also ensures timely emptying of bins, preventing overflows and
maintaining cleaner urban environments. Smart systems can streamline waste collection
schedules based on actual demand, thereby reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions
associated with garbage trucks.

This project proposes an IoT-based garbage container system using the NodeMCU ESP32
microcontroller to address urban waste management challenges. The system includes ultrasonic
sensors to monitor the fill levels of bins, a servo motor for automated lid control, and Wi-Fi
connectivity to transmit data to a cloud platform likeThingSpeak. The real-time data helps in
generating alerts when bins are nearly full and provides insights for optimizing collection routes.
By implementing this smart system, cities can achieve more efficient andsustainable waste
management practices, leading to cleaner environments and improved public health.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents:

Sl no Topics Page no
1 Introduction 7
2 Objectives of the project 9
3 Literature survey 10
4 Methodology 12
4.1 Explanation
4.2 Hardware components
4.3 Software libraries
4.4 Logic programming
5 Conclusion and future scope
5.1 Limitations and future Improvements
5.2 Impact and applications
6 References
7 Books

Table of figures:

Sl no Picture names Page no

1 Figure 4.1: flow chart 12
2 Figure 4.2: A clear picture of the assembled hardware components 15
3 Figure 4.3 : geo tag photo of conduction and presentation 16
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1
INTRODUCTION

Efficient waste management is vital for maintaining public health, urban hygiene, and
environmental sustainability. Traditional waste collection systems often operate on fixed
schedules, leading to inefficiencies such as overflowing bins or unnecessary collection trips.
These inefficiencies result in higher operational costs, increased fuel consumption, and greater
carbon emissions. In light of these challenges, the integration of Internet of Things (IoT)
technologies into waste management systems offers a promising solution to enhance efficiency,
reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact.

Project Overview:

This project focuses on developing an IoT-based smart garbage container system using Node
MCU ESP32 microcontrollers and ultrasonic sensors, with data management and visualization
facilitated by the ThingSpeak platform. The system aims to provide real-time monitoring of
garbage container fill levels, optimize waste collection routes, and prevent container overflows.
By leveraging IoT technologies, this system aims to transform traditional waste management
practices into a more dynamic, responsive, and efficient operation.

Node MCU ESP32 Microcontroller

At the heart of the system is the Node MCU ESP32 microcontroller, known for its robust
features tailored for IoT applications. The ESP32 is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
capabilities, multiple I/O pins, and low power consumption, making it ideal for continuous
monitoring tasks. Its powerful processing capabilities allow it to handle data from multiple
sensors, process it in real-time, and transmit it to cloud-based platforms for further analysis.

Ultrasonic Sensors for Fill Level Detection

Ultrasonic sensors, specifically the HC-SR04 model, are employed to measure the fill levels of
garbage containers. These sensors operate by emitting ultrasonic waves and measuring the time
taken for the waves to bounce back after hitting an object, which is then used to calculate the
distance to the waste. This method provides accurate and reliable measurements of the
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container's fill level. The choice of ultrasonic sensors is driven by their precision, cost-
effectiveness, and ease of integration with the ESP32 microcontroller.

ThingSpeak Platform

ThingSpeak is a cloud-based IoT analytics platform that supports real-time data collection,
storage, analysis, and visualization. It is particularly suited for small-scale IoT projects and
provides integration with MATLAB for advanced data analysis. ThingSpeak's user-friendly
interface allows for the easy setup of data streams, real-time monitoring dashboards, and alert
configurations. This platform will handle the data transmitted by the ESP32, enabling waste
management operators to visualize container fill levels, receive notifications over time.

Objectives of the Project

1. Real-Time Monitoring: Implement real-time monitoring of garbage container fill levels

using ultrasonic sensors and ESP32 microcontrollers.
2. Optimizing Collection Routes: Use real-time data analytics to optimize waste collection
routes, reducing the number of collection trips and associated costs.
3. Preventing Overflows: Establish a notification system to alert waste management
personnel when containers are nearing capacity, preventing overflows and maintaining
hygiene.
4. Environmental Impact Reduction: Minimize the environmental footprint of waste
collection by reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions through optimized
routing.

The integration of IoT technologies in waste management systems represents a significant step
forward in addressing the inefficiencies of traditional methods. Real-time data collection and
analysis enable more informed decision-making, leading to optimized collection schedules and
routes. This not only reduces operational costs but also enhances the overall effectiveness of
waste management services. Additionally, by preventing container overflows and ensuring
timely collections, the system contributes to urban cleanliness and public health.
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2
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT

• Successful Implementation of Automatic Lid Operation: The project will

implement an automatic lid opening mechanism using an ultrasonic sensor and a servo
motor. This system will detect the presence of auser near the bin and automatically open
the lid, significantly enhancing user convenience and hygiene. Compared to traditional
bins, this automatic operation minimizes physical contact, reducing the spread of germs
and improving the overall cleanliness of the waste disposal process.
• Real-Time Fill Level Monitoring with User-Friendly Display: The project
will achieve real-time fill level monitoring by integrating an ultrasonic sensor that
accurately measures the amount of waste in the bin. Thisdata will be processed and
displayed as a clear, user-friendly percentage or numerical value on an LCD screen
mounted on the bin. This feature empowers users to make informed decisions about waste
disposal,knowing the exact capacity status of the bin at any given time. It also aids in
preventing overflow and maintaining a cleaner environment.
• Cloud-Based Data Transmission and Analysis: The project will leverage the
ESP32 microcontroller's Wi- Fi capabilities to connect with a cloud platform. This
connectivity will enable the transmission of fill level data from the bins to the cloud for
remote monitoring and analysis by sanitation departments. The collecteddata will be
crucial for optimizing waste collection routes, ensuring bins are emptied before they
overflow,and improving the efficiency of overall waste management operations. This
cloud-based approach not onlyfacilitates real-time tracking but also provides historical
data analysis to enhance future waste managementstrategies.
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LITERATURE SURVEY
Anggrawan, et al. (2022) [1] "IoT-Based garbage container system using NodeMCU ESP32
microcontroller" demonstrates the feasibility of using an ESP32 microcontroller for controlling a
garbage container's lid, detecting its fullness, and communicating this information to a user via
Telegram. The study successfully implemented a system for remote control and monitoring
using Wi-Fi. While it primarily focuses on lid control, lacking advanced features like real-time
fill level monitoring and data analysis for waste management optimization, it provides a valuable
starting point for our project, focusing on the basic implementation of an ESP32-based garbage
container system.

Ayyanagoudar, et al. (2024) [2] "A Smart Bin with Real-Time Monitoring and Garbage Level
Tracking Using IoT" presents a smart waste management system utilizing weight and ultrasonic
sensors to monitor dustbin fill levels. It provides a user-friendly web interface for real-time
visualization of the data. The study demonstrates the crucial aspect of real-time fill level
monitoring, providing a foundation for our project's sensor-based data acquisition.

Sreerenjana, et al. (2023) [3] "Review on LoRaWAN IoT Enabled Trash Bin Level Monitoring
System Using ESP32" is comprehensive review of existing research on LoRaWAN-enabled
trash bin level monitoring systems using ESP32 highlights their functionalities and challenges. It
emphasizes the use of LoRaWAN for long-range data transmission. While it does not present a
novel system implementation, it expands our understanding of the potential and limitations of
using LoRaWAN technology for waste management applications, potentially offering a more
cost-effective solution for data communication in certain scenarios.

Xenya, et al. (2020) [4] "A proposed IoT-based smart waste bin management system with an
optimized route: a case study of Ghana" focuses on developing an IoT-based waste bin
management system with optimized collection routes, addressing the challenges of efficient
waste management in Ghana. It emphasizes the role of optimizing waste collection routes, a
crucial aspect of waste management optimization that our project can further explore. However,
it does not explore the use of automatic lid systems or real-time fill level monitoring with
ESP32.
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Anh Khoa, Tran, et al. (2020) [5] "Waste management system using IoT-based machine
learning in university" explores the use of machine learning for predicting waste volume in
university settings, optimizing waste collection routes and frequency. It introduces the potential
of machine learning for waste management optimization, suggesting a future direction for our
project to improve data analysis and predictive capabilities.

Venkataramanan, et al. (2021) [6] "Real Time Iot-Based Tracking and Monitoring Agricultural
Bot" describesan IoT-based system for real-time tracking and monitoring agricultural robots,
focusing on remote control and data collection. It highlights the use of IoT for real-time tracking
and monitoring in a different application, showcasing the flexibility of IoT technology. However,
it does not directly address waste management applications.

Kumar, et al. (2021) [7] "Design and Implementation of IoT Based Smart Waste Management
System Using NodeMCU ESP32" presents an IoT-based smart waste management system using
NodeMCU ESP32 for monitoring fill levels and transmitting data to a cloud platform. It
showcases the use of ESP32 for developing acomplete IoT-based system for waste management,
similar to our project. While it does not include automatic lid control or advanced data analysis
features, it provides a valuable example of ESP32-based waste management system development,
offering insights for our project.

Rahman, et al. (2021) [8] "Smart Waste Management System Based on IoT Using NodeMCU
ESP32" focuseson developing a smart waste management system using NodeMCU ESP32 for
real-time monitoring and control.It provides a comprehensive overview of the system design and
implementation, highlighting the use of sensors,actuators, and cloud connectivity. While it does
not delve into specific data analysis techniques or discuss the use of automatic lid systems, it
offers a comprehensive overview of the technical aspects of developing an ESP32-based waste
management system, valuable for our project development.

Jain, et al. (2020) [9] "An IoT-Based Waste Monitoring System Using NodeMCU ESP32" presents
an IoT-basedwaste monitoring system using NodeMCU ESP32 for real-time monitoring of fill
levels and transmitting data to a cloud platform. It provides a complete system design,
highlighting the use of sensors, cloud connectivity, and data visualization. While it lacks a
detailed discussion of automatic lid systems or advanced data analyticsfor waste management
optimization, it provides a foundation for our project, demonstrating the use of ESP32 for
developing an IoT-based waste management system.
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METHODOLOGY
4.1 FLOW DIAGRAM

Figure 4.1 FLOW CHART

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4.1 EXPLAINATION

The system operates as follows:

➢ Fill Level Monitoring: The ultrasonic sensor measures the distance between its transducer
and the garbagein the bin. This distance translates to the fill level, which is then processed
by the ESP32.

➢ Lid Control: When the fill level exceeds a predefined threshold, the ESP32 sends a signal to
the servo motorto open the lid, prompting the user to dispose of the waste.

➢ Real-time Display: The fill level data is displayed on the LCD screen, providing the
user with real-timeinformation about the bin's capacity.

➢ Cloud Communication: The ESP32 transmits the fill level data to the cloud platform
(ThingSpeak) via Wi-Fi. This data is then stored and visualized on ThingSpeak, enabling
remote monitoring and analysis.

➢ Data Analysis & Alerting: The cloud platform processes the collected data and generates
alerts for sanitationpersonnel when bins reach a predetermined fill threshold, facilitating
efficient waste collection routes.

The flowchart depicts the operation of a smart trash bin system. It begins with an ultrasonic sensor
detecting anobject, which indicates the bin lid is opened. If an object is detected, the system
triggers the ESP32 microcontroller to activate the motor, opening the lid. However, if no object is
detected, the system goes into anidle state.

Once the lid is open, the system calculates the trash level. Depending on the level, three different
actions are taken:If the trash level is full, it displays "Full" on the LCD and updates the ThingSpeak
platform with "Full" status. If thetrash level is empty, it displays "Empty" on the LCD and updates
ThingSpeak with "Empty" status. Lastly, if the trash level is partially filled, it displays "Level" on the
LCD and updates ThingSpeak with "Level" status.

The system operates as follows:

➢ Fill Level Monitoring: The ultrasonic sensor measures the distance between its transducer
and the garbagein the bin. This distance translates to the fill level, which is then processed
by the ESP32.
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➢ Lid Control: When the fill level exceeds a predefined threshold, the ESP32 sends a signal to
the servo motorto open the lid, prompting the user to dispose of the waste.

➢ Real-time Display: The fill level data is displayed on the LCD screen, providing the
user with real-timeinformation about the bin's capacity.

➢ Cloud Communication: The ESP32 transmits the fill level data to the cloud platform
(ThingSpeak) via Wi-Fi. This data is then stored and visualized on ThingSpeak, enabling
remote monitoring and analysis.

➢ Data Analysis & Alerting: The cloud platform processes the collected data and generates
alerts for sanitationpersonnel when bins reach a predetermined fill threshold, facilitating
efficient waste collection routes.

4.2 HARDWARE COMPONENTS

➢ NodeMCU ESP32: The ESP32 development board is the brain of the system,
processing sensor data,controlling the servo motor, and managing communication with
the cloud.
➢ Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04): This sensor accurately measures distances, providing
reliable fill level datafor the garbage bin.
➢ Servo Motor (SG90): The servo motor operates the bin lid, opening and closing it based on
signals from theESP32.
➢ LCD Display (16x2): This display provides a clear and user-friendly interface to present
the real-time filllevel data to the user.

4.3 SOFTWARE LIBRARIES

➢ Ultrasonic Sensor Library: This library enables the ESP32 to communicate with the
ultrasonic sensor,reading distance measurements.
➢ Servo Motor Library: This library facilitates control of the servo motor, allowing for precise
lid movement.
➢ WiFi Library: This built-in ESP32 library enables wireless communication with the cloud
platform(ThingSpeak).
➢ ThingSpeak Library: This library enables the ESP32 to interact with the ThingSpeak cloud
platform, sendingand retrieving data.
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4.4 LOGIC PROGRAMMING

The ESP32 program uses the following logic:

➢ Initialize Components: The program sets up communication with the ultrasonic sensor,
servo motor, LCDdisplay, and Wi-Fi module.

➢ Read Fill Level Data: The program continuously reads distance data from the
ultrasonic sensor andcalculates the fill level.

➢ Display Data: The fill level data is displayed on the LCD screen.

➢ Control Lid Operation: When the fill level reaches the predefined threshold, the program
triggers the servomotor to open the lid.

➢ Transmit Data to Cloud: The fill level data is periodically transmitted to ThingSpeak for
remote monitoringand analysis.

➢ Receive Alerts: The system can be configured to receive alerts from ThingSpeak, such as
notifications whenbins are near full, enabling efficient waste collection scheduling.

PHOTOS

Figure 4.2: A clear picture of the assembled hardware components

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Figure 4.3 : geo tag photo of conduction and presentation

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CONCLUSION AND FUTURE SCOPE

5.1 CONCLUSION
This project successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based
smart dustbin system utilizing the ESP32 microcontroller. It presented a compelling solution to
address the challenges of traditional waste management practices, offering several key benefits.
The automatic lid opening mechanism enhanced user hygiene and convenience while the
ultrasonic sensor provided real-time fill level data, displayedon the LCD screen, allowing for
informed decision-making and minimizing overflows. The use of a cloud- based platform like
ThingSpeak facilitated data transmission, enabling data-driven decisions for waste management
departments, including route optimization and cost reduction.

5.2 LIMITATIONS AND FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS

➢ The current system relies on a single dustbin for data collection. Expanding the system to
include a networkof multiple dustbins would provide a more comprehensive overview of
waste generation and collection needs across an entire area.
➢ The system's functionality is currently limited to basic data collection and alerts. Future
development couldincorporate more sophisticated features like GPS tracking for waste
collection vehicles, dynamic route optimization algorithms, and integration with payment
systems for waste disposal fees.
➢ While the use of an ultrasonic sensor for fill level detection is effective, it could be further
enhanced by integrating alternative sensors, such as weight sensors, for greater accuracy and
redundancy.
➢ Exploring alternative communication protocols, such as LoRaWAN or Sigfox, for better
range and energy efficiency could be investigated for deployments in geographically
extensive areas.
➢ The system's functionality is currently limited to basic data collection and alerts. Future
development couldincorporate more sophisticated features like GPS tracking for waste
collection vehicles, dynamic route optimization algorithms, and integration with payment
systems for waste disposal fees.
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5.3 IMPACT AND APPLICATIONS:

This project's findings pave the way for smarter, more efficient, and sustainable waste
management practices inurban areas. The developed system can be readily adapted for diverse
applications, including:

➢ Smart Cities: Integrating the smart dustbin system with other smart city infrastructure can
create acomprehensive ecosystem for waste management, optimizing collection routes,
reducing waste generation,and promoting recycling.
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REFERENCES

ACADEMIC JOURNALS:

[1] Anggrawan, A., Hadi, S., & Satria, C. (2022). IoT-Based garbage container system using
NodeMCU ESP32microcontroller. Journal of Advances in Information Technology, 13(6).

[2] Ayyanagoudar, A., et al. (2024). A Smart Bin with Real-Time Monitoring and Garbage Level
Tracking UsingIoT. 2024 11th International Conference on Reliability, Infocom Technologies
and Optimization (Trends and Future Directions)(ICRITO). IEEE.

[3] Sreerenjana, J. S., et al. (2023). Review on Lorawan Iot Enabled Trash Bin Level Monitoring
System UsingEsp32.
CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
[4] NodeMCU ESP32. Proceedings of the International Conference on Innovative Computing
and Communication(ICICC).

[5] Rahman, A., et al. (2021). Smart Waste Management System Based on IoT Using
NodeMCU ESP32. Proceedings of the International Conference on Emerging Technologies in
Engineering, Biomedical, and Computational Sciences (ETΤΕΒ).

[6] Jain, R., & Sharma, P. (2020). An IoT-Based Waste Monitoring System Using NodeMCU
ESP32. Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Computing, Communication, and
Automation (ICCCA).

[7] Xenya, M. C., et al. (2020). A proposed IoT based smart waste bin management system with
an optimized route: a case study of ghana. 2020 conference on information communications
technology and society (ICTAS).IEEE.
Venkataramanan, V., et al. (2022). Real Time Iot-Based Tracking and Monitoring Agricultural
Bot. Fihaanand Saqlain Padaya, Mohammad, Real Time Iot-Based Tracking and Monitoring
Agricultural Bot

[1] Espressif Systems. (n.d.). ESP32_Espressif Systems. Retrieved

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BOOKS

Yin, S., et al. (2022). Internet of Things (IoT) for Smart Cities: Enabling
Technologies and Applications.Springer Nature.

Turner, A., et al. (2021). Smart Waste Management: Concepts and Applications.
Elsevier.
Pursanen, M. A., et al. (2020). Building Smart Cities: IoT, Machine Learning,
and Artificial Intelligence.Apress.
fromhttps://www.espressif.com/en/products/devkits/esp32-devkitc/overview

ThingSpeak. (n.d.). ThingSpeak – Internet of Things. Retrieved from

https://thingspeak.com/login