Building an occupancy sensor with a $5 ESP32 and a serverless DB (matthew.science)

Article summary

The article describes a project to build an occupancy sensor using a $5 ESP32 device and a serverless database to collect data on the number of people in a given area. The author discusses the challenges and obstacles they faced, including issues with the device's reliability and Bluetooth connectivity. The project aims to provide a low-cost and efficient way to track occupancy data, which can be useful in various settings such as colleges, offices, or public spaces. The author also explores the potential applications and limitations of the technology.

Main themes

• Occupancy sensing
• ESP32 device
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Serverless database
• Low-cost technology
• Data privacy and security
• Crowd tracking and monitoring

What commenters say

• The ESP32 device can be unreliable and prone to crashes, especially when dealing with high volumes of data.
• Using a high-quality power supply and proper decoupling capacitors can help improve the device's stability.
• The project's approach to tracking occupancy data using Bluetooth signals may not be accurate or reliable, especially in areas with high foot traffic or interference.
• The use of cameras or other sensors may be more effective for tracking occupancy data, especially in outdoor or large-scale settings.
• The project's focus on using a low-cost and efficient device is important for making the technology accessible and scalable.
• The potential applications of the technology, such as tracking crowds or monitoring traffic, are significant and worth exploring further.
• The project raises important questions about privacy and data security, especially when dealing with sensitive information about individuals or groups.