Raspberry Pi is a little computer, as tiny as a credit card, which allows the users to explore computing and learn how to program in languages like Scratch and Python. It is economical and plugs into the monitor of the computer or TV. Raspberry Pi makes use of a standard keyboard and a mouse. One can browse the internet, play games, create spreadsheets, and do possibly everything that a computer desktop does. This little package of features also can interact with the outside world. Because of this, it isn’t astounding to find tons of Raspberry Pi projects all around.
Getting started with Raspberry Pi
Here are a few things that one needs to keep a check on before proceeding further.
- A Raspberry Pi computer with an SD card or micro SD card
- A monitor with a cable (and, if needed, an HDMI adaptor)
- A USB keyboard and mouse
- A power supply, of course.
- Headphones or speakers (optional)
- An Ethernet cable, though this is optional
- Raspberry Pi OS
Top Raspberry Pi projects for beginners
No wonder Raspberry Pi is gaining immense popularity across the world because of its high operating speed, memory, and wireless capabilities. All this has paved the way for several applications in various fields.
As a beginner, there are a plethora of options available in the form of projects. Some of them that can yield the desired results are –
Raspberry Pi webcam robot
Imagine adding a camera to a robot or a remote-controlled car and see where it is heading to. Doesn’t this sound exciting? Well, this is exactly what one can create as a beginner. Firstly, you need to check whether the webcam is getting detected in the Raspberry Pi or not. The second step would require setting up the video streaming service for the webcam. This step’s objective is that the video from the Raspberry Pi is broadcasted on the local network. The third and most critical step is to add the Raspberry Pi and webcam to the robot. One can choose to make modifications such as enabling the robot to be controlled by a smartphone, using techniques to make it wireless, etc.
The real-life application of this project includes surveillance systems, video streaming robots, or even drones.
Object tracking robot
The fact that surveillance systems involving human operators is subject to lack of concentration cannot be neglected. Thus a system that can monitor regions continuously on its own and making decisions while identifying unwanted or obnoxious activities by responding accordingly is the need of the hour. This real-life problem can surely make its way into those Raspberry Pi projects that beginners can go ahead with. This project majorly involves two parameters: using Raspberry Pi to code in Python, and the other is the use of image analysis.
Smart bicycle
With this mini-computer, it is now possible to create a cycle that shows the speed, location, and how long it has one cycled and automatically turns the lights ON or OFF as per the requirement. It isn’t as difficult as it sounds. A beginner can very well design this with utmost precision. The first step naturally requires making the circuit. It is followed by writing code in Python. The data from the sensors need to be stored in a database. The next step would be to link Python with this database and send data. After all this, housing is to be done. Lastly, fit the LCD and attach the Arduino and RFD scanner.
Streaming Netflix on Raspberry Pi
The pandemic has made people rely on OTT platforms for entertainment, like never before. Technology has made everything possible. Having said so, it is now possible to stream Netflix on Raspberry Pi. It could be one of the best Raspberry Pi projects for beginners. One of the easiest ways to proceed with this project would be to make use of OSMC. OSMC stands for Open Source Media Centre and is a Linux-based open-source operating system. After OSMC installation in Raspberry Pi is done, one can see the interactive Kodi interface in the display and enjoy the media streaming.
Oil level monitoring
Equipment failing as a result of insufficient oil is a common scenario to witness. Unlike vehicles where the level of fuel can be monitored, not all systems feature this. That is why developing something that helps the users monitor oil/fuel levels and inform if it falls below a certain level is critical. With Raspberry Pi, this is possible. The architecture involves a force sensor that is connected to the Raspberry Pi. The maintenance engine will periodically check the weight measured by the sensor. All the messages are transmitted to the app and displayed to the user, thus avoiding situations wherein one runs out of fuel/oil.
Wireless printer
No matter what the device is, half the maintenance issues are already taken care of if it is wireless. Not dealing with cables anymore and accessing them from anywhere are the key advantages, no doubt. On the same lines, beginners can work on creating a wireless printer using Raspberry Pi. The first step would be to boot and update Raspberry Pi for printing. It is to be followed by configuring the Raspberry Pi and adding your printer. Lastly, one will have to ensure access that Raspberry Pi is enabled. That’s it. The wireless printer is now ready to print!
Twitter bot
No doubt, Twitter is one of the most widely used social media platforms. Sometimes, managing an account is cumbersome. Well, not anymore! Wondering how? Raspberry Pi to the rescue it is! It is very much possible to create bots that’d send automated tweets. Twitter has dedicated APIs with the help of which it is possible to develop such bots on Raspberry Pi. One will have to program the Pi board with Python for the same.
Let’s Sum Up
All of these are just a few of the many Raspberry Pi projects that beginners can think of going ahead with. The list is endless, and so is the scope. A beginner need not worry about the options available, for there is absolutely no limit to this. Many real-life issues and problems can be addressed in the best possible way using this little palm-sized computer.
