RADAR WITH DEFENSE SYSTEM USING ARDUINO
AND ULTRASONIC SENSOR
By
Sumodlayon, Rhem A.
Ajero, Dennis Jr. B.
Encio Robert B.
Bayabao, Omar O.
Quarteros, Jerry B.
Balcueva, Kevin T.
Barredo, Michael Angelo T.
Alfrancis Cabillas
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Project Context
Background: In defense applications, radar systems play a critical role in detecting, tracking, and responding to
potential threats in various environments. However, traditional radar systems can be complex and expensive, limiting
their accessibility for smaller-scale defense projects or educational purposes. This project aims to develop a radar
system with defense capabilities using Arduino microcontrollers and ultrasonic sensors, providing a cost-effective and
scalable solution for defense-related applications.
Reference: According to a study by Rajput et al. (2019), Arduino-based systems have shown promise in developing
affordable and flexible solutions for defense applications, including radar systems.
In contemporary defense scenarios, there's a growing demand for compact, lightweight, and easily deployable defense
systems capable of detecting, tracking, and responding to potential threats swiftly and effectively.
Reference: As highlighted in research by Sharma et al. (2020), the modernization of defense systems emphasizes the
integration of versatile technologies like Arduino to meet evolving operational requirements while optimizing cost-
effectiveness.
By leveraging Arduino's open-source platform and extensive community support, the project aims to streamline the
development process, enabling rapid prototyping, testing, and iteration of the radar and defense system components.
Purpose and Description
Object Detection and Tracking: The primary goal is to detect and track the presence
and movement of objects within a specific range. This can be used for various defense
applications like perimeter security, intrusion detection, or even basic target
acquisition.
Hardware Components:
Arduino Uno (or similar microcontroller): Acts as the brain of the system, processing
sensor data and controlling outputs.
Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04 is a common choice): Emits sound waves and measures
the time it takes for them to bounce back from objects, determining distance.
Servo Motor: Rotates the ultrasonic sensor, allowing it to scan a wider area.
Additional components may include display devices (LCD, computer monitor) for
visualization.
Objective of the Study
Feasibility and Cost-Effectiveness:
Assess the feasibility of using Arduino and ultrasonic sensors for building a basic object detection and tracking system for
defense applications.
Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of such a system compared to traditional radar technologies.
Performance Analysis:
Analyze the range, accuracy, and resolution limitations of an Arduino-based radar system in various environmental
conditions.
Compare the performance of the system with different ultrasonic sensor configurations and servo motor scanning
mechanisms.
Algorithm Development and Optimization:
Develop and optimize algorithms for object detection, tracking, and potential threat identification using the collected
sensor data.
Explore different signal processing techniques to improve the accuracy and reliability of object classification.
Objective of the Study
Integration with Defense Mechanisms:
Design and implement methods for integrating the radar data with various
defensive actions like alarms, automated barriers, or communication protocols.
Investigate the feasibility of using Arduino as a central control unit for coordinating
different defensive responses.
Educational and Research Purposes:
Develop a low-cost, accessible platform for studying the fundamental principles of
radar systems and their potential applications in defense scenarios.
Serve as a foundation for further research into more advanced radar technologies
and integration with more sophisticated control systems.
Scope and Limitation
Scope
Radar System Development: The primary focus of the project is to design, develop, and implement a radar system
using Arduino microcontrollers and ultrasonic sensors. This includes hardware selection, circuit design, and
programming of the Arduino to perform signal processing and distance measurements.
Object Detection and Tracking: The radar system will be capable of detecting and tracking moving objects within a
predefined detection range. Signal processing algorithms will be implemented to analyze echo data and identify
potential threats based on their size, speed, and trajectory.
Alert System Integration: An alert system will be integrated into the radar system to notify users of detected threats.
This may include visual indicators (e.g., LED lights) and auditory alerts (e.g., buzzer) to alert users in real-time.
Mechanism Activation: A defense mechanism will be incorporated into the system to respond to detected threats.
This could involve activating a servo-controlled turret, triggering warning lights, or emitting deterrent sounds to
discourage potential intruders.
Scalability Considerations: The system design will take into account the potential for scalability and future
enhancements. While the initial prototype will focus on basic functionality, future iterations may explore advanced
features such as target identification, adaptive tracking algorithms, and integration with additional sensor
technologies.
Scope and Limitation
Limitation
Detection Range: The effectiveness of the radar system may be limited by the range capabilities of the ultrasonic sensors
used. Factors such as sensor resolution, signal attenuation, and environmental conditions (e.g., weather, obstacles) can
impact the system's detection range and accuracy.
Object Classification: The radar system may have limitations in accurately classifying detected objects as potential threats.
The system's classification algorithms may be affected by factors such as object size, shape, and movement patterns, leading
to false positives or false negatives in threat detection.
Response Time: The response time of the defense mechanism may vary depending on the system's hardware capabilities and
processing speed. Delays in object detection, signal processing, and activation of the defense mechanism may impact the
system's ability to respond effectively to fast-moving threats.
Hardware Constraints: The capabilities of Arduino microcontrollers and ultrasonic sensors may impose limitations on the
system's performance and functionality. Memory constraints, processing power, and sensor accuracy may influence the
system's overall effectiveness and reliability.
Regulatory Compliance: The deployment and testing of the radar system with defense capabilities may be subject to legal
and regulatory requirements related to defense technology development and use. Compliance with relevant laws, standards,
and regulations must be considered throughout the project to ensure ethical and legal use of the system.
Definition of Terms
• Radar (Radio Detection and Ranging): A system that uses radio waves to detect
and determine the distance of objects. While Arduino-based systems are not true
radar in the traditional sense (using radio waves), they share the functionality of
object detection and ranging.
• Object Detection: The ability to identify the presence of an object within the
radar's field of view.
• Object Tracking: Continuously monitoring the movement and position of a
detected object.
• Ultrasonic Sensor: A device that emits sound waves and measures the time it takes
for them to return, allowing for distance calculation. The HC-SR04 is a commonly
used model in Arduino projects.
• Servo Motor: A type of motor that can be precisely controlled to rotate to specific
angles, enabling the ultrasonic sensor to scan a wider area.
• Field of View: The area that the radar system can scan and detect objects within.
Definition of Terms
• Range: The maximum distance at which the radar system can reliably detect objects.
• Accuracy: The degree of precision in measuring the distance and position of detected
objects.
• Resolution: The ability to distinguish between multiple objects or differentiate their
sizes and shapes.
• Defense System: A system designed to protect against threats or attacks. In this
context, it could involve triggering alarms, activating barriers, or sending
notifications.
• Arduino: An open-source microcontroller platform commonly used for prototyping
and building electronic projects. It serves as the central processing unit in this
research setup.
• Algorithm: A set of instructions that the Arduino follows to process sensor data,
identify objects, track their movement, and potentially trigger defensive actions.
CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
International Literature
Academic Publications:
Smart Enemy Tracking Radar Using Arduino Project (IJRPR): This paper describes an Arduino-controlled radar system
using an ultrasonic sensor and servo motor for object detection and visualization. It highlights the potential
applications in navigation, obstacle detection, and tracking within limited ranges.
(https://www.ijrpr.com/uploads/V2ISSUE4/IJRPR334.pdf)
Radar Guided Missile System (IJRESM): This paper presents a project using Arduino, servo motors, and an ultrasonic
sensor to control a missile launcher based on radar signals. While not directly applicable to defense systems, it
showcases the potential for integrating Arduino with control mechanisms.
(https://www.ijresm.com/Vol.2_2019/Vol2_Iss10_October19/IJRESM_V2_I10_23.pdf)
CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Additional Resources:
Research on Ultrasonic Sensors for Object Detection: Numerous studies delve into the
capabilities and limitations of ultrasonic sensors in object detection tasks. These can
provide valuable insights into the accuracy and range achievable with Arduino-based
radar systems.
Arduino Projects and Tutorials: The vast online community surrounding Arduino offers
numerous projects and tutorials related to ultrasonic sensor interfacing, servo motor
control, and data processing. These resources can be a valuable starting point for building
and experimenting with basic radar prototypes.
Local Literature
University Research Repositories:
DOST-ASTI (Department of Science and Technology - Advanced Science and Technology Institute): Their online
repository, PhilSTAR (Philippine Science and Technology Abstracts Repository), might contain research related to radar
technologies or object detection, even if not directly focused on Arduino or defense applications.
(https://asti.dost.gov.ph/)
Government Agencies:
Department of National Defense (DND): The DND might have conducted research or commissioned studies related to
radar systems or defense technologies. Their website or internal publications might offer some insights.
DOST (Department of Science and Technology): Aside from the ASTI repository, the DOST website might have
information on ongoing research projects or initiatives related to radar, electronics, or defense technologies.
Conferences and Events:
Philippine Engineering Societies: Organizations like the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) or the Institute of
Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (IECEP) might hold conferences or workshops where research on radar, object
detection, or related fields is presented. Attending these events can provide opportunities to connect with researchers
directly.
Conceptual Layout
Project Design
(A.) Hardware system design for Arduino
Conceptual Layout
Project Design
(B.) System circuit implementation
on bread board –
Mind Map
Hardware Setup
Electrical Circuit Diagram
Materials
Arduino microcontroller board (e.g., Arduino Uno or Arduino Mega)
Radar sensor module (e.g.,HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor)
Display module (e.g., LCD or Laptop)
Motorized mechanism (e.g., servo motor) for radar scanning
Power supply (e.g., batteries or AC adapter)
Materials
Breadboard and jumper wires for prototyping
Enclosure or housing for the radar system
Tools for assembly and soldering
Red and Green LED light
Buzzer
Resistor
Software Development
Integrated Development Environment
• Arduino IDE
• Pycharm
• Processing
Task Assignment
Documentation
Rhem Sumodlayon
Michael Angelo Barredo
Programming
Jerry B. Quarteros
Robert B. Encio
Crafting
Rhem Sumodlayon
Kevin Balcueva
Others
Michael Angelo Barredo
Alfrancis Cabillas
