This project is a Smart Bridge Control System, developed as part of a university systems engineering assignment. The goal is to design, prototype, and program an automated bridge capable of managing both marine and road traffic through integrated sensors, actuators, and microcontroller-based control logic.
The system uses ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, DC motors, servos, and LEDs to simulate a functional drawbridge. It detects approaching vehicles or boats, raises or lowers accordingly, and communicates system status through a Wi-Fi-enabled web interface.
- Ultrasonic detection system for marine vessel detection and bridge activation
- Light sensor array for vehicle detection and traffic control
- DC motor and servo mechanisms for bridge movement simulation
- LED traffic light system for vehicle and marine traffic signalling
- ESP32 microcontroller with Wi-Fi for remote monitoring and control
- Web-based UI for real-time status display and manual override
- Modular code structure separating front-end, back-end, and hardware logic
The system operates across three primary layers:
- Hardware Layer
- Ultrasonic and Light sensors, servos, DC motors, and LEDs connected to the ESP32.
- Software Layer
- Embedded C/C++ code (via Arduino IDE) manages control logic and communication.
- User Interface Layer
- Web-based dashboard (HTML, JavaScript) provides live monitoring and manual control.
| Team Member | Key Contributions |
|---|---|
| Trystan | Developed ultrasonic and DC motor control code, integrated bridge logic, coordinated software-hardware testing, and aligned front-end and back-end design. |
| Tom | Designed traffic system architecture, implemented IR sensor code, and collabarated with the structures team for mechanical integration. |
| Walter | Updated and refined front-end UI, assisted in IR sensor and traffic system code development. |
| Agrim | Implemented Wi-Fi communication and live bridge status updates within the web interface. |
| Kyle | Designed and assembled electrical components, LED system, and wiring layout; supported testing of IR sensors. |
| Nick | Led hardware prototyping, assembled components, and tested servo and sensor integration. |
- Ultrasonic Sensor: Calibrated for accurate distance detection to trigger bridge lift sequence.
- Infrared Sensors: Tested for reliable vehicle detection and response.
- Motor & Servo Systems: Verified stable movement and synchronization.
- UI Integration: Confirmed live data feedback and control signal consistency.
- Full System Test: Successfully integrated hardware and software into a working prototype.
- Microcontroller: ESP32
- Languages: C++, Arduino, JavaScript, HTML
- Tools: Arduino IDE, Visual Studio Code, GitHub, Platofrm IO (VS Code extention)
- Hardware: Ultrasonic sensors, Light sensors, DC motors, servos, LEDs, MOSFETs,
This is a basic Demonstration Video to show what our bridge was capable of:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cECo7knFVezSamyvi6PMrSR8C2qPfrnr/view
This project is provided for educational and demonstration purposes only.
Not intended for commercial use or redistribution.
© 2025 - Trystan Frederick, Walter Chibowora, Agrim, Kyle Dufficy, Nick Dufficy, Thomas Nikolovski