30 Cool, Fun, and Easy Arduino Projects [2023] | Beginner to Pro

One of the best ways to learn all about Arduino is to get hands-on with project-based learning. That’s why this article covers the 30 best Arduino projects you need to build in 2023, including a range of cool Arduino project ideas for beginners and more advanced users.

But what can you do with Arduino projects in 2023? Honestly, the possibilities are nearly limitless! 

Whether you’re intrigued by automation systems, robotics, or interactive art installations, Arduino projects enable all this and much, much more. They’re also an excellent way to hone your electronics skills if you’re actively looking for work in the ever-growing field of IoT.

Of course, if you’re brand new to the world of Arduino and you’re not sure where to start, we’d definitely recommend complementing your projects with an online Arduino course from Udemy and even some of the very best Arduino books. With this trifecta of knowledge, you’ll be unstoppable!

So if you’re driven by a desire to innovate, have a passion for technology, or simply enjoy creating, let’s dive into some fun Arduino projects!

What Is Arduino?

If you’re new to the world of Arduino, you’re probably wondering, what exactly is Arduino? Great question; let’s cover the basics before diving into some easy Arduino projects!

Arduino is an open-source electronics platform consisting of easy-to-use hardware and software. An Arduino board is a programmable microcontroller that includes various inputs and outputs (I/O), like serial communication, digital inputs and outputs, and analog inputs. 

Arduino boards are typically used in a free and open-source development environment. Combining these allows you to write, upload, and execute code that controls your device, invention, or project.

One of the coolest ways to use Arduino is to get creative, whether you want to build a simple LED light device or are interested in IoT (Internet of Things) or robotics. And if you’re just starting out, there’s a huge and active Arduino community that offers support, shares their own projects, and more. 

What Skills Do You Need For Arduino Projects?

You don’t need to be an expert to start working on Arduino projects, meaning it’s great for all skill levels, but there are some basic skills you should have before you get started: 

• Basic programming knowledge: Even if you’re using someone else’s code, basic programming knowledge is useful for figuring out any issues that may come up.

• C or C++ skills: Arduino is based on C++, so you’ll need C++ skills to create your own projects from scratch.

• Basic electronics knowledge: Arduino projects involve working with various electrical components, so it’s essential to understand the basics of current, voltage, and resistance.

• Ability to read schematics: Arduino projects often come with schematics that make them easy to replicate, so you’ll need to be able to read these to work with these kits or projects.

We should point out that it’s also really easy for complete beginners to pick up easy Arduino projects and learn these skills along the way.

Best Arduino Projects for Beginners in 2023

Let’s take a look at ten Arduino starter projects that are generally on the simpler side, requiring less time to put together. This is a great way to get a taste of what you can do with Arduino!

1. PC Info Panels

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

Based on our observations, this is one of the best beginner Arduino projects for newbies. You’ll use an Arduino Nano to interface between an LCD display and your computer’s USB port.

Once the electrical components are assembled, you can use open-source software called LCD Smartie to show different kinds of information on your LCD screen, including system stats like network utilization, CPU load, disk space, and more. You can also use your info panel to download RSS feeds or run other applications.

2. Vintage Screensaver

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

If you are new to Arduino, simple projects are the way to go, and our findings show that the Vintage Screensaver is a great starting point.

Inspired by old 90s screensavers, you can get a healthy dose of nostalgia using TVOUT and a Yourduino. You have nine screensavers to choose from, making it a fun way to create an interesting decorative piece and even reuse an old CRT display.

3. ArduSniffer

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

If you’re looking for a useful project, the ArduSniffer is an excellent option, as it’s a USB-powered gas detector with an LED display.

Our research showed that it has more components than the first two in our list, and it is slightly more complicated, but it can be a great way to level up your skills. It’s also pretty affordable and offers detailed instructions.

3. Bluetooth Controlled RC Car

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

If you like remote-controlled cars (we’ve all had one at some point, right?!), you might enjoy this project, as it uses Bluetooth, an app on your phone, and an Arduino. 

The instructions are mostly basic, telling you how to put the car together and make it work. However, if you want to get creative, you can use a 3D printer (or printing service) to design a body for the car!

4. Stroboscope (Zoetrope)

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

A zoetrope, sometimes called a stroboscope, is a pre-film mechanical device that gives the illusion of animation or motion. We think this is a super cool project if you’re a fan of cinema! 

In this project, you can reuse a defunct Xbox 360 CD drive with a spindle motor to recreate one of these cool gadgets. All the instructions and the source code are available in the instructable, making this a great way to create a short animation (or the illusion of one).

5. Portable Temp/Humidity Sensor with an LCD Display

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

This portable temperature and humidity sensor is a fun beginner Arduino project to gather weather information. We found that it uses an Arduino UNO R3, but you can use any 5V Arduino board you choose, and you can even purchase new parts or salvage some from your old projects.

The code, which was made using the Adafruit DHT library, is included in the instructions, and you can power your sensor using a power bank to display data in real-time.

6. Simple Programmable Robotic Arm

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

If you’re curious about Arduino robot projects but feel intimidated by their complexity, you might want to give this beginner-level option a try.

In this project, you will create a simple and programmable servo arm using Arduino UNO and the Arduino IDE. The robot arm uses buttons and potentiometers to record and play five programmed positions. 

This can be powered by a computer’s USB port, but you can also use an external power supply as long as you ensure the servo can handle it. You can make the bot arm from readily available materials, and the code and circuit schematics are included.

7. Nano Piano

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

This beginner-friendly project comes with all of the required schematics and code you need to build a small and simple piano with four keys and the Arduino Nano Every.

Our findings show that you can also make the Nano Piano distinctly your own by choosing your base (perf or protoboard) and deciding whether you want to create a housing with 3D printing!

8. Sensor Station

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

We think that this Sensor Station might be the king of useful Arduino projects, as you put together a smart station to detect temperature, humidity, heat index, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, alcohol, toluene, ammonium, and acetone. And with the LCD screen, you can view all of the detected statistics.

9. Coin Sorter

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

If you’ve ever wanted to sort your coins easily, this simple Arduino project might be one to try. Our research found that by using an Arduino UNO, a 16x2 display, and an infrared (IR) sensor, you can sense the differences between each coin, sending them through the appropriate hole.

It’s super important with this to follow the instructions as accurately as possible, marking and cutting the sorting holes as precisely as you can and ensuring the slopes are appropriately angled.

You can even create a simple prototype from cardboard, or you can 3D print a body for the sorter.

10. Blind Spot Monitoring System

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

As one of many helpful Arduino project ideas for beginners, this project takes inspiration from the 2021 Mercedes Benz S-Class that uses ambient lighting that blinks when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. But here we’ll be using an Arduino Uno and an RGB LED light strip

While there are many Arduino LED Projects out there, we think this one stands out for being incredibly beginner-friendly. You can also set it to blink different colors depending on the position of the other vehicle relative to yours.

Cool Arduino Projects for Intermediate Users

Do you feel ready to take it to the next level? Let’s take a look at some intermediate-level projects!

11. Emotive Plant Pot

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

Ready for some more fun Arduino project ideas? Great, how do you feel about making an Emotive Plant Pot?

This is a 3D-printed plant pot with an LCD display that displays cute faces. You can even 3D print the components yourself with the included files. Just use the detailed instructions and schematics, and away you go!

12. Touch Interface Controlled Robotic Arm

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

If you like robotics, this touch interface robotic arm is a great project to consider as it’s controlled with an Arduino and a graphical touch interface. Based on our observations, this can be any older Android phone, which is a nice way to get more mileage from older tech. 

This project is a little more complex, but the schematics and code are provided, and there’s even an assembly guide with a clear video to demonstrate the steps. You can also 3D print the components yourself or use a 3D printing service with the provided files.

Note that creator Maurizio Miscio states you can contact him for the graphical interface app’s code.

13. Hidden Smart Bookshelf

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

This Hidden Smart Home Bookshelf allows users to conceal items within a cabinet or shelf that’s meant like a full bookshelf. The creator even includes a very detailed video to cover the building and assembly process.

You can access the Arduino source code at the creator’s GitHub, allowing you to follow along exactly or make your own improvements. We also found that if you have extra space, you could scale this up into a concealed closet or door!

14. Neopixel Cake

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

This is one of those cool Arduino project ideas that you can use to make a splash at a party or special event, as it’s a uniquely memorable cake that uses flexible LED matrices and an Arduino. The matrices can be embedded into the cake, then covered with fondant icing to allow light diffusion and a much better effect. 

Our research showed that you could even program cool light effects or text into the LED matrix so it can display whatever you want! Just follow the detailed video demo and make sure you have a cake ready.

15. Automatic Humidifier

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

This Automatic Humidifier from the Arduino Project Hub is an incredibly practical and helpful way to keep the air around you comfortable. And who doesn’t like to be comfortable?

This project revolves around using a DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor to detect environmental humidity, and this can trigger the humidifier whenever the detected humidity is below a set level.

16. CNC Drawing Machine

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

This Arduino project lets you make a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) plotter out of an Arduino Nano board and two old DVD writers.

We found that this is another slightly old-school project that can be used to create 2D or 3D images on plain or smooth surfaces with an Arduino and a printing mechanism. 

17. 32-Band Audio Spectrum Visualizer Analyzer

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

This cool Arduino project lets you create a 32-band audio or music frequency visualizer (also called an analyzer), which is great for audio enthusiasts who want to add some flare to their home setup. 

Based on our observations, this audio visualizer mixes signals from the left and right channels to ensure no beats are missed. It also has five display modes, which you can switch with the push of a button, and the audio feed can be from the line out or headphone ports from an amplifier or sound system!

18. Mind Control Drone

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

Now we’re not promising that this project will make you into the next Charles Xavier, but with a Mindwave Neurosky sensor and an Arduino, you can have a slice of this futuristic idea by building a mind control drone.

Now we have to make it clear, this project doesn’t allow you to fly a drone with your mind, per se. But you can control the drone’s liftoff and landing with your mind. Which is pretty cool!

This is a super project for learning how to hack a PCB and control it digitally. It’s also worth mentioning that the creator warns that you may mess up your drone and its controller when building this project, so be careful!

19. IoT Pet Feeder

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

If you’re looking for Arduino IoT Projects, this is a great choice as you can build a smart food dispenser that can be controlled from your phone. 

You’ll just need an Arduino UNO, a servo, a PIR motion sensor, and a small speaker to create it. You can even adapt this project and turn it into an automatic bird or squirrel feeder for your backyard!

Feel free to set your smart pet feeder up any way you’d like, but the default instructions are designed to set the feeder to beep at a set interval. Then, when your pet investigates the sound, a PIR motion sensor triggers the servo to dispense food. 

If you’re a fan of Back to the Future, think of this as your own way to feed your very own Einstein!

20. Smart Dustbin

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

This is a full project kit to create a hands-free self-operating dustbin controlled with claps or foot taps. 

You’ll just need an audio sensor to detect your claps or taps. The dustbin can also send IoT notifications to let users know when the bin is full, thanks to an ultrasonic sensor that detects garbage levels. 

The Best Arduino Projects for Advanced Users

If you feel like your Arduino skills are at the expert level, or if you’re feeling adventurous, these advanced projects might be the right ones for you. Let’s take a look!

21. Star Tracker (Low Cost)

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

This Star Tracker project is an equatorial mount that allows you to take pictures of the sky at night. If you’re not 100% sure what that means, an equatorial mount is a telescope mount that allows telescopes or cameras to follow the earth’s rotation, ensuring any long exposures come out clearly. 

We also found that the project creator claimed the Star Tracker is easier than putting together Ikea furniture and just about as affordable. What an endorsement!

Despite being an advanced project, the Star Tracker is relatively user-friendly, with all the requirements in the GitHub repo.

22. The Gaggiuino Coffee Machine

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

Our findings show that this is one of the best Arduino projects for engineering students who like coffee. But you don’t need to be an engineering student to give it an espresso shot (get it?). 

This project uses an Arduino or an STM32 Blackpill to create a “smart coffee” experience, where the end product is an aftermarket mod of many coffeemakers. There’s even an active community around this mod which you can find on their Discord server, along with videos from project users.

23. Automated Bean Sprouter

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

If you love bean sprouts, you might love this Automated Bean Sprouter. By using stacked trays and a rotating motor, you’ll use a watering system to keep sprouts hydrated while helping air circulate and keep mold growth at bay. 

The project page includes all the necessary information, including the component list, schematics, and code. As an advanced project, it’s not the easiest, but you’ll never need to buy sprouts again!

24. UV Meter and Breathalyzer Keychain

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

Our research shows that this is a really interesting project to try if you want a UV sensor and an alcohol breathalyzer at your convenience.

Expect to create a handy keychain with an Arduino Pro Mini 328 and an Arduino UNO (or FTDI), with the keychain being powered by three 200mAh Li-ion batteries that you can recharge via the USB charging port. The OLED screen can then display everything you need.

Detailed instructions are provided with this project, including 3D files so you can print the spherical casing yourself (or get it printed by a 3D printing service). 

25. Path Memorizing Robot

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

This project uses an Arduino Uno to control a little robotic car that is designed to navigate through a predefined path before returning to its starting point.

Before you create this path-memorizing robot, you’ll need to build a regular remote-controlled car using an IR receiver and remote, but just follow the instructions and use all of the code and schematics.

26. Arduino 3D Wire Bending Machine

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

We really like this project to create an Arduino-based wire bending machine which you can use to bend wires into all sorts of 3D designs.

Our findings show that the project uses an Arduino to control the motor and wire feeder movements, while a 3D-printed jig allows the machine to bend the wire into your desired shapes. You can bend wire of varying shapes and diameters, and you can also adjust the radius and bending angle. 

This project involves mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering all in one, making it a fantastic choice for engineering students or professionals.

27. Camera Slider

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

Have you ever wanted to create cinematic shots with your camera? Maybe you’ve considered a camera slider but found it can be expensive. Well, this is the project for you!

We found that this project helps you create a DIY motorized slider for your camera that will allow you to achieve smooth movements to get cinematic shots. You’ll need aluminum, a timing belt, and stepper motors along with an Arduino to move the camera, and a rotary encoder allows you to move the slider back and forth.

You can use practically any camera you want in this rig, as long as it can attach to the DSLR mount!

28. Self-Parking Car with Ultrasonic Sensor

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

Maybe you fancy yourself as the next competitor to Elon Musk’s Tesla? Or maybe you just think self-parking cars sound cool? Either way, this is a fun build that allows you to create an advanced self-parking car via path-finding algorithms. Just order the full kit, and you’ll be ready to get building!

29. LED Cube

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

This LED Cube project is really cool, and the creator even documents the building process in a YouTube video, making it easy for you to follow along. 

Based on our observations, you can use this project to build a complex LED cube with 512 LED lights, and this can be programmed to show cool lighting patterns and all sorts of effects.

Schematics and code are all provided, so all you need to do is gather the components, and you’re ready to build!

30. Magnet Plant Levitation System

Download Source Code

Why We Chose This Project

Yes, the list of components required for this project is long! But our findings show that the end result is well worth it, as you can build a plant levitator!

This super cool Arduino project suspends a plant in mid-air by using the power of electromagnetic fields. Just follow the tutorial, as this offers a detailed guide, including the STL files for the 3D-printed components.

Final Thoughts

Created to simplify and enhance the accessibility of electronics, Arduino is renowned for allowing you to utilize your creative expression and problem-solving skills while building seriously fun Arduino projects.

If you’re looking for great ideas for Arduino projects, we’ve covered 30 cool, fun, and easy Arduino projects that you need to build in 2023, with a range of interesting project ideas for beginners and experienced electronics professionals alike.

So whether you want to build a mind control drone, a self-parking car, or a nano piano, there’s something for you on our list!

Happy building!

Looking to learn more about Arduino? Check out

The Best Arduino Courses in 2023

People are also reading:

• Difference between Arduino vs Raspberry Pi
• Best JavaScript Frameworks
• Download JavaScript Cheat Sheet
• What is JavaScript Array?
• Best JavaScript Books
• Best JavaScript Courses
• Best JavaScript Interview Questions
• Best JavaScript IDE
• Best JavaScript Certifications
• Best JavaScript Libraries