AutoCasa: An IoT-Based Smart Home Automation Application

Abstract

This research presents AutoCasa, a smart home automation application designed to enhance home security and optimize remote control of household electrical appliances. Implemented using the ESP8266 microcontroller, a relay module, a Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor, and a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) sensor, AutoCasa integrates with the Blynk IoT platform to enable users to manage devices such as lights, fans, and air conditioners via internet-connected devices. The PIR sensor bolsters security by detecting unauthorized movement at night and triggering alarms, while the LDR sensor automates outdoor lighting for energy efficiency. AutoCasa demonstrates an efficient, user-friendly approach to smart home automation, leveraging IoT technology to improve convenience, security, and sustainability.

Introduction

The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed home automation, improving convenience, security, and energy efficiency. This research presents AutoCasa, a smart home system using the ESP8266 microcontroller and Blynk IoT platform to enable remote control of appliances like lights, fans, and air conditioners. AutoCasa integrates sensors—a Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor for motion detection to boost security and a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) sensor for automating outdoor lighting to save energy. The system features a user-friendly interface accessible via the Blynk app, allowing management from any internet-connected device.

The motivation behind AutoCasa is to reduce electricity waste and enhance home security by enabling remote appliance control and automated responses to environmental changes. The methodology involved designing a modular, scalable system combining hardware (ESP8266, relay modules, PIR and LDR sensors) and software (Arduino IDE programming and Blynk cloud integration).

Results demonstrated that AutoCasa effectively provides secure, energy-efficient, and remotely accessible home automation. The PIR sensor reliably detects unauthorized movement, triggering alarms when security mode is active, while the LDR sensor controls lighting based on ambient light, conserving energy. The system’s layered architecture ensures stability and scalability, making it a cost-effective solution aligned with global trends toward intelligent and sustainable smart homes.

Conclusion

This While AutoCasa demonstrates significant potential, several avenues for enhancement exist. First, integrating machine learning algorithms could enable predictive control of appliances based on user behavior, improving energy efficiency (Machorro-Cano et al., 2020). Second, incorporating advanced security features, such as facial recognition or biometric authentication, could further strengthen intrusion detection (Li et al., 2021). Third, expanding the system to support additional sensors, such as temperature or humidity sensors, could enable environmental monitoring and climate control (Hassan et al., 2020). Finally, exploring energy harvesting techniques, such as solar-powered sensors, could enhance sustainability (Shaikh &Zeadally, 2016). Future iterations will also focus on compatibility with emerging IoT protocols like Matter to ensure interoperability with other smart home ecosystems (Matter, 2022). AutoCasa represents a significant step toward accessible and efficient smart home automation. By leveraging the ESP8266 microcontroller, Blynk IoT platform, and sensors like PIR and LDR, the system offers remote appliance control, enhanced security, and energy-efficient lighting automation. The integration of IoT technology ensures a user-friendly experience, addressing modern demands for convenience and sustainability. Experimental results validate the system’s reliability in detecting motion, controlling appliances, and automating lighting based on environmental conditions. AutoCasa’s modular design makes it adaptable for future enhancements, positioning it as a viable solution for smart homes. This research underscores the transformative potential of IoT in creating intelligent, secure, and energy-conscious living environments. V. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Chandra Shekhar Singh, Principal of New Government Polytechnic, Patna-13, for his unwavering support throughout. We are deeply appreciative of Mr. Pratyaya Amrit and Mrs. Ayesha Alam for their invaluable guidance in programming and documentations. Additionally, we express our gratitude to the State Board of Technical Education (SBTE), Bihar, and the Department of Science, Technology, and Technical Education, Bihar, for their support and encouragement.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Divya Prabha, Rohit Kumar, Anjali Kumari, Umar Farooque, Shakti Nath Singh. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.