Introduction
During the COVID-19 pandemic, sanitizer dispensers became essential but a simple automatic dispenser still can’t ensure people actually use it. I wanted to solve this:
Can technology verify sanitizer usage and alert when someone skips it?
This project is my answer: a touch-free, intelligent sanitizer system that detects presence, dispenses sanitizer, verifies usage, and alerts administrators in real time.
Problem
Automatic dispensers remove the need to touch, but they don’t ensure compliance. Anyone can walk past without sanitizing.
My goal was to create a system that:
- Detects a person’s presence
- Dispenses sanitizer automatically
- Confirms it was used
- Alerts admins if someone bypasses the process
How It Works
The system uses simple sensors combined with cloud alerts:
Arduino Uno – Processes all sensor inputs
Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04) – Detects when someone approaches
IR Sensor – Confirms a hand is under the nozzle
Servo Motor (SG-90) – Presses the dispenser automatically
Bolt IoT Cloud + Module – Sends real-time alerts
Buzzer – Gives an immediate local warning
Flow:
If presence is detected → sanitizer dispenses → IR verifies usage.
If someone skips → buzzer + SMS + email alerts trigger instantly.
Code & Integration
Two main code components handled the logic:
- Arduino Code – Sensor reading, servo movement, buzzer alerts
- Python Script on Bolt Cloud – Checks data and sends SMS/email alerts using Twilio & Mailgun APIs when mismatch is detected
Outcome
The system performed reliably:
Sanitizer used → sensors match → no alert
Sanitizer skipped → buzzer + SMS + email notification sent
Results included:
Console logs for both cases
Admin receiving real-time SMS and email alerts
Conclusion
This project showed how low-cost IoT components can solve real public-safety challenges beyond simple automation. It strengthened my skills in:
Sensor integration
Embedded programming
Cloud-based alerting
Future improvements:
Integration with access control systems
Usage analytics & dashboards
Large-scale deployment in hospitals or high-traffic areas