NETX IoT Workshop Session 02 – ESP32 Development
May 7, 2026 · 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM @ Kottawa, Faculty of Engineering
Description
The second session of the NETX IoT Workshop Series , titled “ESP32 Development” , was conducted on 7th May from 16:30 to 18:00 at L221A, Faculty of Engineering, University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) . The session was conducted by Mr. Nimesha Nanayakkara, a member of the Volunteer Management Team and an Undergraduate student of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Sri Jayewardenepura . Objectives of the Session Introduce participants to the ESP32 development platform and its role in Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Provide an understanding of the advantages of ESP32 compared to traditional Arduino platforms. Familiarize participants with ESP32 architecture, pin configurations, and GPIO functionalities. Develop practical knowledge of interfacing sensors and electronic components with ESP32. Provide hands-on experience in designing and implementing basic IoT-based embedded systems. Enhance participants’ understanding of sensor-based automation and microcontroller programming techniques. Learning Outcomes By the end of the session, participants were able to: Understand the differences between Arduino and ESP32 development boards and identify the benefits of ESP32 for IoT applications. Identify ESP32 pins and understand their respective functions in circuit implementation. Control external components such as LEDs using ESP32 digital output operations. Understand the operating principle of ultrasonic sensors and their application in distance measurement systems. Interface HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensors with ESP32 and implement sensor-based control systems. Apply programming concepts such as conditional statements for decision-making in embedded applications. Understand the working principle and applications of infrared (IR) sensors in IoT and automation systems. Gain practical experience in assembling and testing ESP32-based electronic circuits. Technical Topics Covered Introduction to ESP32 Development Board Overview of ESP32 architecture and features. Comparison between Arduino and ESP32 development platforms. Advantages of ESP32 for IoT applications, including enhanced processing capability and wireless communication support. ESP32 pin configuration and functions. ESP32-Based LED Control Understanding GPIO pins and digital output control. Implementation of a Knight Rider LED circuit using ESP32. Programming ESP32 to control multiple LEDs in a sequential pattern. Ultrasonic Sensor Interfacing (HC-SR04) Introduction to ultrasonic sensors and their applications. Working principle of ultrasonic distance measurement. Generation of trigger pulses by ESP32. Transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves. Echo signal detection and measurement of echo duration. Distance calculation based on the time taken for the ultrasonic signal to return. Applications of ultrasonic sensors: Robot obstacle avoidance. Distance measurement systems. Parking assistance systems. Automatic door control systems. Practical Activity: Ultrasonic Distance Alert System Interfacing HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor with ESP32. Circuit implementation using ESP32, ultrasonic sensor, LED, resistor, and breadboard. Development of a distance-based alert system. Implementation of conditional control logic: Object detected within 20 cm → LED ON. Object detected beyond 20 cm → LED OFF. Testing and demonstration of the developed IoT-based application. Introduction to Infrared (IR) Sensor Interfacing Operating principle of infrared sensors. Detection of objects using infrared signal reflection. Interfacing IR sensors with ESP32. Applications of IR sensors: Line-following robots. Remote-control systems. Object detection systems. Conveyor belt counting systems. Overall, the ESP32 Development Workshop Session provided participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure to ESP32-based IoT development. Through demonstrations and hands-on activities, participants gained fundamental skills in microcontroller programming, sensor interfacing, circuit implementation, and the development of sensor-driven automation systems.
Agenda
16:30 – 16:40 Introduction and Session Overview 16:40 – 17:20 Technical Session 17:20 – 17:50 Practical Activities 17:50 – 18:00 Discussion, Q&A and Closing Remarks