Social Distancing Sensor

The goal was to create a compact, hands-free device that could be worn comfortably on a chest rig while remaining visually clean and practical for daily use. This was in response to Covid-19 protocols at Northeastern University during my first semester.

The system is built around an Arduino microcontroller and a conic-range distance sensor, chosen specifically for its ability to detect approaching individuals within the required field of view. I modeled a very simple 3D-printed enclosure to house the electronics, ensuring the device could mount securely, and protect components. The casing includes integrated mounting points, ventilation for the electronics, and a front-facing aperture aligned with the sensor’s optimal detection angle.

The first iteration used only an LED indicator—the device illuminated whenever someone entered the six-foot threshold. This worked for initial prototyping and data validation but proved impractical in real-world use, as the light was easy to miss in bright environments and required additional internal real estate for a protoboard and wiring.

To address these limitations, I redesigned the system to provide auditory feedback, replacing the LED with a compact piezoelectric speaker that emits an alert tone when the threshold is violated. This not only improved usability but also simplified the internal layout, allowing the entire device to fit cleanly within the 3D-printed housing without additional mounting hardware.