Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a DIY hobbyist, or a curious beginner, Arduino is a fantastic platform to unleash your creativity and learn about electronics and programming. With its user-friendly interface and vast community support, Arduino opens up a realm of possibilities for bringing your ideas to life. But with Arduino application projects, it can be difficult to know where to start. Luckily there are so many options. Here are 14 beginner Arduino projects to get you going!

1. Arduino Lie Detector

Ever wondered if someone is telling the truth or hiding something from you? While you can always read into their behavior, it’s not easy to accurately determine whether they are in on a lie or not, especially if you are an average Joe with no psychology education. Thankfully, you can create an Arduino-based lie detector, as shown in this Instructables guide, that lets you measure bodily responses in real-time to determine if your pal is lying about eating your cookies. Check out this guide on how to code an Arduino board to make working on this project easier.

2. Arduino-Controlled RGB LED Infinity Mirror

A good, ordinary mirror has the potential to create more space in your room and enhance its visual appeal. Now imagine what an infinity mirror can do! Even better, add RGB LEDs, and make it Arduino-controlled, as shown in this Instructables tutorial to play around with different colors.

3. "The TV Devil" Arduino Prank Remote

You will need:

  • IR transmitter LED, such as TIL38
  • IR receiver, such as TSOP382

An Arduino along with an IR (infrared) transmitter and receiver can cause some innocent chaos. Bombarding any IR controlled device with IR signals makes them act as if they have a life of their own. In this easy Arduino project, you'll learn how to build a remote control using an Arduino and some IR components. The result is assured to drive anyone nearby mad!

4. Neopixel Facemask Using Arduino

The COVID pandemic turned face masks into an essential part of our lives. If you still wear your masks religiously, why not try an Arduino simple project to add a touch of creativity and technology to make a bold statement? With a Neopixel Facemask powered by Arduino, you can showcase your unique style while staying safe. This Instructables project combines the power of programmable LEDs, Arduino, and a face mask to create a dazzling visual display that will turn heads wherever you go.

If this project appeals to you, here are more awesome tech masks you can build at home.

5. Make a Buzz Wire Game With an Arduino

You will need:

  • 1 x Small Arduino compatible buzzer
  • 1 x Old metal coat hanger

This simple Arduino project combines a classic carnival game with simple electronics and code. Using cheap components and a little DIY craft, the Arduino Buzz Wire Game is a fantastic project to work on with children.

6. Arduino Spider Robot

Are you fascinated by the world of robotics and looking to dive into an exciting DIY project? Looking for a good robotics-based application of Arduino Uno? Look no further than the Arduino Spider Robot Quadruped. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a hobbyist, or simply love all things creepy and crawly, this hackster.io guide will provide step-by-step instructions and valuable insights to help you create your own arachnid-inspired robotic companion. If you find building this project too demanding, you can first try these DIY projects to get your feet wet in robotics.

7. Arduino Based Oil Dispenser

Hate it when you’re dispensing oil directly from its commercial container, and it spills all over your kitchen counter? This Instructables project has just the perfect Arduino uno application project for you: an Arduino-based oil dispenser. This innovative DIY project eliminates the hassle of dispensing oil by providing precise and automated control.

8. DIY Hand Sanitizer Dispenser Using Arduino

Maintaining proper hand hygiene is crucial in today's health-conscious world. With the DIY Hand Sanitizer Dispenser using Arduino, you can ensure a touchless and convenient hand sanitization experience. This Instructables project enables hands-free operation by incorporating an Arduino board and sensors, ensuring hygienic and efficient sanitizer dispensing.

9. Arduino RFID Smart Lock

You will need:

  • 1 x Logic-level N channel MOSFET
  • 1 x MFRC522 module
  • 1 x 12V Solenoid
  • 1 x 12V Power supply

This Arduino smart locking system may look complicated, but a cheap and easy-to-use RFID reader makes it more straightforward than you'd think. This Arduino simple project uses a few parts that may be new to you. Rather than starting from scratch, the code is modified from existing examples. This is an excellent introduction to multi-component devices with real practical uses. Here are similar Arduino projects you can build to upgrade your car.

10. Simple Arduino Alarm System

You will need:

  • 1 x Ultrasonic "ping" sensor
  • 1 x Piezo buzzer
  • 1 x LED strip light

A simple alarm system that uses a motion sensor to detect movement. LEDs flash and a high-pitched warning tone is emitted when an intruder is detected. While it's not exactly proper home protection, it does offer a perfect solution to protect small spaces. Ideal for keeping an eye on your snack drawer!

11. Re-Create the Arcade Classic "Pong"

You will need:

  • An Arduino compatible OLED screen

Building a retro game is a satisfying Arduino project for beginners. Pong is a classic, and since the game is multiplayer, you can share your finished product with a friend. You can find the code on the Arduino project tutorial and play on an inexpensive OLED screen.

12. Make Your Own Ambilight

You will need:

  • 10A 5V power supply
  • WS2812B LED strip

Originally developed for Philips TVs, the Ambilight features ambient lighting that reacts to the images on your television screen. It's not too difficult to re-create the Ambilight for any screen. Cheap addressable LEDs cut the cost of this impressive-looking build. If you want to try other Arduino alternatives to cut costs, you can check these best Arduino alternative microcontrollers.

13. Pulsating LED Cube

You will need:

  • 64 x LEDs
  • Craft wire
  • Component wire
  • Crocodile clips
  • Scrap wood
  • Drill

If you are looking for something beautiful to build, the pulsating LED cube is a perfect choice. Controlled from a single Arduino via multiplexing, it is still easy enough for beginners to make. This Arduino Uno application project is also excellent soldering practice, which is one of the essential beginner's electronics skills you need to know.

14. Weekend Project: Build a Giant LED Pixel Display

You will need:

  • 10-meter strip of LED pixels
  • 5V 10A power supply
  • Thick wire
  • Ikea RIBBA photo frame
  • Glass frosting spray
  • White paint

The LED pixel display uses strands of LEDs to create vibrant patterns, text, or even animated GIFs that you can frame and hang right on your wall. The build relies on external software, called Glediator (free), which allows you to complete LED matrix control and create live or pre-recorded mixes of your LED animations.

Endless Possibilities With DIY Arduino Projects

Most simple Arduino projects use few components and teach you the basics of DIY hardware. The best way to get familiar is to follow beginner tutorials like these.

Once you feel confident enough after trying Arduino starter kit projects, why not move on to something more significant, like using Arduino to control your smart home?