Retail shop monitoring

Our project aims to enhance customers experience in a retail store through a pick locker, temperature monitoring system and a stock detector

IntermediateProtip84

Things used in this project

Hardware components

M5Stack Time-of-Flight (ToF) VL53L0X Laser Ranging Unit (MCP4725/)

SG90 Micro-servo motor

M5Stack Mini RFID Unit RC522 Module Sensor

M5Stack ENV II

M5Stack FIRE IoT Development Kit (PSRAM 2.0)

Story

What is this project about?This project is a labor of dedication and innovation, combining smart technologies to create a better, more efficient retail experience. By integrating automation and sustainability, it aims to solve everyday problems in stores while improving customer satisfaction.

Why did we create this project?During our research, we noticed several issues that both customers and store owners face:

Smart Retail Locker: Traditional in-store pickups/exchanges frequently result in delays, misplacements, and long wait times, frustrating customers while increasing staff workload. Manual retrieval processes are prone to human error, making it difficult to provide a seamless shopping experience.
Stock Detector: The stock might run out during peak hours and the staff might not realised and restock.
Uncomfortable Store Environment: Poor air quality or extreme temperatures can make the shopping experience unpleasant.

We realized these problems not only inconvenience customers but also affect store efficiency and sustainability. This project will provide a vision for a better shopping experience. It’s not just about automation—it’s about using technology responsibly to improve lives and conserve resources. By addressing these challenges, we aim to create a smarter, more enjoyable shopping environment that benefits everyone.

How does it work?

Smart retail locker: An automated, self-service system that allows customers to securely pick up or exchange orders in-store without staff assistance. Using IoT technology, RFID scanning, and Servo Motor as a lock, it enhances efficiency, reduces wait times, and streamlines the shopping experience in retail stores.
Smart Stock Detector: A smart stock monitoring system that uses TOF sensors to detect stock levels.
Smart Environmental Monitoring: Tracks air quality and temperature with ENVII sensors to keep the store comfortable and welcoming.

Features and How They Work.

Feature 1: Smart Pick Locker

Component: RFID and servo motor

How it Works : When the RFID reader detects the right pickup, exchange, or return code, the servo motor unlocks, the LED turns green, and a buzzer sounds. The screen shows an image and the message "Authorized Entry", allowing customers to retrieve or return their things. Customers have a certain time till the system resets and the locker closes. If the button is pressed before the timer expires, the locker closes and the machine reboots. If the RFID code is incorrect, the device displays "Access Denied, Try Again", turns the LED red, and emits a low buzzer. If no one interacts with the locker, the LED turns blue and the screen shows an image with the text "Scan Here" to prompt the next user.

Why It Matters:

Reduces waiting time to pick their items
Improves accuracy by avoiding manual errors.
Makes the shopping experience more seamless for customers.

Feature 2: Smart Stock Detector

Component: TOF Sensor and servo motor

How It Works: The TOF sensor measures the distance between itself and stored items. If the distance increases, the system updates inventory. If the stock is too low, the servo motor will turn the shelf to alert the staff to restock.

Why It Matters:

TOF sensors provide real-time stock level updates, reducing manual checks.
Prevents shortages and ensures stock availability.
Track stock levels and prevent overstocking or shortages.

Feature 3: Smart Environmental Monitoring

Component: ENVII Sensor

How It Works: The ENVII sensor monitors air quality, temperature, and humidity in real-time. When the temperature falls below or rise above a certain level, an image will be displayed on the temperature monitoring system, alerting store managers to adjust the temperatures that are needed to maintain comfort.

Why It Matters:

Ensures a pleasant shopping environment.
Demonstrates a commitment to customer well-being.
Helps maintain the ideal conditions for both customers and staff.

from m5stack import *
from m5ui import *
from uiflow import *
import unit

setScreenColor(0x222222)
env2_0 = unit.get(unit.ENV2, unit.PAHUB0)
tof_0 = unit.get(unit.TOF, unit.PAHUB5)
pahub_0 = unit.get(unit.PAHUB, unit.PORTA)
servo_0 = unit.get(unit.SERVO, unit.PORTB)


Stock_Level = None



label0 = M5TextBox(13, 14, "Temperature:", lcd.FONT_Default, 0xFFFFFF, rotate=0)
label2 = M5TextBox(121, 14, "Text", lcd.FONT_Default, 0xFFFFFF, rotate=0)
label1 = M5TextBox(26, 42, "Humidity:", lcd.FONT_Default, 0xFFFFFF, rotate=0)
label3 = M5TextBox(121, 42, "Text", lcd.FONT_Default, 0xFFFFFF, rotate=0)
label4 = M5TextBox(25, 76, "Pressure:", lcd.FONT_Default, 0xFFFFFF, rotate=0)
label5 = M5TextBox(121, 76, "Text", lcd.FONT_Default, 0xFFFFFF, rotate=0)
image0 = M5Img(189, 17, "res/coolTemp.png", True)
image1 = M5Img(189, 14, "res/Hightemp.png", True)
label12 = M5TextBox(13, 122, "Stock Level:", lcd.FONT_Default, 0xFFFFFF, rotate=0)
label13 = M5TextBox(140, 122, "Text", lcd.FONT_Default, 0xFFFFFF, rotate=0)
label14 = M5TextBox(13, 161, "Text", lcd.FONT_Default, 0xFFFFFF, rotate=0)


# Describe this function...
def Stock_level():
  global Stock_Level
  label12.setText('Stock level')
  label13.setText(str(Stock_Level))
  Stock_Level = tof_0.distance
  if float(Stock_Level) < 130:
    label14.setText('Stock is available. ')
    servo_0.write_angle(180)
  elif float(Stock_Level) >= 130:
    label14.setText('Stock is empty')
    servo_0.write_angle(0)



while True:
  label2.setText(str(env2_0.temperature))
  label3.setText(str(env2_0.humidity))
  label5.setText(str(env2_0.pressure))
  if (env2_0.temperature) <= 24:
    rgb.setColorAll(0x3366ff)
    speaker.tone(1800, 200)
    image0.changeImg("res/default.jpg")
    image0.show()
    image1.hide()
  elif (env2_0.temperature) > 24 and (env2_0.temperature) <= 26:
    image0.hide()
    image1.hide()
    rgb.setColorAll(0x33cc00)
  else:
    rgb.setColorAll(0xcc0000)
    image0.hide()
    image1.changeImg("res/default.jpg")
    image1.show()
  Stock_level()
  wait_ms(2)

from m5stack import *
from m5ui import *
from uiflow import *
import time
import unit

setScreenColor(0x222222)
servo_0 = unit.get(unit.SERVO, unit.PORTB)
rfid_0 = unit.get(unit.RFID, unit.PORTA)






label0 = M5TextBox(27, 43, "Text", lcd.FONT_DejaVu18, 0xFFFFFF, rotate=0)
image0 = M5Img(74, 73, "res/Tap.jpg", True)
image1 = M5Img(86, 73, "res/Verified.png", True)
image2 = M5Img(182, 96, "res/error.jpg", True)

# Describe this function...
def Smart_Locker():
  if rfid_0.isCardOn():
    if (rfid_0.readUid()) == '806cf4fac':
      image0.hide()
      label0.setText('Authorized Entry')
      image1.changeImg("res/default.jpg")
      image1.show()
      rgb.setColorAll(0x33ff33)
      servo_0.write_angle(180)
      speaker.sing(889, 1)
      if btnA.isPressed():
        pass
      else:
        wait(10)
        servo_0.write_angle(0)
        image1.hide()
    else:
      image0.hide()
      label0.setText('Access Denied, Try Again')
      image2.changeImg("res/default.jpg")
      image2.show()
      rgb.setColorAll(0xff0000)
      speaker.sing(147, 2)
  else:
    label0.setText('Scan your card here:')
    rgb.setColorAll(0x3366ff)
    image0.changeImg("res/default.jpg")
    image0.show()


def buttonA_wasPressed():
  # global params
  servo_0.write_angle(0)
  label0.setText('Locker closed , please wait')
  image1.hide()
  pass
btnA.wasPressed(buttonA_wasPressed)


servo_0.write_angle(0)
image0.show()
image1.hide()
image2.hide()
image0.hide()
while True:
  Smart_Locker()
  wait_ms(2)

Retail shop monitoring