Two fifth-semester students from the Electrical Engineering Program at Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA), Irvan Nur Parsita and Muhammad Muchtarwi, have once again showcased their innovative potential through an Independent Study Project themed Smart City Based on the Internet of Things (IoT). In this project, they successfully developed two intelligent systems designed to address modern urban challenges: a Smart Pedestrian Crosswalk and a Smart Parking System.

Driven by a spirit of technological innovation, the project aims to deliver practical solutions for urban communities by utilizing IoT technology, which enables interconnected devices to exchange data in real time. The systems integrate sensors, microcontrollers, IoT platforms such as Blynk, and additional components including infrared sensors, RFID, and ESP8266 modules.

One of their standout innovations is the Smart Pedestrian Crosswalk, a smart crossing system that enhances pedestrian safety, particularly in high-traffic areas. Using motion sensors, this system detects pedestrian presence and automatically activates visual signals and lowers safety barriers, creating a secure crossing zone. The innovation is expected to reduce the risk of road accidents.

Meanwhile, the Smart Parking System addresses one of the most persistent issues in large cities: the difficulty of finding parking spaces. Equipped with parking sensors and a digital display interface, this system helps drivers quickly and efficiently locate available parking spots, thereby reducing traffic congestion caused by parking searches.

“We aim to offer technology-based solutions that are practical and meet the needs of today’s urban society,” said Irvan on Friday, May 11, 2025.

The project goes beyond just conceptual ideas; it involves hands-on implementation, including system design, microcontroller programming, sensor testing, and real-time data-based automation control. All stages were carried out under the supervision of their academic advisor, Bayu Fandidarma, S.T., M.T., who provided both technical and academic guidance from inception to final reporting.

The strong support from the faculty reflects a shared belief that IoT application is a tangible step toward realizing Smart City development in Indonesia.

This initiative also stands as concrete evidence of the implementation of project-based learning at UNIPMA, encouraging students to think critically, creatively, and solution-oriented.

It is hoped that such innovative steps will inspire the younger generation to contribute to building cities that are not only modern but also inclusive and sustainable.