Surveillance and remote monitoring play a crucial role in security systems, industries, and smart homes. Traditional CCTV systems are fixed and cannot reach all areas. A mobile surveillance robot overcomes this limitation by combining a camera, wireless communication, and robotic movement.
The ESP32-CAM Surveillance Robot uses:
- ESP32-CAM module for video streaming and Wi-Fi communication
- Motor driver and DC motors for robot movement
- Web-based control interface for live streaming and navigation
Key Features:
- Live video streaming over Wi-Fi
- Wireless robot control using a web browser
- Compact, low-cost design
- Suitable for indoor surveillance and monitoring
( This project demonstrates the integration of IoT, robotics, and embedded systems. )
Applications
- Home and office surveillance
- Industrial inspection
- Military and defense monitoring (prototype)
- Search and rescue operations
- Educational robotics projects
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
Connection Description (Wiring Map)
Main Components
- ESP32-CAM Module
- Motor Driver: L298N / L293D
- DC Motors & Robot Chassis
- FTDI Programmer / USB-TTL Converter (for uploading code)
Power Supply: 7.4V / 12V battery (with regulation)
Programming Connections (FTDI):
- FTDI TX → ESP32-CAM U0R
- FTDI RX → ESP32-CAM U0T
- FTDI GND → ESP32-CAM GND
- GPIO 0 → GND (Programming mode)
Wiring Summary
Component | ESP32-CAM Pin | Description |
Motor Driver IN1 | GPIO 12 | Left motor control |
Motor Driver IN2 | GPIO 13 | Left motor control |
Motor Driver IN3 | GPIO 14 | Right motor control |
Motor Driver IN4 | GPIO 15 | Right motor control |
Motor Driver GND | GND | Common ground |
Motor Driver VCC | Battery + | Motor power |
ESP32-CAM 5V | 5V | Power input |
ESP32-CAM GND | GND | Ground |
Testing the Hardware
- Camera Test
- Upload camera web server code
- Access IP address and verify live stream
- Upload camera web server code
- Motor Test
- Run motors individually to check direction
- Run motors individually to check direction
- Wi-Fi Test
- Ensure stable Wi-Fi connection
- Ensure stable Wi-Fi connection
- Full System Test
- Control robot movement while monitoring live video
Working Principle
- ESP32-CAM connects to a Wi-Fi network.
- It hosts a web server with live video streaming.
- Video is accessed through a browser using the ESP32-CAM IP address.
- Control buttons on the webpage send movement commands.
- ESP32-CAM processes commands and drives motors through the motor driver.
- Robot moves while streaming live video simultaneously.
Troubleshooting
Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
No video stream | Wrong camera model selected | Select correct ESP32-CAM board |
ESP32-CAM not detected | Programming mode issue | Connect GPIO 0 to GND during upload |
Motors not moving | Insufficient power | Use separate motor battery |
Video lag | Weak Wi-Fi signal | Improve signal strength |
Board resets | Voltage drop | Use regulated power supply |
( The ESP32-CAM Surveillance Robot is a smart robotic system capable of real-time video streaming and remote movement control over Wi-Fi. Using the ESP32-CAM module, the robot captures live video and streams it to a web browser or mobile device. This system is useful for surveillance, security monitoring, and inspection in inaccessible or hazardous areas without human presence. )