In Development

Smart Tool Cabinet

An IoT-enabled tool cabinet with RFID tracking and biometric access control — the capstone of the Fab Academy journey.

Sketch
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rocket_launch Fab Academy 2026 Capstone

Capabilities

fingerprint

Biometric Access

Fingerprint + RFID

inventory_2

Tool Tracking

RFID-tagged inventory

wifi

IoT Connected

Live status dashboard

notifications

Smart Alerts

Missing tool detection

precision_manufacturing

CNC Milled

Fabricated in FabLab

memory

Embedded MCU

Custom PCB design

Final Project - Smart Tool Cabinet with RFID Tracking#

I’m building a Smart Tool Cabinet that tracks tools using RFID cards for access control and mini switches in each tool slot to detect when tools are removed.

What It Does#

  • RFID Access Control - Each person gets an RFID card to unlock drawers they’re trained to use
  • Tool Tracking - Mini switches in each tool slot log when tools are taken and returned
  • Real-Time Display - LCD screen shows which tools are checked out and who has them
  • Automatic Alerts - System alerts if tools aren’t returned on time
  • Usage Logging - Tracks who used what and when

No more missing tools! The cabinet knows everything.

Who It’s For#

This Smart Tool Box is designed for anyone working in a collaborative maker space — whether it’s a Fab Lab, school workshop, university makerspace, or community workshop. It’s particularly valuable for:

  • Lab Instructors and Managers: To track tool usage, monitor availability, and maintain an organized workspace
  • Students and Makers: To easily access tools, know when they’re available, and contribute to a better-organized lab
  • Tool Owners: To keep track of their equipment and prevent loss or misuse
  • Facility Coordinators: To gather data on tool usage patterns and plan maintenance schedules

Components#

Hardware:

  • RFID reader & cards
  • Mini switch sensors (one per tool slot)
  • Solenoid locks
  • Microcontroller (Arduino/STM32)
  • LCD screen & buzzer
  • 3D-printed custom enclosure

Software:

  • RFID authentication system
  • Switch monitoring & data logging
  • Real-time display updates
  • Alert system

Why This Project?#

It solves a real problem (tools going missing), teaches me RFID + electronics + microcontrollers, and is actually feasible to complete. Win-win! 🚀

Tools & Skills I’ll Learn#

✅ RFID Technology - I’ve never done this before, so that’s gonna be cool to learn

✅ Sensor Integration - Reading multiple sensors and processing the data

✅ Electronics & Circuits - Wiring up solenoid locks, buzzers, LCD screens

✅ Microcontroller Programming - The actual code to make it work

✅ 3D Design & Printing - Designing the enclosure and printing custom parts

✅ System Integration - Making all these different parts work together

✅ Database/Logging - Keeping track of all the data

Timeline & Breakdown#

This is lowkey a pretty big project, so I’m breaking it down:

  1. Week 1-2: Gather components, test RFID reader with microcontroller,Design the enclosure, start 3D printing
  2. Week 3-4: Integrate sensors and solenoid locks , Build the software/firmware
  3. Week 5-6: Put it all together and test everything , Fix bugs, add features, polish it up

Challenges I’m Expecting#

  • Power management - All these components use power, gotta make sure it’s efficient
  • Durability - It’s gonna be used a lot, so it needs to be tough
  • Cost - All these sensors and components aren’t cheap lol

But honestly, that’s what makes it fun. Solving hard problems is what engineering is about!

Why This Is My Final Project#

At the end of the day, this project is:

✅ Feasible - I can actually finish it in time

✅ Complex enough - Uses multiple technologies and skills

✅ Practical - It solves a real problem that people face

✅ Impressive - Looks cool and works even cooler

✅ Educational - I’m gonna learn SO much doing this

I’m lowkey really hyped about this project. Let’s get it done! 🚀