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
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

User Flow#

Here’s how someone actually uses the Smart Tool Cabinet from start to finish — scanning their RFID, grabbing a tool, and returning it:

Components#

Hardware:

RFID reader & cards
Mini switch sensors (one per tool slot)
Solenoid locks
XIAO ESP32C6 and CH32V003J4M6 microcontrollers
Buzzer
Custom-fabricated enclosure

Software:

RFID authentication system
Switch monitoring & data logging
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 and buzzers

✅ Microcontroller Programming - The actual code to make it work

✅ 3D Design & Fabrication - Designing and fabricating the enclosure

✅ 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:

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! 🚀

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