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The motor turns the plate based on the light direction.
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3D CAD Design
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Circuit Schematic
Project Name Meaning
"Cahaya mata" means "baby" in Malay, while “cahaya matahari” means “sunlight”. The name reflects how users care for their plants like a baby, supported by sunlight.
Inspiration
One of our teammates grows spices in her apartment, but limited sunlight causes the plants to lean toward the window, making them unstable. We wanted a simple solution that improves daily plant care. This led to the idea of an automatic rotating platform. With the growing popularity of bonsai in the U.S., we saw a perfect use case since bonsai require precise conditions.
What it does
The platform holds a plant pot and rotates it based on sunlight and humidity.
High humidity → rotates toward strongest sunlight for growth Low humidity → rotates away to reduce water loss
This helps maintain balance and healthier growth for indoor plants.
How we built it
The system has a top plate (for the plant) and a base (housing the motor and bearings). A stepper motor drives the rotation through a 3D-printed joint, supported by bearings for smooth motion. An ESP32-S3 microcontroller connects to LDRs and humidity sensors, processes the data, and controls the motor through a driver.
Challenges we ran into
We faced issues in coding, wiring, and hardware. Early on, we debugged incorrect sensor outputs and LED indicators. The motor caused vibration and overheating due to high voltage. Later, the platform weight required more torque, and angle control was inconsistent, leading to more tuning and debugging.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
- Built a working prototype in under 36 hours
- Strong teamwork and task coordination
- Successfully debugged hardware and software issues
What we learned
We applied classroom concepts to a real system, combining coding, electronics, and mechanical design. We also learned how to troubleshoot quickly, adapt under pressure, and work effectively as a team.
What's next for CahayaMata
Future improvements include adding solar power, improving torque efficiency, and creating a more compact, aesthetic design. We also plan to develop a mobile app for real-time monitoring and control.
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