INTEGRATING IOT IN COMPACT ELECTRIC VEHICLES: THE DNTU EROLLER PROTOTYPE

Abstract

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and evaluation of the DNTU eRoller, a compact electric vehicle prototype integrated with an Internet of Things (IoT) system based on the ESP8266 microcontroller. Developed by Dong Nai Technology University, the vehicle was engineered to support educational activities and sustainable intra-campus transportation. The mechanical structure was modeled using SolidWorks and designed for a load capacity of 500 kg, with a top speed of 30 km/h and a range of up to 50 km per charge. The IoT subsystem monitors real-time parameters including battery voltage, speed, GPS location, temperature, obstacle proximity, and solar charging data. All sensor readings are transmitted to a cloud dashboard via Wi-Fi using MQTT/HTTP protocols. The control logic employs non-blocking routines, hardware interrupts, and data formatting techniques to ensure responsiveness and accuracy. Testing confirmed the effectiveness of the ESP8266 in delivering reliable wireless communication and safety automation, including emergency braking. The successful integration of low-cost IoT technologies demonstrates the potential of the eRoller as both a smart mobility platform and a hands-on educational tool in the field of intelligent transportation systems.