Arduino-based Robotic Process Automation (RPA) projects typically involve automating repetitive physical tasks using hardware. For example, you can create a simple robotic arm to press buttons, toggle switches, or perform repetitive movements. Below is a sample program to control a servo-based robotic arm to perform a basic RPA task.

Example: Arduino-Based RPA for Repetitive Button Pressing

Hardware Requirements:

1. Arduino Uno or Nano.
2. Servo motor (e.g., SG90 or MG996R).
3. Push button (for manual start).
4. Breadboard and jumper wires.
5. Power supply (if needed for servo).

Circuit Setup:

1. Connect the servo signal pin to pin 9 on the Arduino.
2. Connect the push button to pin 7 with a pull-down resistor (10kΩ).
3. Power the servo with 5V and GND from the Arduino.
4. Connect the button's other terminal to 5V.

Arduino Code:

#include 

Servo servo; // Create a servo object

const int buttonPin = 7; // Pin connected to the push button
int buttonState = 0; // Variable to store the button state

void setup() {
 servo.attach(9); // Attach the servo to pin 9
 pinMode(buttonPin, INPUT); // Set the button pin as input
 servo.write(0); // Start with the servo in the default position
 Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
 buttonState = digitalRead(buttonPin); // Read the button state

 if (buttonState == HIGH) { // If the button is pressed
 Serial.println("Button pressed, starting RPA task...");
 
 for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++) { // Perform the task 5 times
 pressButton(); // Call the function to simulate button pressing
 delay(2000); // Wait for 2 seconds between presses
 }

 Serial.println("Task completed!");
 }
}

void pressButton() {
 servo.write(90); // Move the servo to the "pressing" position
 delay(500); // Wait for the servo to move
 servo.write(0); // Return the servo to the default position
 delay(500); // Wait for the servo to reset
}

How It Works:

1. The servo is programmed to simulate pressing a button.
2. When the physical button connected to the Arduino is pressed, the program starts the RPA task.
3. The servo moves to a specific angle to press the target button and then returns to its initial position.
4. The task is repeated a defined number of times (5 in this example).

Extensions:

1. Add Sensors:

   • Use sensors like light or proximity sensors to trigger the task automatically.
   • Example: Detecting an object and pressing a button when it's in range.

2. Incorporate IoT:

   • Use an ESP8266 or ESP32 to control the system remotely via Wi-Fi.

3. Expand Automation:

   • Add multiple servos to perform different tasks in sequence.
   • Example: Typing on a keyboard or flipping multiple switches.