How to make a Face Tracking System | Using Arduino | Based on Python and OpenCV

📦 Project Overview

Objective: Build a laser system that tracks human faces in real-time using computer vision and Arduino.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Estimated Time: 2–3 hours

🧰 Components Required

1. Arduino UNO

2. 2x Servo Motors (SG90)

3. Laser Module

4. Plastic Box (for mounting)

5. Jumper Wires

6. USB Cable (for Arduino-PC connection)

7. Webcam or Laptop Camera

💻 Software Requirements

Make sure you have these installed:

• Arduino IDE

• Visual Studio Code

• Python (Recommended: 3.8+)

Python Libraries to Install:

pip install pyfirmata
pip install numpy
pip install opencv-python

📥 Step 1: Download the Files

• 🔗 Python Code & Files -Click Download Now Below

• 🧠 Circuit Diagram

• 💻 GitHub Repo

🛠️ Step 2: Circuit Assembly

1. Connect Servo Motors:

   • Servo 1 Signal → Pin 9 on Arduino

   • Servo 2 Signal → Pin 10 on Arduino

   • Both VCC → 5V

   • Both GND → GND

2. Mount Servo Motors in a stacked orientation (X and Y axis control) inside a plastic box or on a cardboard stand.

3. Attach Laser Module to the top servo (Y-axis). Make sure it’s aligned to point where the servos aim.

4. Connect your Arduino Uno to the PC using a USB cable.

🧠 Step 3: Upload Arduino Code (via PyFirmata)

You don’t need to upload any code to the Arduino directly! This project uses PyFirmata to communicate from Python to Arduino in real-time. Just make sure:

1. Arduino is connected

2. No code is running in the Arduino IDE

3. Python script communicates via COM port

🧪 Step 4: Run the Face Tracking Code

1. Open VS Code or any Python editor.

2. Run the Python script (face_tracking.py) from the downloaded folder.

3. The webcam will open and start scanning for faces.

4. Once a face is detected, the servo motors will move accordingly to center the laser on the detected face.

🎯 How It Works

• OpenCV detects human faces using a webcam.

• Coordinates of the face center are calculated.

• The values are mapped to servo angles (X and Y).

• Using pyFirmata, Python sends servo positions to Arduino in real time.

• The laser moves along with the detected face!

📸 Add Visuals

• Front view of the mounted system

• Circuit diagram image

• Screenshot of face detection window

• Video/GIF of laser tracking movement

✅ Results

You’ve built your very own AI-powered laser turret that can track faces using nothing but Arduino, servos, and a bit of Python magic!

🔗 Useful Resources

• GitHub Code & Documentation

• Arduino IDE Download

• PyFirmata Docs

• OpenCV Face Detection

☕ Support the Creator

Like this project? Show your love and help fuel future builds:
👉 Buy Me a Coffee

📱 Stay Connected

• Instagram: @scicraft9

• YouTube: @scicraft