Motion-Controlled Tab Switcher (Arduino + Python)

This is a simple project that combines Arduino and Python to control your computer using an ultrasonic motion sensor. When the sensor detects motion within a certain range, it triggers a Python script to switch between tabs using keyboard shortcuts like Alt + Tab or Ctrl + Tab.

📦 Project Structure

motion-controlled-tab-switcher/
├── arduino_code/
│ └── arduino_code.ino
├── python_ultrasonicsensor/
│ ├── arduino_alt_tab.py
│ └── arduino_ctrl_tab.py
└── README.md

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⚙️ How It Works

1. The Arduino uses an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor to detect motion within a 1–100 cm range.
2. When motion is detected, it sends the message "Motion detected!" to the serial port.
3. A Python script running on your computer listens to this serial message.
4. Once the message is received, the Python script simulates a keyboard shortcut to switch between tabs.

• arduino_alt_tab.py → triggers Alt + Tab (switch apps)
• arduino_ctrl_tab.py → triggers Ctrl + Tab (switch browser tabs)

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🧰 Requirements

Arduino:

• Arduino board (Uno/Nano/etc.)
• HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor
• Jumper wires

Python:

• Python 3.x
• pyautogui library (pip install pyautogui)
• pyserial library (pip install pyserial)

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🔌 Setup Instructions

1. Arduino Setup

• Connect your HC-SR04 sensor to the Arduino:
  • Trig → Pin 12
  • Echo → Pin 11
• Upload the arduino_code.ino file to your Arduino board.

2. Python Script

• Make sure the COM port (COM4 in the scripts) matches the port of your connected Arduino.
• Open your terminal and run one of the Python scripts:

python python_ultrasonicsensor/arduino_alt_tab.py
# or
python python_ultrasonicsensor/arduino_ctrl_tab.py

👨‍💻 Author

Mohamed Soliman
Created as a fun mini project to explore Arduino and Python interaction.