This quick build uses LEGO Mindstorms EV3 to remote control any light switch around the house! Well, almost any, more on that towards the end. It uses an IR beacon to receive signals from the remote to tell the motor to actuate the light switch.
Tutorial Video: https://youtu.be/mkfH7k0BxpM
Something I could have explained better in the video is the little jig the gadget does on startup. When first turning on, the motor actuates the light switch to the down position, usually off depending on how the light switch is mounted. When the EV3 detects the motor stalling as it can't push the light switch down any further, it returns to its neutral position, ready for action! The reason for this can be explained using an example. Say the light switch is already on when starting the program and the motor currently has the light switch in the on position. How does the EV3 supposed to know which state the light switch was in when the program was started? It can't, so it turns the light switch to a known position beforehand and that solves the issue.
Timestamps:
0:00 — Intro
0:20 — Attaching LEGO to switch
0:54 — Setup
1:24 — Testing
1:48 — How it works
2:12 — Rich people with decora switches be like
2:36 — Outro
Outro music:
Everlasting – Jim Yosef + Ephixa
https://youtu.be/MT814DNhy_U
