A Low-Cost Arduino-Based Smart Parking Assistance System Using Distance Sensors for Real-Time Vehicle Guidance
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Abstract
The growing number of vehicles has made parking increasingly challenging, particularly in areas with limited parking space. Conventional parking methods often rely on drivers' visual judgment, which may lead to inaccurate distance estimation and increase the risk of minor collisions. To address this issue, this study presents the design and implementation of a low-cost smart parking assistance system based on an Arduino Uno microcontroller integrated with an ultrasonic distance sensor and LED indicators that provide real-time visual guidance. The system was developed using the Arduino IDE and experimentally evaluated by comparing sensor measurements with actual distances ranging from 10 to 60 cm, while also examining the accuracy of distance detection and the reliability of LED responses. The experimental results showed stable and consistent performance, with a maximum measurement error of only ±1 cm across all test distances. In addition, the system achieved a 100% success rate in LED indicator activation, where the green, yellow, and red LEDs responded accurately according to the predefined safety thresholds without noticeable delay. These findings demonstrate that the proposed system can provide reliable real-time obstacle detection, helping drivers park more safely while reducing the risk of collisions. Owing to its simple design, low implementation cost, and dependable performance, the proposed system is well suited for residential garages, university campuses, and small commercial parking facilities. Future research should explore the integration of multi-sensor fusion, Internet of Things (IoT)-based remote monitoring, cloud-based data analytics, and artificial intelligence techniques to enable predictive parking occupancy analysis and intelligent parking management for large-scale smart city applications.
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