NCERT Textbook: Home Automation | Vocational Education (Kaushal Bodh) Class 8 - New NCERT PDF Download

 Page 1


Home Automation 83
School Kitchen Garden
Project 1:
Home automation enables you to operate devices at home 
automatically with the help of technology. In this project, you will 
learn how to make electronic circuits and write simple programmes. 
As a part of the project, you will be able to:
Learn about 
electronic 
components 
and circuits 
Make simple 
programmes 
and circuits 
Select 
appropriate 
sensors 
Make an 
automation 
system and test it
Project 4
Home Automation 
Figure 4.1: Making things operate automatically using circuits and programmes
Project 4.indd   83 16-06-2025   3.42.33 PM
Page 2


Home Automation 83
School Kitchen Garden
Project 1:
Home automation enables you to operate devices at home 
automatically with the help of technology. In this project, you will 
learn how to make electronic circuits and write simple programmes. 
As a part of the project, you will be able to:
Learn about 
electronic 
components 
and circuits 
Make simple 
programmes 
and circuits 
Select 
appropriate 
sensors 
Make an 
automation 
system and test it
Project 4
Home Automation 
Figure 4.1: Making things operate automatically using circuits and programmes
Project 4.indd   83 16-06-2025   3.42.33 PM
Kaushal Bodh — Grade 8 84
Automation means using technology to control everyday devices 
automatically. Instead of switching things on and off by hand, 
automation uses sensors, controllers and simple computer 
programmes to run these tasks independently (Figure 4.1).
Imagine a classroom where all students and teachers leave 
immediately after the final bell. The lights and fans often remain 
on because no one remembers to switch them off. This wastes 
electricity and increases electricity bills.
Automation can help in such situations. If the classroom has 
an automated power system with a motion sensor, the lights will 
automatically turn off when no motion is detected. This simple 
change can save energy and reduce costs. 
Another example of automation is an automatic garden 
irrigation system, where a moisture sensor is installed in the soil. 
When the soil becomes too dry, the sensor sends a signal to a 
water pump. The pump then automatically turns on and waters 
your plants. Once the soil has enough moisture, the system turns 
the pump off. This saves you from having to check the garden 
every day and helps conserve water by watering plants only 
when needed.
Automation is not a new idea— it has always been a part of our 
world. Nature had already perfected automation before humans 
started creating machines to automate tasks.
Look at the human body. Without thinking about it, your heart 
beats automatically to pump blood, your lungs breathe in oxygen 
and release carbon dioxide, and your stomach digests food after 
eating. All these functions happen without conscious effort, just 
like an automated machine. The body uses signals, such as nerve 
impulses and hormones, to decide when and how to act, just as an 
intelligent system uses sensors and controllers.
If we look around, nature itself is in automation mode. 
Like modern automation, nature follows systems that work 
independently, using signals and patterns.
y Sunrise and Sunset: The sun rises and sets daily without 
any action on our part.
y Water Cycle: Water evaporates from lakes and oceans, forms 
clouds, and falls back as rain, following a natural cycle.
Project 4.indd   84 16-06-2025   3.42.34 PM
Page 3


Home Automation 83
School Kitchen Garden
Project 1:
Home automation enables you to operate devices at home 
automatically with the help of technology. In this project, you will 
learn how to make electronic circuits and write simple programmes. 
As a part of the project, you will be able to:
Learn about 
electronic 
components 
and circuits 
Make simple 
programmes 
and circuits 
Select 
appropriate 
sensors 
Make an 
automation 
system and test it
Project 4
Home Automation 
Figure 4.1: Making things operate automatically using circuits and programmes
Project 4.indd   83 16-06-2025   3.42.33 PM
Kaushal Bodh — Grade 8 84
Automation means using technology to control everyday devices 
automatically. Instead of switching things on and off by hand, 
automation uses sensors, controllers and simple computer 
programmes to run these tasks independently (Figure 4.1).
Imagine a classroom where all students and teachers leave 
immediately after the final bell. The lights and fans often remain 
on because no one remembers to switch them off. This wastes 
electricity and increases electricity bills.
Automation can help in such situations. If the classroom has 
an automated power system with a motion sensor, the lights will 
automatically turn off when no motion is detected. This simple 
change can save energy and reduce costs. 
Another example of automation is an automatic garden 
irrigation system, where a moisture sensor is installed in the soil. 
When the soil becomes too dry, the sensor sends a signal to a 
water pump. The pump then automatically turns on and waters 
your plants. Once the soil has enough moisture, the system turns 
the pump off. This saves you from having to check the garden 
every day and helps conserve water by watering plants only 
when needed.
Automation is not a new idea— it has always been a part of our 
world. Nature had already perfected automation before humans 
started creating machines to automate tasks.
Look at the human body. Without thinking about it, your heart 
beats automatically to pump blood, your lungs breathe in oxygen 
and release carbon dioxide, and your stomach digests food after 
eating. All these functions happen without conscious effort, just 
like an automated machine. The body uses signals, such as nerve 
impulses and hormones, to decide when and how to act, just as an 
intelligent system uses sensors and controllers.
If we look around, nature itself is in automation mode. 
Like modern automation, nature follows systems that work 
independently, using signals and patterns.
y Sunrise and Sunset: The sun rises and sets daily without 
any action on our part.
y Water Cycle: Water evaporates from lakes and oceans, forms 
clouds, and falls back as rain, following a natural cycle.
Project 4.indd   84 16-06-2025   3.42.34 PM
Home Automation 85
AI-Powered Smart Cities
AI manages city transport, health, and 
energy for automation and enhanced 
e??ciency
Smart Homes & Robots
AI, sensors, Internet and Robots 
automate homes and devices
Electronic Devices and Computers
Electricity and computers enable 
automated elevators and calculators
Early Smart Machines
Automated machines like Jacquard 
Loom and Steam Engine
Mechanical Clocks
Clocks made with gears and springs for 
autonomous time display
Water Clocks & Sundials
Timekeeping by ??ow of water or 
position  of the sun
Figure 4.2: A journey of automation showing transformation 
from manual tasks into automated systems
y Animal Instincts: Birds migrate without Global Positioning 
System (GPS), generally used by humans. Flowers bloom at 
the right time, and bees build perfect honeycombs without 
being taught.
From our bodies to the natural world, automation has always 
existed. Humans have been inspired by automation in nature  
and made automated things to make life easier. For example,
y A thermostat is a device that automatically adjust the 
heating or cooling system, adjusts the temperature in a 
room, just like our body regulates heat by sweating when 
we are hot.
y A motion sensor turns on lights when someone enters in 
a room, just like the pupils of the eyes adjust to brightness 
automatically.
Humans have always been fascinated by making things that 
work automatically. Over the centuries, these have evolved from 
simple devices to complex machines. A journey of automation is 
shown in Figure 4.2.
Project 4.indd   85 16-06-2025   3.42.34 PM
Page 4


Home Automation 83
School Kitchen Garden
Project 1:
Home automation enables you to operate devices at home 
automatically with the help of technology. In this project, you will 
learn how to make electronic circuits and write simple programmes. 
As a part of the project, you will be able to:
Learn about 
electronic 
components 
and circuits 
Make simple 
programmes 
and circuits 
Select 
appropriate 
sensors 
Make an 
automation 
system and test it
Project 4
Home Automation 
Figure 4.1: Making things operate automatically using circuits and programmes
Project 4.indd   83 16-06-2025   3.42.33 PM
Kaushal Bodh — Grade 8 84
Automation means using technology to control everyday devices 
automatically. Instead of switching things on and off by hand, 
automation uses sensors, controllers and simple computer 
programmes to run these tasks independently (Figure 4.1).
Imagine a classroom where all students and teachers leave 
immediately after the final bell. The lights and fans often remain 
on because no one remembers to switch them off. This wastes 
electricity and increases electricity bills.
Automation can help in such situations. If the classroom has 
an automated power system with a motion sensor, the lights will 
automatically turn off when no motion is detected. This simple 
change can save energy and reduce costs. 
Another example of automation is an automatic garden 
irrigation system, where a moisture sensor is installed in the soil. 
When the soil becomes too dry, the sensor sends a signal to a 
water pump. The pump then automatically turns on and waters 
your plants. Once the soil has enough moisture, the system turns 
the pump off. This saves you from having to check the garden 
every day and helps conserve water by watering plants only 
when needed.
Automation is not a new idea— it has always been a part of our 
world. Nature had already perfected automation before humans 
started creating machines to automate tasks.
Look at the human body. Without thinking about it, your heart 
beats automatically to pump blood, your lungs breathe in oxygen 
and release carbon dioxide, and your stomach digests food after 
eating. All these functions happen without conscious effort, just 
like an automated machine. The body uses signals, such as nerve 
impulses and hormones, to decide when and how to act, just as an 
intelligent system uses sensors and controllers.
If we look around, nature itself is in automation mode. 
Like modern automation, nature follows systems that work 
independently, using signals and patterns.
y Sunrise and Sunset: The sun rises and sets daily without 
any action on our part.
y Water Cycle: Water evaporates from lakes and oceans, forms 
clouds, and falls back as rain, following a natural cycle.
Project 4.indd   84 16-06-2025   3.42.34 PM
Home Automation 85
AI-Powered Smart Cities
AI manages city transport, health, and 
energy for automation and enhanced 
e??ciency
Smart Homes & Robots
AI, sensors, Internet and Robots 
automate homes and devices
Electronic Devices and Computers
Electricity and computers enable 
automated elevators and calculators
Early Smart Machines
Automated machines like Jacquard 
Loom and Steam Engine
Mechanical Clocks
Clocks made with gears and springs for 
autonomous time display
Water Clocks & Sundials
Timekeeping by ??ow of water or 
position  of the sun
Figure 4.2: A journey of automation showing transformation 
from manual tasks into automated systems
y Animal Instincts: Birds migrate without Global Positioning 
System (GPS), generally used by humans. Flowers bloom at 
the right time, and bees build perfect honeycombs without 
being taught.
From our bodies to the natural world, automation has always 
existed. Humans have been inspired by automation in nature  
and made automated things to make life easier. For example,
y A thermostat is a device that automatically adjust the 
heating or cooling system, adjusts the temperature in a 
room, just like our body regulates heat by sweating when 
we are hot.
y A motion sensor turns on lights when someone enters in 
a room, just like the pupils of the eyes adjust to brightness 
automatically.
Humans have always been fascinated by making things that 
work automatically. Over the centuries, these have evolved from 
simple devices to complex machines. A journey of automation is 
shown in Figure 4.2.
Project 4.indd   85 16-06-2025   3.42.34 PM
Kaushal Bodh — Grade 8 86
In this project, you will learn how to build similar systems 
using simple electronics and a microcontroller. You will observe 
how a tiny sensor can detect movement, how a computer chip can 
think and send commands, and how a light or a fan acts on those 
commands. 
By exploring automation, you will learn about electronics and 
programming, and how these ideas can be used in your homes 
and classrooms to save energy and improve comfort. Enjoy the 
journey into this exciting world of innovative technology!
What will I be able to do?
By the end of this project, you will be able to: 
1. Identify electronic components used in automation 
systems.
2. Read and draw electronic circuits. 
3. Design an automation system for a home or a school.
4. Select appropriate sensors and programme them.
5. Install automation systems and test them. 
What will I need?
Figure 4.3: Electrical and electronic components
Electrical and Electronics Components
1. Breadboard: Metal strips inside the breadboard allow 
electronic components to be connected without soldering. 
This makes it possible to test circuits.  
Breadboard
9V Battery PCB Adapters Jumper wires
Arduino cable
DMM
Microcontroller
LCD Display
Buzzer
LED
Project 4.indd   86 16-06-2025   3.42.34 PM
Page 5


Home Automation 83
School Kitchen Garden
Project 1:
Home automation enables you to operate devices at home 
automatically with the help of technology. In this project, you will 
learn how to make electronic circuits and write simple programmes. 
As a part of the project, you will be able to:
Learn about 
electronic 
components 
and circuits 
Make simple 
programmes 
and circuits 
Select 
appropriate 
sensors 
Make an 
automation 
system and test it
Project 4
Home Automation 
Figure 4.1: Making things operate automatically using circuits and programmes
Project 4.indd   83 16-06-2025   3.42.33 PM
Kaushal Bodh — Grade 8 84
Automation means using technology to control everyday devices 
automatically. Instead of switching things on and off by hand, 
automation uses sensors, controllers and simple computer 
programmes to run these tasks independently (Figure 4.1).
Imagine a classroom where all students and teachers leave 
immediately after the final bell. The lights and fans often remain 
on because no one remembers to switch them off. This wastes 
electricity and increases electricity bills.
Automation can help in such situations. If the classroom has 
an automated power system with a motion sensor, the lights will 
automatically turn off when no motion is detected. This simple 
change can save energy and reduce costs. 
Another example of automation is an automatic garden 
irrigation system, where a moisture sensor is installed in the soil. 
When the soil becomes too dry, the sensor sends a signal to a 
water pump. The pump then automatically turns on and waters 
your plants. Once the soil has enough moisture, the system turns 
the pump off. This saves you from having to check the garden 
every day and helps conserve water by watering plants only 
when needed.
Automation is not a new idea— it has always been a part of our 
world. Nature had already perfected automation before humans 
started creating machines to automate tasks.
Look at the human body. Without thinking about it, your heart 
beats automatically to pump blood, your lungs breathe in oxygen 
and release carbon dioxide, and your stomach digests food after 
eating. All these functions happen without conscious effort, just 
like an automated machine. The body uses signals, such as nerve 
impulses and hormones, to decide when and how to act, just as an 
intelligent system uses sensors and controllers.
If we look around, nature itself is in automation mode. 
Like modern automation, nature follows systems that work 
independently, using signals and patterns.
y Sunrise and Sunset: The sun rises and sets daily without 
any action on our part.
y Water Cycle: Water evaporates from lakes and oceans, forms 
clouds, and falls back as rain, following a natural cycle.
Project 4.indd   84 16-06-2025   3.42.34 PM
Home Automation 85
AI-Powered Smart Cities
AI manages city transport, health, and 
energy for automation and enhanced 
e??ciency
Smart Homes & Robots
AI, sensors, Internet and Robots 
automate homes and devices
Electronic Devices and Computers
Electricity and computers enable 
automated elevators and calculators
Early Smart Machines
Automated machines like Jacquard 
Loom and Steam Engine
Mechanical Clocks
Clocks made with gears and springs for 
autonomous time display
Water Clocks & Sundials
Timekeeping by ??ow of water or 
position  of the sun
Figure 4.2: A journey of automation showing transformation 
from manual tasks into automated systems
y Animal Instincts: Birds migrate without Global Positioning 
System (GPS), generally used by humans. Flowers bloom at 
the right time, and bees build perfect honeycombs without 
being taught.
From our bodies to the natural world, automation has always 
existed. Humans have been inspired by automation in nature  
and made automated things to make life easier. For example,
y A thermostat is a device that automatically adjust the 
heating or cooling system, adjusts the temperature in a 
room, just like our body regulates heat by sweating when 
we are hot.
y A motion sensor turns on lights when someone enters in 
a room, just like the pupils of the eyes adjust to brightness 
automatically.
Humans have always been fascinated by making things that 
work automatically. Over the centuries, these have evolved from 
simple devices to complex machines. A journey of automation is 
shown in Figure 4.2.
Project 4.indd   85 16-06-2025   3.42.34 PM
Kaushal Bodh — Grade 8 86
In this project, you will learn how to build similar systems 
using simple electronics and a microcontroller. You will observe 
how a tiny sensor can detect movement, how a computer chip can 
think and send commands, and how a light or a fan acts on those 
commands. 
By exploring automation, you will learn about electronics and 
programming, and how these ideas can be used in your homes 
and classrooms to save energy and improve comfort. Enjoy the 
journey into this exciting world of innovative technology!
What will I be able to do?
By the end of this project, you will be able to: 
1. Identify electronic components used in automation 
systems.
2. Read and draw electronic circuits. 
3. Design an automation system for a home or a school.
4. Select appropriate sensors and programme them.
5. Install automation systems and test them. 
What will I need?
Figure 4.3: Electrical and electronic components
Electrical and Electronics Components
1. Breadboard: Metal strips inside the breadboard allow 
electronic components to be connected without soldering. 
This makes it possible to test circuits.  
Breadboard
9V Battery PCB Adapters Jumper wires
Arduino cable
DMM
Microcontroller
LCD Display
Buzzer
LED
Project 4.indd   86 16-06-2025   3.42.34 PM
Home Automation 87
2. Microcontroller: A microcontroller like Arduino Uno or 
Raspberry Pi can be programmed using a computer to 
control various devices, like  Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), 
buzzers, motors, and sensors.
3. Light Emitting Diode (LED): A small electronic component 
that emits light when electricity passes through it. It has 
two legs—the longer one is positive (anode) and the 
shorter one is negative (cathode). 
4. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Display: It is a small screen 
that can display 16 characters per row and has 2 rows, 
connected to Arduino with multiple wires. It is used to show 
messages, sensor readings, and data from an Arduino project. 
It requires a small potentiometer to adjust its brightness.
5. Buzzer: A tiny electronic component that produces a sound 
when electricity ??ows through it. They are commonly used 
in alarms, timers and noti??cation systems.
6. Battery: A portable power source that stores electrical 
energy and provides Direct Current (DC) power to circuits.
7. Printed Circuit Boards:  Hard boards made of insulating 
material with thin copper tracks. These tracks connect 
di??erent electronic components, like resistors, LEDs and 
microcontrollers, making a permanent circuit.
8. Adapters: Device that converts high-voltage AC power 
(from a wall socket) into low-voltage DC power that 
electronic devices like Arduino can use. It ensures a 
steady power supply and prevents damage to sensitive 
components. A common adapter for Arduino provides 9V 
or 12V DC output.
9. Arduino Cables: They are used to connect an Arduino 
board to a PC.
10. Jumper Wires: Small insulated wire used to connect 
components on a breadboard or circuit without soldering. 
It helps transfer electricity from one point to another.
11. Digital Multimeter (DMM): An electronic measuring tool 
used to check voltage, current, and resistance in electrical 
circuits. It is commonly used by engineers, electricians, 
and hobbyists to test and troubleshoot circuits.
Project 4.indd   87 16-06-2025   3.42.34 PM