Implementation of a Smart Canteen System for a University Campus

The emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) in various fields has replaced the traditional methods. It has led to increased efficiency and effectiveness making tasks less cumbersome and our life much easier. Traditional canteen systems usually consist of manual tasks, involving paperwork and the need for human intervention. With the hectic lifestyle nowadays, people do not have much time to spend waiting in long queues. This paper thus presents a smart canteen system for a university campus using IoT. Usage of IoT in a smart canteen system enhances several processes. The system consists of a wireless menu ordering system using a Thin Film Transistor (TFT) screen, which can be installed at the canteen counter and which enables users to view and place their order. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is also used in the smart canteen system to provide improved access control and attendance management. Furthermore, the paper illustrates how various sensors installed in the canteen can help to detect food spoilage and gas leakage. The system also provides early warnings and alerts as a measure of providing increased safety and minimizing food wastage. A system prototype is presented in the paper.