Secure Step: IoT-Enabled Anti-Theft Flooring Mat for Home Security

A smart flooring mat-based theft detection system is proposed by integrating piezoelectric sensors and IoT technology to improve home security. Multiple piezoelectric sensor nodes are embedded in the mat prototype model for detecting and measuring pressure changes when it is subjected to force by an intruder. The sensor nodes generate an appropriate electrical signal which is directly proportional to the applied pressure. A NodeMCU microcontroller handles this digital data, generates alarm signals and transmits the same to a cloud platform via Wi-Fi module in real-time. Because of the usage of a cloud platform, it enables remote supervising of changes in pressure conditions and generates appropriate alerts to the authorized person in case of unauthorized access of an intruder. A web application is also used to provide users with suitable graphical visualization of real-time pressure data. In addition to this, the proposed prototype model has a local LCD display unit to display real-time status updates as "STATUS NORMAL" or "THEFT DETECTED" in accordance with the detected normal or abnormal pressure patterns. The security system guarantees compactness and energy competence to use it appropriate for remote or separate arrangements. The proposed system with sensor technology and IoT creates an active and practical solution to detect unauthorized intruders in homes, workplaces, and privileged areas. By the fusion of smart active sensors and cloud usage, the system establishes a practical methodology to improve automated surveillance and protection capabilities.