AI River-Cleaning Boat — Complete Project Documentation
This project combines an ESP32 autonomous surface boat, floating-waste collection mechanism, sensors, IoT telemetry , n8n automation, an AI agent, Telegram alerts/voice notifications, Google Sheets logging, and a ThingSpeak dashboard.
The ESP32 handles real-time sensing and motor control; n8n acts as the cloud automation/AI layer. ESP32 supports Wi-Fi station mode for Internet-connected IoT operation. Espressif Systems+1
1. Project objective
The boat is designed to:
-
Detect and collect floating plastic/waste.
-
Navigate autonomously along a predefined route.
-
Measure water/environment parameters.
-
Detect obstacles.
-
Monitor battery and motor status.
-
Send telemetry to an IoT cloud.
-
Log operating data in Google Sheets.
-
Use n8n to process sensor events.
-
Use an AI agent to interpret abnormal conditions.
-
Send Telegram text and voice alerts.
-
Provide a web dashboard.
-
Allow authorized remote commands.
-
Automatically stop when dangerous conditions are detected.
Example operating scenario
Boat starts
↓
ESP32 initializes sensors
↓
GPS + obstacle sensors checked
↓
Battery checked
↓
Motors start
↓
Autonomous navigation
↓
Floating waste detected
↓
Collector motor activated
↓
Waste collected
↓
Sensor data → n8n
↓
AI Agent analyzes status
↓
Google Sheets + ThingSpeak updated
↓
If abnormal:
↓
Telegram alert + voice notification
2. Overall system architecture
┌──────────────────────┐
│ RIVER / LAKE │
│ │
│ Floating Plastic │
│ Obstacles │
│ Water │
└──────────┬───────────┘
│
Sensors / Collector
│
┌──────────▼───────────┐
│ ESP32 │
│ │
│ GPS │
│ Ultrasonic/ToF │
│ Water sensors │
│ Battery monitor │
│ Motor control │
│ Collector control │
│ Wi-Fi │
└──────────┬───────────┘
│
HTTPS / JSON
│
┌───────────────▼───────────────┐
│ n8n │
│ Automation Server │
│ │
│ Webhook → Processing │
│ AI Agent → Decision support │
│ Google Sheets │
│ Telegram │
│ ThingSpeak │
└───────┬─────────┬─────────────┘
│ │
┌──────────▼───┐ ┌──▼─────────────┐
│ Google Sheets│ │ ThingSpeak │
│ Data logging │ │ IoT Dashboard │
└──────────────┘ └────────────────┘
│
┌────▼─────┐
│ Telegram │
│ │
│ Text │
│ Voice │
│ Commands │
└───────────┘
n8n is particularly suitable here because it provides workflow automation and AI capabilities and can connect applications through APIs. n8n Documentation
3. Major hardware components
Controller
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| ESP32 DevKit | Main controller |
| GPS module | Position/navigation |
| Ultrasonic/ToF sensors | Obstacle detection |
| IMU | Heading/orientation |
| Motor driver/ESC | Propulsion |
| DC motors/BLDC motors | Boat propulsion |
| Servo motors | Rudder/steering |
| Conveyor motor | Waste collection |
| Water-level sensor | Collector/bin monitoring |
| Current sensor | Motor/battery monitoring |
| Voltage divider | Battery measurement |
| Battery | Boat power |
| Solar panel | Optional charging |
| Buzzer/LED | Local warning |
| Waterproof enclosure | Electronics protection |
Recommended sensor arrangement
FRONT
↑
┌─────────────┐
│ GPS │
│ │
┌─────┴─────────────┴─────┐
│ │
LEFT │ ESP32 │ RIGHT
ToF ───►│ │◄── ToF
│ │
│ Battery Monitor │
│ IMU │
└────────────┬─────────────┘
│
Collection Area
│
┌────────▼────────┐
│ Conveyor / Net │
│ Waste Collector │
└─────────────────┘
│
┌──────▼──────┐
│ Waste Bin │
└─────────────┘
← Propulsion →
4. Electrical architecture
A practical design separates the motor power from the ESP32/sensor power.
MAIN BATTERY
12V / 24V
│
┌───────┴────────┐
│ │
▼ ▼
Motor Driver/ESC DC-DC Buck
│ │
▼ ▼
Propulsion 5V / 3.3V
Motors │
▼
ESP32
│
┌─────────────────────┼─────────────────┐
│ │ │ │ │
GPS IMU ToF Current Water
│ Sensor Sensor
Important: do not power large motors directly from the ESP32 5-V/3.3-V rail.
Use a suitable regulator and common ground, with appropriate fusing and waterproof connectors.
5. Example ESP32 pin assignment
This is an example—not a universal pinout. Adapt it to your exact ESP32 board and peripherals.
| ESP32 GPIO | Device |
|---|---|
| GPIO 16 | GPS RX |
| GPIO 17 | GPS TX |
| GPIO 21 | I²C SDA |
| GPIO 22 | I²C SCL |
| GPIO 25 | Left motor PWM |
| GPIO 26 | Right motor PWM |
| GPIO 27 | Collector motor |
| GPIO 32 | Battery ADC |
| GPIO 33 | Current sensor |
| GPIO 34 | Water-level input |
| GPIO 18 | Left obstacle sensor |
| GPIO 19 | Right obstacle sensor |
| GPIO 23 | Emergency-stop input |
| GPIO 2 | Status LED |
Keep ADC/input voltage limits in mind when designing the battery-voltage measurement circuit.
6. Schematic diagram
+----------------+
| BATTERY |
| 12/24 V |
+-------+--------+
|
+----------------+----------------+
| |
▼ ▼
+---------------+ +---------------+
| Motor Driver | | DC-DC Buck |
+-------+-------+ +-------+-------+
| |
+-----+-----+ |
| | ▼
▼ ▼ +-------------+
Left Motor Right Motor | ESP32 |
+------+------+
|
+----------------------+-------------------+----------------+
| | | | | |
▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼
GPS IMU ToF Current Water Collector
Module Sensor Sensors Sensor Sensor Motor
Motor-driver concept
ESP32 GPIO25 ─────► LEFT PWM ─────► Motor Driver ─────► Left Motor
ESP32 GPIO26 ─────► RIGHT PWM ────► Motor Driver ─────► Right Motor
ESP32 GPIO27 ─────► COLLECTOR ────► MOSFET/Driver ────► Conveyor Motor
ESP32 GND ─────────────────────────► Driver GND
Battery GND ───────────────────────► Common GND
For a higher-power boat, use properly rated marine/automotive motor drivers or ESCs rather than a small hobby driver.
7. Autonomous navigation concept
The navigation algorithm can use GPS waypoints.
START
│
▼
Read GPS position
│
▼
Calculate distance
to current waypoint
│
┌───────┴────────┐
│ │
Far away Reached
│ │
▼ ▼
Calculate heading Next waypoint
│ │
▼ │
Check obstacle │
│ │
┌─────┴─────┐ │
│ │ │
Clear Obstacle │
│ │ │
▼ ▼ │
Forward Avoidance │
│ │ │
└─────┬─────┘ │
│ │
└───────┬───────┘
▼
Continue route
For a prototype, waypoint navigation can use:
-
GPS position
-
Desired waypoint
-
Current heading
-
Heading error
-
Obstacle distance
The ESP32 should always retain local control authority. Cloud/AI commands should not directly control motors without safety checks.
8. AI-agent architecture
The AI should be an advisory/decision layer, not the only safety controller.
ESP32
│
│ sensor JSON
▼
n8n Webhook
│
▼
Validate JSON
│
▼
Calculate derived values
│
▼
AI Agent
│
├──► Normal
│
├──► Warning
│
├──► Critical
│
└──► Maintenance
│
▼
Decision
│
├─────────────► Google Sheets
│
├─────────────► ThingSpeak
│
└─────────────► Telegram
Example AI input:
{
"device_id": "RIVERBOAT_01",
"battery": 38,
"battery_voltage": 11.7,
"gps_lat": 17.385,
"gps_lon": 78.486,
"speed": 1.2,
"obstacle_distance": 2.8,
"collector_current": 1.7,
"waste_bin_level": 72,
"water_level": 0.4,
"motor_temperature": 48,
"status": "RUNNING"
}
AI output should be structured:
{
"severity": "WARNING",
"summary": "Battery is approaching the configured return threshold.",
"recommended_action": "RETURN_TO_BASE",
"send_alert": true,
"reason": "Battery is below the configured operating threshold."
}
Do not allow an AI model to bypass hard-coded emergency conditions.
9. n8n master workflow
┌─────────────┐
│ ESP32 │
└──────┬──────┘
│
▼
┌─────────────┐
│ Webhook │
└──────┬──────┘
▼
┌─────────────┐
│ Validate │
│ JSON │
└──────┬──────┘
▼
┌─────────────┐
│ Normalize │
│ Data │
└──────┬──────┘
▼
┌─────────────┐
│ AI Agent │
└──────┬──────┘
│
┌──────────┼───────────┐
▼ ▼ ▼
Normal Warning Critical
│ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼
ThingSpeak Telegram Telegram
│ │ Voice/Text
▼ ▼ │
Google Sheets Sheets ▼
│ Action
└──────────┬────────────┘
▼
Response
│
▼
ESP32
n8n has built-in Telegram support for sending messages and other Telegram operations. n8n Documentation
10. ESP32 → n8n communication
Use an HTTPS POST request.
Example endpoint
POST https://YOUR-N8N-DOMAIN/webhook/riverboat
Example JSON
{
"device_id": "RIVERBOAT_01",
"timestamp": 1720000000,
"latitude": 17.385044,
"longitude": 78.486671,
"battery_voltage": 12.1,
"battery_percent": 65,
"speed": 1.3,
"heading": 92,
"obstacle_left": 4.2,
"obstacle_right": 6.8,
"waste_level": 58,
"collector_current": 1.2,
"temperature": 42,
"mode": "AUTO"
}
11. ESP32 Arduino firmware
Below is a working architectural starting point rather than a finished marine-certified controller.
#include <WiFi.h>
#include <HTTPClient.h>
#include <ArduinoJson.h>
const char* WIFI_SSID = "YOUR_WIFI";
const char* WIFI_PASS = "YOUR_PASSWORD";
const char* N8N_URL =
"https://YOUR-N8N-DOMAIN/webhook/riverboat";
#define LEFT_MOTOR_PIN 25
#define RIGHT_MOTOR_PIN 26
#define COLLECTOR_PIN 27
#define BATTERY_PIN 32
#define CURRENT_PIN 33
#define EMERGENCY_PIN 23
unsigned long lastSend = 0;
void connectWiFi()
{
WiFi.begin(WIFI_SSID, WIFI_PASS);
Serial.print("Connecting");
while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED)
{
delay(500);
Serial.print(".");
}
Serial.println();
Serial.println("WiFi connected");
Serial.println(WiFi.localIP());
}
float readBatteryVoltage()
{
int raw = analogRead(BATTERY_PIN);
// Replace with calibration for your voltage-divider circuit.
float voltage = (raw / 4095.0) * 3.3;
// Example divider correction:
voltage *= 4.0;
return voltage;
}
float readCurrent()
{
int raw = analogRead(CURRENT_PIN);
// Replace with calibration for your current sensor.
float voltage = (raw / 4095.0) * 3.3;
return voltage;
}
void stopBoat()
{
ledcWrite(0, 0);
ledcWrite(1, 0);
digitalWrite(COLLECTOR_PIN, LOW);
}
void sendTelemetry()
{
if (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED)
{
connectWiFi();
}
float battery = readBatteryVoltage();
float current = readCurrent();
StaticJsonDocument<1024> doc;
doc["device_id"] = "RIVERBOAT_01";
doc["battery_voltage"] = battery;
doc["current_sensor"] = current;
doc["mode"] = "AUTO";
doc["emergency"] = digitalRead(EMERGENCY_PIN) == LOW;
// Replace these placeholders with real sensor readings.
doc["latitude"] = 17.385044;
doc["longitude"] = 78.486671;
doc["speed"] = 1.2;
doc["heading"] = 90;
doc["obstacle_left"] = 5.0;
doc["obstacle_right"] = 5.0;
doc["waste_level"] = 40;
String payload;
serializeJson(doc, payload);
HTTPClient http;
http.begin(N8N_URL);
http.addHeader("Content-Type", "application/json");
int response = http.POST(payload);
Serial.print("n8n response: ");
Serial.println(response);
http.end();
}
void setup()
{
Serial.begin(115200);
pinMode(COLLECTOR_PIN, OUTPUT);
pinMode(EMERGENCY_PIN, INPUT_PULLUP);
ledcAttach(LEFT_MOTOR_PIN, 1000, 8);
ledcAttach(RIGHT_MOTOR_PIN, 1000, 8);
connectWiFi();
stopBoat();
}
void loop()
{
if (digitalRead(EMERGENCY_PIN) == LOW)
{
stopBoat();
Serial.println("EMERGENCY STOP");
delay(1000);
return;
}
if (millis() - lastSend > 15000)
{
lastSend = millis();
sendTelemetry();
}
delay(20);
}
The current Arduino ESP32 documentation is based on Arduino-ESP32 3.3.12 / ESP-IDF 5.5, so check the installed core version when adapting PWM/API calls. Espressif Systems
12. n8n Webhook workflow
Create:
Webhook
↓
Code / Edit Fields
↓
IF – Safety Check
↓
AI Agent
↓
Switch – Severity
Webhook
Method:
POST
Path:
riverboat
Expected input:
{
"device_id": "RIVERBOAT_01",
"battery_voltage": 12.1,
"battery_percent": 65,
"obstacle_left": 4.2,
"obstacle_right": 6.8,
"waste_level": 58,
"mode": "AUTO"
}
13. n8n safety workflow
Use deterministic rules before the AI agent.
Sensor Data
│
▼
Battery < 20%?
/ \
YES NO
│ │
▼ ▼
CRITICAL Obstacle < 1m?
/ \
YES NO
│ │
▼ ▼
CRITICAL AI Agent
Example n8n Code node:
const d = $json;
let severity = "NORMAL";
if (d.battery_percent !== undefined &&
d.battery_percent < 20) {
severity = "CRITICAL";
}
if (d.obstacle_left !== undefined &&
d.obstacle_left < 1.0) {
severity = "CRITICAL";
}
if (d.obstacle_right !== undefined &&
d.obstacle_right < 1.0) {
severity = "CRITICAL";
}
if (d.waste_level !== undefined &&
d.waste_level > 90) {
severity = "WARNING";
}
return [{
json: {
...d,
safety_severity: severity
}
}];
14. AI Agent prompt
Use an AI agent only after deterministic safety processing.
You are the monitoring assistant for an autonomous river-cleaning boat.
Your job is to analyze telemetry and report operational conditions.
Rules:
1. Never override emergency-stop conditions.
2. Never claim that a dangerous condition is safe.
3. Do not invent sensor values.
4. Use only the supplied telemetry.
5. Identify battery, obstacle, motor, collector and communication problems.
6. Return valid JSON.
7. If a critical deterministic safety flag is present, report CRITICAL.
8. Recommend stopping or returning to base when appropriate.
9. Do not directly authorize unsafe motor operation.
Return:
{
"severity": "NORMAL|WARNING|CRITICAL",
"summary": "...",
"recommended_action": "...",
"send_alert": true,
"reason": "..."
}
15. Google Sheets database
Create a spreadsheet:
RiverBoat_Logs
Columns:
Timestamp
Device_ID
Latitude
Longitude
Battery_Voltage
Battery_Percent
Speed
Heading
Obstacle_Left
Obstacle_Right
Waste_Level
Collector_Current
Motor_Temperature
Mode
AI_Severity
AI_Summary
Action
Workflow:
ESP32
↓
n8n Webhook
↓
Data processing
↓
Google Sheets → Append Row
This creates a historical operational database without requiring a dedicated SQL server.
16. ThingSpeak dashboard
Create a ThingSpeak channel with fields such as:
Field 1 = Battery %
Field 2 = Speed
Field 3 = Waste %
Field 4 = Obstacle Distance
Field 5 = Motor Temperature
Field 6 = Collector Current
Field 7 = Latitude
Field 8 = Longitude
ThingSpeak provides REST APIs for writing and reading channel data. MathWorks+1
An update can use:
https://api.thingspeak.com/update
with parameters such as:
api_key=YOUR_WRITE_KEY
field1=65
field2=1.2
field3=58
field4=4.2
field5=42
field6=1.2
ThingSpeak documents both GET and POST methods for channel updates. MathWorks
n8n flow
Webhook
↓
Edit Fields
↓
HTTP Request
↓
ThingSpeak
17. Telegram notification system
Telegram can operate as the human interface.
TELEGRAM
│
┌───────────┴───────────┐
│ │
Commands Alerts
│ │
▼ ▼
Telegram Trigger n8n
│ │
▼ ▼
AI Agent Message/Voice
│
▼
ESP32/API
Telegram's Bot API supports HTTP-based bot communication, including webhooks and sendVoice for voice messages. Telegram
18. Telegram commands
Useful commands:
/start
/status
/location
/battery
/waste
/stop
/resume
/auto
/manual
/collector
/return
/help
Example:
/status
Response:
🚤 RIVERBOAT STATUS
Mode: AUTO
Battery: 65%
Speed: 1.2 m/s
Waste bin: 58%
Obstacle: 4.2 m
Collector: RUNNING
GPS: Available
System: NORMAL
19. Telegram voice alert
Example event:
Battery < configured threshold
↓
n8n
↓
AI analysis
↓
CRITICAL
↓
Generate voice message
↓
Telegram sendVoice
Example spoken message:
“River Boat warning. Battery level is low. The boat should return to the charging station.”
The exact voice-generation service can be selected according to your deployment; n8n then sends the resulting audio through Telegram.
20. Telegram emergency conversation
User
/status
Bot
🚤 Boat Status
Mode: AUTO
Battery: 71%
Waste: 43%
Obstacle: 3.8 m
GPS: OK
System: NORMAL
User
/waste
Bot
🗑 Waste collection
Container: 43%
Collector motor: ON
Estimated remaining capacity: 57%
Automatic alert
🚨 RIVERBOAT ALERT
Battery: 18%
Status: CRITICAL
Action: RETURN_TO_BASE
Reason:
Battery has crossed the configured return threshold.
21. AI Telegram agent
A more advanced architecture is:
Telegram User
│
▼
Telegram Trigger
│
▼
AI Agent
/ | \
/ | \
Status Sensors Control
Tool Tool Tool
│ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼
Google ThingSpeak n8n/API
Sheets
The AI agent can answer:
User:
"What is the boat doing?"
Agent:
"The boat is operating in AUTO mode,
travelling at 1.2 m/s. Battery is 65%.
The collector is active and the waste
container is approximately 58% full."
For control commands, implement authorization and deterministic safety checks.
22. Web IoT dashboard
A simple dashboard can contain:
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ AI RIVER CLEANING BOAT │
├───────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ Battery 65% 🟢 │
│ Speed 1.2 m/s │
│ Waste 58% │
│ Motor Temperature 42 °C │
│ │
│ GPS │
│ ┌───────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ BOAT ● │ │
│ │ │ │
│ └───────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ System: NORMAL │
│ Collector: ON │
│ Navigation: AUTO │
│ │
├───────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Latest AI Message │
│ "Boat operating normally." │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────┘
23. Webpage architecture
ESP32
│
├──────────────► n8n
│ │
│ ├────► Google Sheets
│ │
│ ├────► ThingSpeak
│ │
│ └────► AI
│
└────► Optional direct API
Browser
│
▼
Dashboard API
│
▼
Latest boat state
The dashboard should display:
-
Current GPS position
-
Battery
-
Speed
-
Heading
-
Waste level
-
Obstacle distance
-
Motor temperature
-
Collector state
-
Connection state
-
AI status
-
Last update
-
Route
-
Alerts
24. Waste collection mechanism
One practical arrangement is a front conveyor.
BOAT MOVEMENT
↑
│
Floating waste
○ □ △
\ | /
\ | /
┌─────▼──────┐
│ Collection │
│ ramp │
└─────┬──────┘
│
╔═════▼═════╗
║ CONVEYOR ║
║ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ║
╚═════╤═════╝
│
▼
┌───────────┐
│ Waste Bin │
└───────────┘
The conveyor should be physically isolated from the propellers.
25. Collector control algorithm
Read waste detection
│
▼
Waste detected?
/ \
NO YES
│ │
▼ ▼
Continue Start conveyor
navigation │
▼
Monitor current
│
┌────────┴────────┐
│ │
Normal current Excess current
│ │
▼ ▼
Continue Stop conveyor
│
▼
Send alert
Current monitoring is important because a jammed conveyor can damage the motor or wiring.
26. Autonomous obstacle avoidance
Example:
FRONT
LEFT CENTER RIGHT
Sensor Sensor Sensor
│ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼
4m 0.7m 5m
X
OBSTACLE
↓
Stop / turn right
Simple logic:
if (centerDistance < 1.0) {
stopBoat();
if (leftDistance > rightDistance) {
turnLeft();
} else {
turnRight();
}
}
For a real river environment, don't rely on one ultrasonic sensor. Water reflections, waves, vegetation, floating objects and environmental conditions can produce unreliable readings.
27. Navigation state machine
┌──────────────┐
│ START │
└──────┬───────┘
▼
┌──────────────┐
│ SELF TEST │
└──────┬───────┘
▼
┌──────────────┐
│ GPS ACQUIRED │
└──────┬───────┘
▼
┌──────────────┐
│ AUTO NAV │◄─────────────┐
└──────┬───────┘ │
│ │
┌────────────┼─────────────┐ │
▼ ▼ ▼ │
OBSTACLE LOW BATTERY BIN FULL │
│ │ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼ │
AVOID RETURN HOME RETURN │
│ │ │ │
└────────────┴─────────────┘ │
│ │
▼ │
SAFE STATE ────────────────┘
28. Data flow
Sensors
│
▼
ESP32
│
├── Navigation
├── Motor control
├── Safety
└── Telemetry
│
▼
HTTPS
│
▼
n8n
│
┌────┼────┐
▼ ▼ ▼
AI Sheets ThingSpeak
│
▼
Telegram
29. Example n8n workflows
Workflow A — Telemetry
Webhook
↓
Validate
↓
Edit Fields
↓
Google Sheets
↓
HTTP Request → ThingSpeak
↓
Respond to Webhook
Workflow B — AI monitoring
Webhook
↓
Safety Rules
↓
AI Agent
↓
Switch
├── NORMAL → Log
├── WARNING → Telegram
└── CRITICAL → Telegram + Voice
Workflow C — Telegram commands
Telegram Trigger
↓
Extract command
↓
Switch
├── /status
├── /location
├── /battery
├── /stop
├── /return
└── /collector
↓
Authorization
↓
Safety validation
↓
ESP32 command API
↓
Telegram response
30. ESP32 command API
You can expose a secure command endpoint through your cloud architecture rather than exposing the ESP32 directly to the Internet.
Example commands:
{
"command": "RETURN_TO_BASE",
"device_id": "RIVERBOAT_01",
"request_id": "abc123"
}
Possible command set:
STOP
START
AUTO
MANUAL
RETURN_TO_BASE
COLLECTOR_ON
COLLECTOR_OFF
STATUS
The ESP32 should validate every command.
For example:
if (command == "STOP") {
stopBoat();
}
But:
if (command == "START") {
if (batteryOK &&
gpsOK &&
obstacleSystemOK &&
!emergencyStop) {
startBoat();
}
}
31. Security architecture
Never put these directly into publicly visible firmware:
Telegram Bot Token
n8n credentials
Google credentials
AI API key
ThingSpeak write key
Instead:
ESP32
│
│ HTTPS
▼
n8n
│
├── Credentials
├── AI API
├── Telegram token
├── Google credentials
└── ThingSpeak key
Use HTTPS and authentication for the webhook.
Telegram also supports webhook secret tokens for authenticating webhook requests. Telegram
32. Failure handling
The boat should continue safely even when the Internet disappears.
Internet lost
│
▼
ESP32
│
┌───────────┴───────────┐
│ │
Sensors Internet
│ │
▼ X
Local control unavailable
│
▼
Safe operating mode
Recommended behavior:
| Failure | Response |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi lost | Continue local safety logic |
| GPS lost | Reduce/stop autonomous navigation |
| Low battery | Return/stop |
| Motor overcurrent | Stop affected motor |
| Collector jam | Stop collector |
| Bin full | Stop collection/return |
| Obstacle detected | Avoid/stop |
| ESP32 watchdog reset | Motors default OFF |
| Emergency button | Immediate motor stop |
33. Watchdog and failsafe concept
ESP32
│
Watchdog timer
│
┌─────▼─────┐
│ Main loop │
└─────┬─────┘
│
heartbeat OK?
/ \
YES NO
│ │
▼ ▼
Continue Reset/SAFE
│
▼
Motors OFF
Motor drivers should also be arranged so that a loss of control signal produces a safe state.
34. Suggested project directory
AI-River-Cleaning-Boat/
│
├── firmware/
│ ├── riverboat.ino
│ ├── config.h
│ ├── navigation.cpp
│ ├── navigation.h
│ ├── sensors.cpp
│ ├── sensors.h
│ ├── motors.cpp
│ ├── motors.h
│ └── telemetry.cpp
│
├── n8n/
│ ├── telemetry-workflow.json
│ ├── telegram-workflow.json
│ └── ai-monitor-workflow.json
│
├── dashboard/
│ ├── index.html
│ ├── style.css
│ └── app.js
│
├── documentation/
│ ├── architecture.md
│ ├── wiring.md
│ ├── installation.md
│ └── testing.md
│
└── README.md
35. Software installation
For ESP32:
-
Install Arduino IDE.
-
Install ESP32 board support.
-
Select your ESP32 board.
-
Install required libraries.
-
Configure Wi-Fi.
-
Configure n8n endpoint.
-
Upload firmware.
-
Open Serial Monitor.
-
Verify Wi-Fi.
-
Verify telemetry.
Espressif's official documentation provides the current Arduino-ESP32 installation and API references. Espressif Systems+1
Required libraries can include:
WiFi
HTTPClient
ArduinoJson
Wire
TinyGPSPlus
depending on the sensors and navigation hardware selected.
36. n8n setup
Deploy n8n using either:
n8n Cloud
or
Self-hosted n8n
│
▼
Docker / VPS
Create credentials for:
Google Sheets
Telegram
AI provider
Then create:
Webhook → Processing → AI → Sheets → ThingSpeak → Telegram
n8n provides both cloud and self-hosting options in its documentation. n8n Documentation
37. Testing procedure
Do not begin testing in a river.
Stage 1 — Bench
Test:
ESP32
↓
Sensors
↓
Motor driver
↓
Telemetry
Stage 2 — Motors unloaded
Verify:
Forward
Reverse
Left
Right
Stop
Collector ON/OFF
Emergency STOP
Stage 3 — Dry-land obstacle tests
Test sensor behavior.
Stage 4 — Controlled water tank
Test:
Buoyancy
Waterproofing
Propulsion
Collector
Battery
GPS
Stage 5 — Controlled outdoor water
Use a supervised environment.
Stage 6 — River deployment
Only after:
Emergency stop ✓
GPS ✓
Obstacle detection ✓
Battery monitoring ✓
Communication ✓
Failsafe ✓
Waterproofing ✓
Manual recovery ✓
38. Test cases
| Test | Expected result |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi disconnected | Local safety remains active |
| Battery low | Return/stop |
| Obstacle < threshold | Boat avoids/stops |
| Bin full | Collector stops |
| Conveyor jam | Overcurrent detected |
| GPS unavailable | Autonomous mode restricted |
| Emergency switch | Motors immediately stop |
| n8n unavailable | ESP32 remains safe |
| Telegram unavailable | Boat remains safe |
| AI unavailable | Deterministic safety still works |
| ESP32 reboot | Motors start OFF |
| Sensor disconnected | Fault detected |
39. Complete system sequence
POWER ON
│
▼
ESP32 BOOT
│
▼
SELF TEST
│
├── FAIL ──► SAFE MODE
│
▼
GPS + SENSOR CHECK
│
▼
CONNECT Wi-Fi
│
▼
START TELEMETRY
│
▼
AUTO NAVIGATION
│
▼
SCAN FOR OBSTACLES
│
├── Obstacle ──► AVOID
│
▼
SCAN FOR WASTE
│
├── Waste ──► COLLECTOR ON
│
▼
MONITOR BATTERY
│
├── Low ──► RETURN
│
▼
SEND DATA TO n8n
│
▼
AI ANALYSIS
│
├── Normal
├── Warning ──► Telegram
└── Critical ─► Voice + Telegram
│
▼
Google Sheets
│
▼
ThingSpeak
│
▼
CONTINUE MISSION
40. Key design principle
The most important architectural separation is:
SAFETY
▲
│
ESP32 LOCAL
│
┌──────────┴──────────┐
│ │
Motor control Sensors
│ │
└──────────┬──────────┘
│
TELEMETRY
│
▼
n8n
│
AI AGENT
│
┌───────────┼───────────┐
▼ ▼ ▼
Telegram Sheets ThingSpeak
AI/n8n should enhance monitoring and automation; it should not be the sole mechanism preventing a collision, runaway boat, motor failure, or unsafe operation.
ThingSpeak's REST interface is appropriate for telemetry, while Telegram's Bot API provides the messaging/voice-alert layer. MathWorks+1
<h2 dir="ltr">Project<?marker name="assistant-pending-38d85a97-3f2d-43f9-82fb-292b06f577fc-pending-tail"?>
Summary</h2>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>AI River Cleaning Boat with Autonomous Navigation</strong> is an IoT-based floating robotic<?marker name="assistant-pending-38d85a97-3f2d-43f9-82fb-292b06f577fc-pending-tail"?>
system built around an <strong>ESP32</strong>. It autonomously navigates waterways, detects obstacles, collects floating waste, monitors its own condition, and sends<?marker name="assistant-pending-38d85a97-3f2d-43f9-82fb-292b06f577fc-pending-tail"?>
<?marker name="assistant-pending-38d85a97-3f2d-43f9-82fb-292b06f577fc-pending-tail"?>
telemetry to a cloud automation system.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Core architecture</h3>
<pre dir="ltr"><code>Sensors
↓
ESP32
├── GPS navigation
├── Obstacle detection
├── Battery monitoring
├── Motor control
└── Waste collection
↓
Wi-Fi/HTTPS
↓
n8n
↓
AI Agent
┌────┼─────┐
↓ ↓ ↓
Telegram Sheets ThingSpeak
</code><!--portal--><!--comp--><!--/comp--><!--/portal--></pre>
<h3 dir="ltr">Main hardware</h3>
<ul>
<li>
<p dir="ltr">ESP32</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr">GPS module</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr">Ultrasonic/ToF obstacle sensors</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr">IMU<?marker name="assistant-pending-38d85a97-3f2d-43f9-82fb-292b06f577fc-pending-tail"?>
</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr">Motor driver/ESC</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr">Propulsion motors</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr">Conveyor/collection motor<?marker name="assistant-pending-38d85a97-3f2d-43f9-82fb-292b06f577fc-pending-tail"?>
</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr">Waste bin</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr">Battery + DC-DC converter</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr">Current/voltage sensors</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr">Emergency-stop switch</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr">Waterproof electronics enclosure</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Main software</h3>
<ul>
<li>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>ESP32 Arduino firmware</strong> — sensors, navigation, motors and safety</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>n8n</strong> — automation and integration</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>AI Agent</strong> — telemetry analysis and recommendations</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Telegram Bot</strong> — status, commands and alerts</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Google Sheets</strong> — historical data logging</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>ThingSpeak</strong> — IoT telemetry dashboard</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Web dashboard</strong> — live boat status</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Automation</h3>
<pre dir="ltr"><code>ESP32 telemetry
↓
n8n Webhook
↓
Safety checks
↓
AI analysis
↓
┌─────┼─────────┐
↓ ↓ ↓
Normal Warning Critical
↓ ↓
Telegram Telegram
+ Voice
↓
Google Sheets
↓
ThingSpeak
</code><!--portal--><!--comp--><!--/comp--><!--/portal--></pre>
<h3 dir="ltr">Important safety concept</h3>
<p dir="ltr">The <strong>ESP32 remains responsible for real-time safety</strong>. AI and n8n should not be trusted as the sole<?marker name="assistant-pending-38d85a97-3f2d-43f9-82fb-292b06f577fc-pending-tail"?>
<?marker name="assistant-pending-38d85a97-3f2d-43f9-82fb-292b06f577fc-pending-tail"?>
emergency-control mechanism.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Examples:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p dir="ltr">Low battery → return/stop</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr">Obstacle too close → stop/avoid</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr">Conveyor jam → stop collector</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr">Full waste bin → stop collection</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr">GPS failure → restrict autonomous operation</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr">Emergency switch → immediate motor shutdown</p>
</li>
<li>
<p dir="ltr">Internet failure → local ESP32 failsafe continues</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Final project workflow</h3>
<pre dir="ltr"><code>POWER ON
↓
SELF TEST
↓
GPS/SENSOR CHECK
↓
AUTONOMOUS NAVIGATION
↓
OBSTACLE DETECTION
↓
WASTE DETECTION
↓
COLLECT WASTE
↓
SEND TELEMETRY
↓
n8n + AI AGENT
↓
Sheets + ThingSpeak
↓
Telegram/Voice Alerts
↓
CONTINUE / RETURN TO BASE
</code><!--portal--><!--comp--><!--/comp--><!--/portal--></pre>
<p dir="ltr">This gives<?marker name="assistant-pending-38d85a97-3f2d-43f9-82fb-292b06f577fc-pending-tail"?>
you a complete <strong>ESP32 + Autonomous Boat + IoT + n8n + AI Agent + Telegram + Google Sheets + ThingSpeak</strong> project architecture suitable<?marker name="assistant-pending-38d85a97-3f2d-43f9-82fb-292b06f577fc-pending-tail"?>
for turning into a prototype, academic project, or final-year engineering project.</p>
<p> </p>
AI River Cleaning Boat — Mind Map
🚤 AI RIVER CLEANING BOAT
│
┌─────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────┐
│ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼
🤖 HARDWARE 🧠 SOFTWARE ☁️ CLOUD/IoT
│ │ │
├─ ESP32 ├─ Arduino IDE ├─ n8n
├─ GPS ├─ ESP32 Firmware ├─ AI Agent
├─ IMU ├─ Navigation ├─ ThingSpeak
├─ ToF/Ultrasonic ├─ Sensor Processing ├─ Google Sheets
├─ Battery Sensor ├─ Motor Control └─ Web Dashboard
├─ Current Sensor └─ Safety Logic
├─ Motor Driver
├─ Propulsion Motors
├─ Collector Motor
└─ Waste Bin
│
▼
🧭 AUTONOMOUS NAVIGATION
│
┌────────┼────────┐
│ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼
GPS Heading Waypoints
│ │ │
└────────┼────────┘
▼
Obstacle Avoidance
│
┌────────┴────────┐
▼ ▼
Clear Obstacle
│ │
▼ ▼
Forward Stop / Turn
┌─────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────┐
│ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼
🗑️ WASTE COLLECTION 📡 TELEMETRY 🚨 SAFETY
│ │ │
├─ Waste detection ├─ Battery ├─ Emergency stop
├─ Conveyor ├─ GPS ├─ Low battery
├─ Motor ├─ Speed ├─ Obstacle
├─ Collection ramp ├─ Heading ├─ Motor overcurrent
└─ Waste-level sensor ├─ Waste level ├─ GPS failure
└─ Temperature └─ Communication loss
│
▼
HTTPS / JSON
│
▼
n8n
│
┌──────────────┼──────────────┐
│ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼
Safety Rules AI Agent Data Processing
│ │ │
└──────────────┼──────────────┘
│
┌───────────────────┼───────────────────┐
│ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼
📱 TELEGRAM 📊 GOOGLE SHEETS 📈 THINGSPEAK
│ │ │
├─ Status ├─ Telemetry ├─ Dashboard
├─ Alerts ├─ GPS ├─ Battery
├─ Voice ├─ Battery ├─ Speed
├─ /stop ├─ Waste ├─ Waste
├─ /status └─ AI events └─ Temperature
├─ /return
└─ /battery
│
▼
🌐 WEB DASHBOARD
│
┌──────────────┼──────────────┐
▼ ▼ ▼
GPS Map Live Status Alerts
│ │ │
└──────────────┼──────────────┘
▼
👨💻 HUMAN OPERATOR
│
Monitor / Command
│
▼
BOAT
Core idea
ESP32 = real-time control + safety
n8n = automation + integration
AI Agent = intelligent telemetry interpretation
Telegram = operator communication
Google Sheets = historical records
ThingSpeak = IoT visualization
Web Dashboard = centralized monitoring
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