Design and Development of an IoT-based Water Level and Quality Monitoring System as a Mechatronics Learning Tool at Makassar Aviation Polytechnic

Abstract

Hands-on learning tools that integrate Internet of Things (IoT) technology remain limited in vocational aviation education, often restricting students to theoretical instruction without sufficient practical exposure. To address this gap, this study presents the design and development of an IoT-based water-level and quality-monitoring system as an interactive learning medium for the Mechatronics course at the Makassar Aviation Polytechnic. The system integrates three key sensors: an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor for water level measurement, a pH-4502C sensor for acidity detection, and a TDS sensor for dissolved solids analysis. Data from all sensors was processed by a NodeMCU ESP32 microcontroller, displayed locally on a 20×4 LCD, and transmitted in real time to the Thinger.io platform via Wi-Fi, enabling both local and remote monitoring. The research followed a Research and Development (R&D) methodology using a waterfall model, encompassing needs analysis, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. Validation was conducted by comparing the instrument with standard instruments under identical conditions. Results showed average error rates of 4.38% for the ultrasonic sensor, 4.69% for the pH sensor, and 1.76% for the TDS sensor, indicating high measurement accuracy. The findings demonstrate that the developed system not only offers a reliable solution for real-time water monitoring but also functions as an effective pedagogical tool, strengthening students’ competencies in sensor integration, microcontroller programming, and IoT-based communication. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, the system enhances student preparedness for Industry 4.0 and supports the advancement of technology-driven aviation education.