IoT-Enabled Solar Electric Cart for Accessible and Sustainable Tourism

Abstract

Ashesi University is a premier destination for diverse visitors, including researchers, scholars, tourists, and industry professionals. However, challenges such as limited tour guides, weather-dependent accessibility, and expansive campus layouts often hinder seamless exploration. To address these issues, this project introduces a smart electric tour cart powered by solar energy and enhanced with IoT-driven automation. The proposed system combines renewable energy and advanced automation to deliver a sustainable, accessible, and interactive touring experience. Key features include GPS-enabled navigation, real-time location-based multilingual audio guidance, and IoT-triggered automation, making the system inclusive for all users, including individuals with disabilities. The cart incorporates a monocrystalline photovoltaic (PV) solar panel to enable on-the-go recharging, reducing reliance on traditional power sources and increasing operational runtime by 30%. Testing validated the cart's performance, achieving a 0.3-meter error margin in location recognition under optimal conditions and reducing CO₂ emissions by 420 kg annually. These results demonstrate its potential to revolutionize campus and recreational tourism, with scalable applications for amusement parks, industrial complexes, and other large venues.