INITIALIZING AURA
Harmonizing Robotics, IoT & Real-Time Intelligence
AURA automates ordering, kitchen communication, billing, and customer interaction - seamlessly reducing waiting times, elevating the experience, and maximizing operational efficiency.
AURA is an intelligent robotic dining assistant and integrated restaurant management platform designed to modernize the dine-in food service industry. It combines social robotics with IoT connectivity and a real-time software ecosystem.
Through AURA, guests can browse visual menus, customize and place orders instantly, track food preparation, and settle bills - all from their table. Orders transmit directly to the kitchen in real time, eliminating communication delays and human errors.
Robot physically turns toward the customer, fostering natural engagement
"Hey AURA, what are today's specials?" - hands-free ordering
AURA smiles for photos and provides branded digital frames
AURA goes beyond digital ordering - introducing advanced interactive hardware & software capabilities.
Physically turns to face you using advanced touch sensors for a truly personal experience.
Add items to your order or settle the bill in seconds — right from the table. No waiting for staff, ever.
Hands-free ordering — just say "Hey AURA" and let the future serve you.
Reads your mood in real-time to offer proactive and personalized assistance.
Mini-games, background music, and an automated Birthday Celebration mode.
A live look at AURA in action, and the 3D chassis design behind the build.
Moments from the build — prototyping, testing, and AURA coming to life.
A three-layer IoT architecture - robot nodes, messaging broker, and central intelligence.
High-Level Architecture
Complete Deployment Diagram
Circuit Diagram
From sit-down to kitchen notification - a seamless automated flow.
PIR motion sensor wakes AURA. Camera activates, OpenCV begins face detection, servos align toward the customer.
Touchscreen displays visual menus with categories and prices. Customers customize orders via touch or voice.
JSON-encoded order with table ID published to the MQTT broker instantly over Wi-Fi - zero manual steps.
Backend receives order via MQTT+WebSocket, stores in PostgreSQL, and pushes real-time updates to the kitchen display dashboard. AURA confirms with lights & voice.
Every tool, framework, and component powering the AURA ecosystem.
Core Technologies
Robot / Embedded
Communication
Backend & Cloud
AI / Vision / Voice
Frontend
Software Environment
Hardware Specifications
Final self-funded component cost breakdown for one AURA robotic unit.
| # | Item | Qty | Unit Price (LKR) | Total (LKR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 inch 800×480 HDMI TFT LCD Touch Screen | 1 | 9,950.00 | 9,950.00 |
| 2 | HDMI Cable | 1 | 1,400.00 | 1,400.00 |
| 3 | 0.96 inch 128×64 OLED Display Module | 2 | 600.00 | 1,200.00 |
| 4 | Servo Motor Metal Wheel MG90 Full Set | 2 | 580.00 | 1,160.00 |
| 5 | Servo Motor Driver 16-Channel PCA9685 I2C | 1 | 1,060.00 | 1,060.00 |
| 6 | 4 Ohm 5W Speaker 1.5 inch | 1 | 980.00 | 980.00 |
| 7 | USB Microphone Dongle Raspberry Pi PC | 1 | 850.00 | 850.00 |
| 8 | Stepper Motor + ULN2003 Driver (5V) | 1 | 595.00 | 595.00 |
| 9 | 5V 3A SMPS Power Adapter | 1 | 570.00 | 570.00 |
| 10 | TPA3118 BTL 60W Mono Digital Audio Amp | 1 | 520.00 | 520.00 |
| 11 | TTP223 1-Channel Digital Capacitive Touch | 5 | 60.00 | 300.00 |
| 12 | 2-Axis Servo Bracket (Camera Mount) | 1 | 270.00 | 270.00 |
| 13 | HDMI Jointer | 1 | 250.00 | 250.00 |
| 14 | 8-Channel Bi-Directional Logic Level Converter | 1 | 170.00 | 170.00 |
| 15 | DC Jack Barrel Connector Female | 1 | 30.00 | 30.00 |
| Previous Total (Incl. Pi & Camera) | 48,395.00 | |||
| Raspberry Pi 4B (8GB) - Dept. Provided | 1 | − 28,000.00 | ||
| Pi Camera Module (V2) - Dept. Provided | 1 | − 1,190.00 | ||
| Final Accurate Total (Your Cost) | 19,205.00 | |||
3rd-Year Computer Engineering undergraduates, University of Peradeniya.
Lecturer, Department of Computer Engineering
University of Peradeniya
Lecturer, Department of Computer Engineering
University of Peradeniya
Faculty of Engineering · University of Peradeniya · 2025 / 2026
