Development of an IoT device for controlled ambient fragrance using native essences: a replicable model of local innovation

Abstract

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and implementation of an IoT system for the automated and controlled diffusion of essential oils extracted from native and adapted plant species of the Ricaurte parish, Ecuador. The project addresses the limitations of current commercial devices, which depend on imported synthetic fragrances, lack flexible scheduling, and require internet connectivity, restricting their use in rural areas or off-grid spaces. The proposed system integrates low-cost hardware based on the ESP32-WROOM-32 microcontroller, stable control logic through exclusive Bluetooth communication, and local botanical resources from seven plant species with scientifically validated aromatic and therapeutic properties. A fully functional prototype was developed with two operating modes manual and automatic capable of humidifying a standard 3 × 3 m office in 10 minutes with an energy consumption of only 0.54 Wh, equivalent to an efficiency of 0.020 Wh/m³ that remains constant regardless of room size. Total manufacturing cost was below 10% of the market price of comparable commercial devices, and artisanal essential oil extraction costs represented less than 15% of imported inputs. Results demonstrate that it is possible to develop useful, affordable, and context-adapted technological solutions, contributing to the fulfillment of Sustainable Development Goals 4, 7, 8, 11, and 13, and showing that innovation grounded in local resources can generate real, replicable, and sustainable community impact.