Top Computer Vision Projects You Should Try in 2025

Computer vision has become one of the most exciting areas of technology, with the ability to turn everyday objects into smart, responsive tools. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a budding inventor, these computer vision projects can inspire you to dive into the world of automation, robotics, and real-time object detection.

In this blog post, we’ll explore 20 amazing computer vision projects that you can try. From robotic arms that can pick up objects to AI-powered cameras that recognize real-time images, there’s something for everyone in this list. So let’s jump right into it!

1. Build a Robotic Arm That Sorts Colored Balls

Ever wondered how robotic arms work? This project demonstrates how to build a robotic arm capable of picking up and sorting objects. Using an open manipulator X robotic arm and a standard USB camera, the robot detects colored balls, calculates their position, and sorts them accordingly. The key to this project is the use of forward and inverse kinematics to accurately move the arm and sort the objects based on color.

2. AI-Powered Animatronic with Face Detection

This innovative project brings animatronics to life by combining face detection with realistic eye movement. Inspired by the TV show “Love, Death, and Robots,” this robot uses an Nvidia Jetson for face tracking and Raspberry Pi for additional interactions. The real-time tracking makes the robot feel almost lifelike, especially when it turns its head to follow you around a room.

3. Ball Balancing Robot Keeping Things in Place

A ball balancing robot is a fun and practical application of computer vision. By using a camera to detect the ball’s position, the robot constantly adjusts the surface’s tilt to keep the ball centered. This project uses real-time image processing and simple algorithms to track the ball’s coordinates, making it a fascinating project for anyone interested in motion control and automation.

4. Wearable Spectacles for Speech Impairment

Helping people communicate is always a great challenge, and this project offers a smart solution. The wearable device detects hand symbols and converts them into audible speech in real-time. By using a small camera embedded in a pair of 3D printed spectacles, this device processes hand gestures through machine learning models and translates them into words.

5. Alert System for Boss Detection (Raspberry Pi)

Do you ever feel paranoid about your boss walking in while you’re gaming? This Raspberry Pi-based project alerts you when someone enters your workspace. The device uses a camera and motion detection to identify when someone is in the frame. The system then sends an alert via an LED and dial indicator, notifying you of the situation.

6. Fire Detection Robot That Puts Out Flames

Imagine a robot capable of detecting and extinguishing fires on its own. This project uses image recognition and an AI module to detect flames. The robot is built with an Arduino Nano, a Raspberry Pi camera, and a fan to blow out the fire once it’s detected. This is an excellent project for anyone interested in safety technology and robotics.

7. Automated License Plate Recognition System

Building an automated license plate recognition system is a practical and cost-effective way to explore computer vision. This project uses an ESP32 and an OLED display to capture and process images of vehicle number plates. It can be used in applications like smart parking and toll booths. Though it may struggle in poor lighting, it’s a great introductory project to machine learning.

8. Build Your Own AI Camera with ESP32

If you’ve ever wanted to create your own AI-powered camera, this project is a perfect starting point. Using the ESP32 camera, you can capture images and upload them to a Node.js server for real-time object recognition via Google Vision API. This project combines hardware and software to identify objects in everyday settings.

9. Autonomous Shopping Cart with Bill Generation

This project automates the process of creating shopping bills. Using a camera placed above the cart and a load cell at the bottom to weigh objects, the system automatically adds items, calculates their price, and generates a bill. This reduces checkout time, making it perfect for busy supermarkets or personal use.

10. Trash Sorting System with Raspberry Pi

A smart trash bin is not just a cool gadget, but it can also help with sustainability. The system uses a Raspberry Pi, a camera, and machine learning to classify waste into categories like landfill, recycling, and compost. It takes a snapshot of the object, analyzes it with a trained model, and then lights up the corresponding bin, making waste sorting more efficient.

11. Servo-Powered Object Sorting Conveyor Belt

In this project, you’ll build a system that automatically sorts objects on a conveyor belt. The servo-powered gripper picks up objects, and an IR sensor halts the conveyor once the object reaches the camera. After image processing with TensorFlow Lite, the object is identified and moved accordingly. This project is great for anyone interested in automation and manufacturing processes.

12. Gesture-Controlled Virtual Mouse

Use your hands to control the mouse! This simple project uses Python and a webcam to detect hand movements and control the cursor. It demonstrates how computer vision can be applied to create gesture-controlled interfaces, offering a more intuitive way of interacting with your computer.

13. Real-Time Object Detection with OpenCV on ESP32

Running OpenCV on an ESP32 camera is a challenging yet rewarding project. The ESP32 captures images, and OpenCV processes them in real-time, detecting edges and performing image recognition tasks. This project is great for beginners who want to explore the capabilities of the ESP32 camera module.

14. QR Code Scanner Using ESP32

Scanning QR codes doesn’t need to be complicated. This project teaches you how to use the ESP32 camera and OpenCV to scan and decode QR codes. The code library handles the image processing, extracting and displaying the data in real time.

15. Interactive Football Game Using Computer Vision

A traditional football game just got a high-tech upgrade. In this project, AI and computer vision are used to track the ball’s movement during the game, replacing traditional sensors. Using cameras, object detection, and machine learning, the system recognizes the ball’s hits and calculates the scoring, making it a fun and interactive experience.

16. Neural Network-Based Trash Classification Robot

This robot uses a neural network to classify trash and sort it accordingly. Built with Python and remote-control capabilities, it uses a laser scanner and webcam to navigate its surroundings, capture images, and classify them for proper disposal. This project is perfect for those interested in AI and environmental sustainability.

17. Counting Objects with Computer Vision

For anyone needing help counting large numbers of objects, this project provides an automated solution. By processing an image through edge detection and mathematical operations, the system detects closed figures and counts them. It’s an efficient way to count items in warehouses or inventory systems.

18. AI-Powered Minecraft Gesture Control

In this project, AI is used to control Minecraft with hand gestures. Using Google’s MediaPipe and OpenCV, the system tracks hand movements and translates them into in-game actions. Although not perfect, this project is a fun way to explore how gesture recognition can enhance gaming experiences.

19. Spooky Ghost Effect on TV Screen

This eerie project simulates a ghost on an old black-and-white TV screen. By using face and eye detection algorithms, the Raspberry Pi system tracks when someone is looking at the screen. When they look away, a ghost appears, providing a spooky effect straight out of a horror movie.

20. Depth AI on Raspberry Pi for Object Detection

This advanced project uses Depth AI on a Raspberry Pi to detect objects in 3D space. By combining a stereo camera setup, the system creates a depth map to identify objects’ positions accurately. This setup is perfect for anyone looking to explore real-time spatial awareness in AI.

FAQ

Q. What is computer vision?

Ans. Computer vision is a field of artificial intelligence that enables computers to interpret and understand visual information from the world.

Q. How can I get started with computer vision projects?

Ans. Start with simple projects like object detection or face recognition using available tools like Raspberry Pi, ESP32, or Arduino.

Q. Do I need advanced skills to build these projects?

Ans. While some projects may require a bit of coding knowledge, most are beginner-friendly and can be completed with tutorials and online resources.

Q. Can these projects be used in real-world applications?

Ans. Yes! Many of these projects can be scaled up and used in various industries like healthcare, security, and entertainment.

Conclusion

Computer vision is reshaping the world of robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence. These projects offer a great way to learn and apply computer vision techniques in practical ways. Whether you’re looking to create an AI-powered camera or build a robot that can detect fires, there’s no shortage of amazing ideas to explore. Try out some of these projects, and you’ll be on your way to mastering computer vision in no time!