In our latest group project, Shakline, Mahid, and I merged creativity with our cumulative knowledge of Arduino to embark on an ambitious venture: creating a lie detector machine. Our objective was to harness the power of technology to discern truth from deception, albeit with a clear understanding of the ethical and scientific limitations involved. The core of our project was the integration of two sophisticated sensors with Arduino: the AD8232 ECG sensor and a GSR (Galvanic Skin Response) sensor. The idea was to measure physiological parameters that typically change when a person is under stress, such as when lying. The ECG sensor monitored heart rate variability, while the GSR sensor measured the skin's electrical conductivity, which tends to increase with sweat production due to stress.
One of the main hurdles we encountered was with the GSR sensor, which initially provided erratic and unreliable readings. After much troubleshooting, we realized the sensor was faulty. This setback led us to invest in a new sensor, reinforcing the lesson that sometimes, the solution is as simple as replacing malfunctioning components.
Another significant challenge was calibrating the machine to account for individual physiological differences. Establishing a universal threshold for detecting lies proved complex, as stress indicators can vary greatly from one person to another. However, through trial and error and numerous tests, we identified threshold values that, while not foolproof, offered a reasonable baseline for our experiments.
It was crucial for our team to acknowledge the inherent limitations of our project. While the concept of a lie detector is tantalizing, it's well-documented that such machines are not foolproof. Factors like nervousness or the ability of some individuals to remain extremely calm can skew the results, leading to false positives or negatives. This is precisely why lie detectors are no longer considered valid evidence in courtrooms. Our project served as a hands-on exploration of these concepts, rather than a creation of a definitive truth-telling device.
The culmination of our project was its presentation at the STEM fair, where it garnered considerable interest. Participants were eager to test the machine, providing a diverse range of data for us to analyze. The interactive nature of the project not only made our stand a popular destination at the fair but also sparked lively discussions about the science of lie detection, the ethical implications, and the potential for future technological advancements.
Here is a small presentation of our project: Youtube
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