Arduino Nano R4 Competition in 2025: Pinpointing Pi Using an Arduino
In a fascinating blend of technology and mathematics, Roni Bandini has programmed an Arduino Nano R4 to estimate the value of Pi using the Monte Carlo method. This project, reminiscent of a classic Hollywood bomb, offers a straightforward, probabilistic approach to calculate Pi in real time with accessible hardware.
The method involves inscribing a circle within a square, with the square's dimensions set at 1x1. The Arduino Nano R4 then generates random points within this square and checks if each point lies within the boundary of the quarter circle defined by the equation (x^2 + y^2 \leq 1).
By counting how many points land inside the circle compared to the total number thrown, an approximation of Pi is obtained. The formula used is (\pi \approx 4 \times \text{(inside points / total points)}). The program on the Nano R4 generates approximately 100 points per second, steadily refining the estimate as it runs.
One of the key features of this project is the use of the Floating Point Unit on the Arduino Nano R4, which ensures efficient computation and real-time display of the results. The outcome of the Pi estimation is displayed on a 7-segment display, accompanied by sound feedback in the form of beeps for user feedback.
Other Pi-calculating projects exist, employing various electronic and algorithmic approaches. However, the Nano R4 project stands out for its combination of the Monte Carlo method with modern embedded hardware, making it an ideal choice for educational and hobbyist use. Prior similar endeavors used different microcontrollers or extraction methods, such as iterative algorithms or geometrical approximations, but specifics were not detailed in the search results.
In essence, the Arduino Nano R4's Pi estimation method is a simple yet effective way to calculate Pi, requiring no high number of decimal places for accuracy. As the program continues to run, the estimation improves, offering a captivating demonstration of the power of probabilistic methods and accessible hardware.
This innovative project utilizes an Arduino Nano R4, a modern gadget of technology, to estimate the mathematical constant Pi using the Monte Carlo method. The Arduino's Floating Point Unit ensures efficient computation, allowing real-time display of the results on 7-segment display and sound feedback.
In contrast to other Pi-calculating projects, this one combines the Monte Carlo method with embedded hardware for an educational and captivating demonstration of the power of probabilistic methods and accessible gadgetry.
