Is it possible to run two small motors off an Arduino and have the motors move separately based on a random number generator? I am a 2nd year design engineering student working on a design project where we are tasked with automating the movement of a rainfall simulator. One of our design ideas consists of two small motors running perpendicular to each other with the movements based on a random number generator. I was told that this would be fairly easy if we used a Siemens Program Logic Controller, but we have a very limited budget so I thought I would check out other options.

I am not familiar with the Arduino or much of anything to do with programming so I thought it would be beneficial to ask for advice from some people who know what they are doing. I attached an initial sketch of the idea and a picture of the rainfall simulator to hopefully clarify what I am hoping to accomplish. The most the device can move from its rested state is only 0.5".

Is this a path worth working towards? Or is this not the proper choice of equipment?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Nick
Leaving your mechanical equipment uncommented *), an Arduino itself cannot drive 7.4V 1A Stepper Motors. An Arduino itself cannot drive any motor. You need a sufficient power supply and motor driver electronics. And there's a vast amount of different devices to choose from.

But then, the answer to "is it possible (random, two motors, moving independently)" is yes.

*) Well, regarding "uncommented" :
200 lbs is quite heavy to simulate/produce a few raindrops. Small motors won't move such gear as in your pic.