The need for quick and simple answers to everyday problems, technical improvements, and an increasing reliance on smartphones have all contributed to the creation of technologies capable of managing IoT applications in both residential and commercial settings. Our paper, "Sensing and controlling the environment using Arduino and IOT," concentrates on Arduino while also exploring embedded technologies and the internet of things. To do this, embedded blocks, script programming, and sensors such as flex, accelerometer, flame, magnetic, and WI-FI modules are used. This paper describes a home automation and security plan. The sensors will establish communication with the Arduino. The status of our residential appliances will be transferred to a cloud-based platform via a wireless module. It is recommended that we connect our system and mobile device using the same wireless network. Our sensors will have the ability to enable or disable user-controlled sensors. The flex sensor detects finger movements to activate the appliances. A magnetic sensor will improve security against door breaches. All of this data is available to consumers via cloud platforms such as THINKSPEAK. This article will demonstrate how Internet of Things applications can improve the quality of life.