Choosing the correct microcontroller for a specific task, not only involves considering the features the device offers in conjunction with the required tasks.
The decision also must weigh the programmers experience with the particular device, availability of software development tools and the project budget.
As you've indicated, your experience with microcontrollers is limited.
What about programming experience, are you familiar and proficient with C or C++ coding?
The Arduino platform can certainly perform the required tasks in the block diagram. It will require additional sensors/components besides the Arduino development board.
The Arduino software development IDE is free and readily available with an extensive library of routines for many of the required tasks.
It is also a widely used platform with a large user base providing numerous forums and blogs for additional support.
Using an AT89C52, while certainly possible, would most likely present a much steeper learning curve, as it would entail writing many of the required routines from scratch.
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