in a few statements
you can cover dc motors and simple sensors
much like an alarm system
using simple micros
but i would use c code
youll find picc code sdcc {small device c compiler } etc
both and many makers give free upto limits of use versions
of c compilers
look for hitec picc and ccs
sdcc is free you can use codeblocks ide and compile with many c compilers
for small hardprint risc mcu like pic micros you study
best advice is place one and use a flash code via serial and a simple cable
to interface dc motors you can use pwm via a driver chip like a motor bridge driver via two i/o's of any micro
for proximity you need analogue i/o and scan it for change
use an array
much like scanning a pot
look here
#1218045
download this
in its folder
VSMVDD\COMVDD_EBOX_DESIGN\COMVDD_EBOX_DESIGN\EXTERNAL EBOX C CODE ...BUILDING NOW\STUDENT VERSION
youll find comvdd.c it has scan routines for analogue pots
this can easily be adapted for proxy scanners {same thing}