I will have 12 different infrared break-beam sensors and want to wire each physical output wire from the sensors to an arduino port and then wire each port to be connected 1 of 12 individual LEDs on a breadboard.
The end goal: all 12 light bulbs will be lit up in the beginning of the session because nothing will be breaking the beams. We can then break the beams one by one to test them; this will be seen as the corresponding light bulb for the current obstructed beam turning off on the breadboard.
Is this something that can be accomplished with the arduino? Any recommended sources to help? Thank you!
Allowing for a muddled description, this sounds possible. You would want to use a "port expander" with a Nano. I suggest you specify what "break-beam sensors" and "light bulbs" you are proposing to use.
Why not start by defining the problem with specifications, flow chart and drawings. What is the expected outcome. Purchase the Arduino cookbook and read it, this will give you some basics. also use the online tutorials and videos available, there are many good ones on this web site. At this point you will be able to define the problem and may have already solved it.