Robotics·Jan 1, 2022

Line Follower Robot

PID-style line follower robot built for speed and reliability in competition tracks.

Overview

This mobile robot follows a dark or light line using an IR sensor array and differential drive. It was built for line-follower competitions where stable tracking, speed control, and smooth turns matter. The project demonstrates sensor calibration, motor control, and competition-oriented tuning.

Specifications

RoleRobot builder and tuner

MicrocontrollerArduino UNO

SensorsIR sensor array

ModulesMotor driverDC gear motors

ProtocolsGPIOPWM

Tech tagsLine FollowerPID ControlIR Sensor ArrayArduinoCompetition Robot

Architecture

Sensor array estimates line position. Firmware converts position error into left/right motor speed corrections.

Project photos

Line follower robot side view — Robot detail

Implementation details

Firmware

Firmware reads the IR array, calculates line position, adjusts motor PWM, and tunes response for curves and intersections.

Power

Battery selection and motor current capability affect speed and stability.

Components / BOM

Arduino UNO, IR sensor array, Motor driver, DC gear motors, Battery pack

Engineering challenges

High-speed turns require careful thresholding and motor response tuning.

Solutions

Used sensor calibration and control tuning to improve track following.

Results & metrics

Won 1st position in a line-follower competition at SAGC 4th Science Festival.

Future improvements

Add encoders, better PID telemetry, modular chassis, and auto-calibration.