1. Overview of the Project:
- This project demonstrates how to build a basic obstacle-avoiding robot.
- The robot detects objects using an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor and changes direction automatically.
- It uses an Arduino Uno board to control the motors and interpret sensor data.
2. Components Required:
- Arduino Uno (microcontroller to process sensor data and control motors)
- HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor (to detect objects in front of the robot)
- L298N motor driver (to control the speed and direction of DC motors)
- Two DC motors and wheels (to move the robot)
- Chassis (body frame for the robot)
- Battery pack (to power the motors and Arduino)
- Jumper wires (for connections)
3. Wiring Diagram:
- Connect the HC-SR04 sensor to the Arduino (Trigger, Echo, VCC, GND).
- Connect the DC motors to the L298N motor driver, which is controlled by the Arduino.
- Power the Arduino and motor driver using the battery pack.
4. Arduino Code Setup:
- Write a simple Arduino code that:
- Sends a signal from the Trigger pin of the HC-SR04 sensor.
- Receives the echo signal and calculates the distance from an object.
- Based on the distance, the code controls the motors:
- If an object is detected, the robot turns left or right.
- If no object is detected, the robot moves forward.
5. Key Sections of the Code:
- Reading sensor data: Calculate the distance by measuring the time between sending and receiving the ultrasonic signal.
- Motor control: Use digitalWrite and analogWrite functions to control motor direction and speed.
- Conditional logic: If an object is closer than a set threshold (e.g., 20 cm), the robot will turn away.
6. Testing the Robot:
- Place the robot on a flat surface.
- Test how it behaves when it encounters obstacles.
- Make sure the ultrasonic sensor accurately detects objects and the motors respond accordingly.
7. Challenges You May Face:
- Inaccurate distance readings: Ensure proper sensor placement and wiring.
- Power issues: Make sure the battery is providing enough power to both the motors and the Arduino.
- Motor response: Ensure the motor driver is properly controlling both motors for smooth turns.
8. Potential Upgrades:
- Add more sensors for 360-degree obstacle detection.
- Install a Bluetooth module to control the robot via a mobile app.
- Integrate a line-following sensor to combine both obstacle avoidance and line-following capabilities.
9. Conclusion:
- This project provides a great introduction to robotics using Arduino.
- By the end, you will have a working robot that can autonomously navigate through obstacles.
- It teaches fundamental skills in electronics, coding, and sensor integration, perfect for beginners in robotics.