Line Following Robot Without Arduino
1. Project Description
This project implements an autonomous line follower robot without using a microcontroller. The system is built using IR sensors, comparators, and a motor driver circuit. It detects a black line on a white surface and guides the robot accordingly, showcasing how analog electronics can achieve autonomous navigation.
2. Objectives
-
To design and implement a line following robot without Arduino or any microcontroller.
-
To apply analog electronic principles using sensors, comparators, and motor driver circuits.
-
To demonstrate autonomous navigation through real-time sensor feedback.
3. Components
-
IR Sensors (pair)
-
LM358 / LM324 Comparator IC
-
L293D Motor Driver IC
-
DC Motors with Wheels
-
Robot Chassis
-
Resistors, Potentiometers, Power Supply
4. Working Principle
1. Line Detection
-
IR sensors continuously emit infrared light.
-
When light reflects from a white surface, the photodiode detects strong reflection.
-
When the sensor is over a black line, minimal reflection occurs.
-
The comparator converts this difference into digital logic (HIGH/LOW).
2. Decision Making (Comparator + Motor Driver)
-
The comparator outputs logic signals depending on sensor status.
-
These signals are fed into the L293D motor driver, which controls the DC motors.
3. Robot Movement Logic
-
Both sensors on white → both motors run → robot moves forward.
-
Left sensor on black → left motor stops, right motor runs → robot turns left.
-
Right sensor on black → right motor stops, left motor runs → robot turns right.
-
Both sensors on black → stop condition (robot halts).
Circuit Diagram
Circuit schematic of the line following robot without Arduino
5. Hardware & Results
-
The circuit was assembled on a breadboard and mounted on a two-wheel chassis. The IR sensors were positioned at the front, close to the track. The system was tested on a black line path drawn over a white background.
-
The robot followed straight lines smoothly.
-
At curves, sensor switching allowed timely left/right turns.
-
The system achieved stable navigation without requiring a microcontroller.
Hardware of the line following robot without Arduino
6. Applications
-
Educational robotics and training projects.
-
Demonstrating analog control systems without programming.
-
Small automated guided vehicles in simple environments.
7. Conclusion
The Line Following Robot successfully demonstrated autonomous navigation without Arduino or microcontrollers. By integrating IR sensors, comparators, and a motor driver circuit, the robot reliably detected and followed a path. This project provides a practical foundation for more advanced robotics and automation systems.