Creating a self-driving obstacle avoidance robot is an exciting venture, and with this obstacle-avoidance robot, you’ll learn how to navigate an Arduino-based project to avoid obstacles autonomously. Using sensors, motors, and some clever programming, this robot will detect obstacles and adjust its path accordingly—essentially a self-driving car!
Hardware Components Used in This Project
Here are the main components used to build the obstacle avoidance robot:
| S/NO | Components | Specification | QTY |
| 1 | Arduino | uno | 1 |
| 2 | Ultrasonic sensor | HC-SR04 | 1 |
| 3 | Servo Motor | SG90 | 1 |
| 4 | DC Motor | – | 2-4 |
| 5 | Motor Driver | L293D | 1 |
| 6 | Wheels and Chassis | – | 1 |
| 7 | Batteries | 3.7v lithium | 3 |
| 8 | Push buttons | – | 2 |
| 9 | Breadboard | – | 1 |
| 10 | NPN Transistor | BC547 | 1 |
| 11 | Timer IC | NE555 | 1 |
| 12 | Resistors | 1KΩ and 10KΩ | – |
| 13 | Jumper Wires | As needed |
Circuit diagram for the Autonomous Obstacle Avoidance Robot
How the Obstacle-Avoidance Robot Works
This robot uses an ultrasonic sensor to detect obstacles and adjust its path to avoid them. Here’s a breakdown of its functioning:
- component assembly and Circuit connections:
- The Arduino controls the entire system, sending commands to the motor driver (L293D) to drive the DC motors.
- The NE555 timer operates in a bistable mode, managed by push buttons to control the PWR pins.
- A BC547 NPN transistor is used to switch the circuit and bridge the PWR pins of the motor shield. A resistor is included in the NE555 timer circuit to stabilize its output.
- The ultrasonic sensor (HC-SR04) detects obstacles by measuring the time it takes for sound waves to bounce back from objects. If an obstacle is detected within a set range(30 cm in this case), the Arduino sends signals to adjust the robot’s path.
2. Programming the Robots Movement:
- The ultrasonic sensor scans in intervals of 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 150° and 180°.
- Based on sensor readings, the Arduino calculates the safest path and adjusts motor speed and direction accordingly.
- The servo motor rotates the ultrasonic sensor, allowing the robot to scan its surroundings.
3. Enhancing Obstacle Avoidance:
- If obstacles are detected on all sides, the robot will reverse and rescan for a new path.
- Fine-tuning the motor speeds and sensor accuracy ensures smoother and more precise obstacle avoidance.
4. Testing and Optimization:
- Test the robot in different environments, refining the code and position of the sensor, sometimes the obstacle may not be high enough to be sensed by the sensor.
Applications and Uses of This System
The obstacle-avoidance robot is ideal for robotics beginners and enthusiasts interested in creating autonomous vehicles. This project has applications in:
- Robotics education and workshops
- Autonomous vehicle research and development
- Indoor navigation systems
Additional Resources and Connect with Me
- Code & Documentation: Check out the project’s full code, circuit diagrams, and documentation on my GitHub.
- Project Files: Download all project files, schematics, and additional resources from my Google Drive.
- Professional Networking: Connect with me on LinkedIn for updates on new projects and tutorials.
- Stay Updated: For more hands-on electronics projects and tutorials, follow me on YouTube and X.