Line Following Robot in Ayantrik Lab

TL;DR: In this project, we build a Line Following Robot using an Arduino, IR sensors, motor driver, and DC motors in Ayantrik Lab. The robot detects a path (line) and automatically follows it by adjusting its movement based on sensor input.

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The Problem / Why This Matters

Automation is a key part of modern robotics.

Line following robots are widely used in:

• Industrial automation
• Warehouse management
• Delivery robots
• Autonomous vehicles
• Robotics competitions

Understanding how a robot follows a path helps you learn:

• Sensor-based decision making
• Motor control
• Real-time logic execution

This project demonstrates how simple logic and sensors can create an autonomous system.

Try it here

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Basic Concept

A Line Following Robot uses sensors to detect a line and moves accordingly.

It consists of:

• Sensors → Detect path
• Controller (Arduino) → Makes decisions
• Motor driver → Controls motors
• Motors → Move the robot

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How It Works (Simple Idea)

The robot checks:

• Where the line is (left or right)
• Adjusts movement to stay on track

If it goes off track → It corrects itself.

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Prerequisites

Components used in this project:

• Arduino Uno
• 2 IR Sensors
• L298N Motor Driver
• 2 DC Motors

All components are available in Ayantrik Lab component library.

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Steps to Create the Project in Ayantrik Lab

1. Open a New Project

Open Ayantrik Lab and create a new project.

Create new project

2. Add Components

Toolbar

Click Add Components and add:

• Arduino Uno
• 2 IR Sensors
• L298N Motor Driver
• 2 DC Motors

Arrange them neatly.

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3. Make the Circuit Connections

Connection

IR Sensors → Arduino

• Left Sensor → D2
• Right Sensor → D3
• Both sensors → 5V and GND

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Arduino → Motor Driver

• D4 → IN1
• D5 → IN2
• D6 → IN3
• D7 → IN4

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Motor Driver → Motors

• OUT1 & OUT2 → Left Motor
• OUT3 & OUT4 → Right Motor

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Power Connections

• Motor Driver → 5V and GND from Arduino

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Code

Upload the following Arduino code:

cpp
View full codeCopy code
// --- IR Sensor Pins ---
const int leftSensor = 2;
const int rightSensor = 3;

// --- Motor Driver Pins ---
const int in1 = 4;
const int in2 = 5;
const int in3 = 6;
const int in4 = 7;

// Movement functions

void moveForward() {
  digitalWrite(in1, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(in2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(in3, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(in4, LOW);
}

void turnLeft() {
  digitalWrite(in1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(in2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(in3, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(in4, LOW);
}

void turnRight() {
  digitalWrite(in1, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(in2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(in3, LOW);
  digitalWrite(in4, LOW);
}

void stopMotors() {
  digitalWrite(in1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(in2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(in3, LOW);
  digitalWrite(in4, LOW);
}

void setup() {
  pinMode(leftSensor, INPUT);
  pinMode(rightSensor, INPUT);

  pinMode(in1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(in2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(in3, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(in4, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {

  int leftVal = digitalRead(leftSensor);
  int rightVal = digitalRead(rightSensor);

  if (leftVal == LOW && rightVal == LOW) {
    moveForward();
  } 
  else if (leftVal == HIGH && rightVal == LOW) {
    turnLeft();
  } 
  else if (leftVal == LOW && rightVal == HIGH) {
    turnRight();
  } 
  else {
    stopMotors();
  }
}

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How the Logic Works

The robot continuously reads data from two IR sensors and decides how to move.

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Case 1: Move Forward

• Left Sensor = LOW
• Right Sensor = LOW

Meaning:

• Both sensors detect white surface

Action:

• Both motors move forward

→ Robot moves straight

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Case 2: Turn Left

• Left Sensor = HIGH
• Right Sensor = LOW

Meaning:

• Left sensor detects the line

Action:

• Left motor stops
• Right motor moves

→ Robot turns LEFT

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Case 3: Turn Right

• Left Sensor = LOW
• Right Sensor = HIGH

Meaning:

• Right sensor detects the line

Action:

• Right motor stops
• Left motor moves

→ Robot turns RIGHT

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Case 4: Stop

• Left Sensor = HIGH
• Right Sensor = HIGH

Meaning:

• Both sensors detect the line

Action:

• Both motors stop

→ Robot halts

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Expected Behavior

When you run the simulation:

• Robot follows the path automatically
• Adjusts direction in real-time
• Turns left/right when deviating
• Stops when both sensors detect line

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Built-in Debugging in Ayantrik Lab

Ayantrik Lab provides a built-in debugging system.

It helps detect:

• Incorrect wiring
• Missing power or ground
• Wrong pin connections
• Code errors

This makes learning robotics easier for beginners.

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Conclusion

In this project, we built a Line Following Robot using Arduino in Ayantrik Lab.

You learned:

• Sensor-based decision making
• Motor control using driver module
• Real-time logic execution
• Basics of autonomous robots

This project is a strong foundation for advanced robotics topics like:

• Obstacle avoidance robots
• Path planning systems
• Autonomous navigation

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Next Steps

Try extending this project:

• Add obstacle detection using ultrasonic sensor
• Implement speed control (PWM)
• Build maze-solving robot
• Add Bluetooth or WiFi control

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Happy learning with Ayantrik Lab!