My line follower robot

[MechatronicsBlogger]

So I decided to start building a line follower robot.
This far I've only come to a first prototype that I've written some about here:
https://mechatronicsblogger.blogspot.se/2013/12/line-follower-robot-prototype.html

I haven't done anything new on the robot for a few months but I hope to resume the project anytime soon and update this thread.

Here is a video of how it's performing at the moment:

The angle is controlled by a common PD controller and the speed is set in correlation with the angle error. I haven't yet tried any other controller structures, but have a few ideas laying on the stack so to say.

Many parts are overdimensioned and contributes to unnecessary rotational inertia and the sensor array that senses the line should have a lot higher resolution in order to be highly performing i believe.

Next step is to build a PC interface with a GUI to make troubleshooting and optimization easier. Then I would try to get the best possible perfomance out of the current hardware before building a next concept.

 

[BradtheRad]

That is a big accomplishment.

Your robot's steering response is very smooth. It travels about the same speed as the line follower I once had, from a store-bought kit called 'Movit'.

The control circuit was surprisingly simple. Two photosensors and a comparator, alternately switching on two drive motors, very rapidly.

 

[MechatronicsBlogger]

Thank you, though this a first prototype and I'm hoping that I eventually will have a significantly faster version.

 

[dreamtale]

hi
If you want to get a higher speed, I suggest you lengthening the appropriate distance between the sensor and the car,Using more sensors that can help you better access path.
Thanks