Edge detection robot | Smart Robot | Arduino Robot

Edge detection robot | Smart Robot | Arduino Robot

Edge Detection Robot Using Arduino – Smart Anti-Fall Robot 🤖⚙️

Robotics and automation have become an exciting part of the DIY and learning world. Among various robotics applications, edge detection robots are essential, especially for navigation and safety in complex environments. This Arduino-based edge detection robot is designed to avoid falling from edges, such as tables, stairs, or platforms. It's an excellent beginner-friendly project to learn about infrared sensors, motor control, and autonomous behavior.

🔧 Components Required

To build this smart robot, you'll need:

Arduino UNO

• Arduino UNO

2 IR (Infrared) sensors

• 2 IR (Infrared) sensors

L298N Motor Driver Module

• L298N Motor Driver Module

BO motors with wheels (x2)

• BO motors with wheels (x2)

Chassis (robot frame)

• Chassis (robot frame)

Battery pack (9V or 12V recommended)

• Battery pack (9V or 12V recommended)

Jumper wires

• Jumper wires

The robot uses two IR sensors placed at the front. These sensors detect the presence (or absence) of a surface in front of them. If the surface disappears—meaning the sensor detects a drop—the Arduino instructs the motors to stop or reverse, preventing a fall.

🧠 Working Principle

The working of the edge detection robot is based on IR sensor reflection. An IR sensor emits infrared light and detects the amount reflected back. If the surface is directly below (like a white table), the IR light reflects and is detected. If there's no surface (like an edge), the light is not reflected back.

Here's how it behaves:

Both sensors detect surface: Move forward

• Both sensors detect surface: Move forward

Left sensor detects edge: Turn right

• Left sensor detects edge: Turn right

Right sensor detects edge: Turn left

• Right sensor detects edge: Turn left

Both sensors detect edge: Stop or reverse

• Both sensors detect edge: Stop or reverse

This logic allows the robot to navigate flat surfaces without falling off edges.

⚙️ Circuit Description

IR Sensors:

The output pins of both IR sensors are connected to Arduino digital pins (e.g., D2 and D3).

• The output pins of both IR sensors are connected to Arduino digital pins (e.g., D2 and D3).

VCC and GND connect to 5V and ground respectively.

• VCC and GND connect to 5V and ground respectively.
• IR Sensors:The output pins of both IR sensors are connected to Arduino digital pins (e.g., D2 and D3).VCC and GND connect to 5V and ground respectively.

L298N Motor Driver:

Connects two DC motors (left and right wheels) to enable movement.

• Connects two DC motors (left and right wheels) to enable movement.

IN1, IN2, IN3, and IN4 connect to Arduino digital pins (e.g., D7, D6, D5, D4).

• IN1, IN2, IN3, and IN4 connect to Arduino digital pins (e.g., D7, D6, D5, D4).

ENA and ENB pins control motor speed via PWM (optional).

• ENA and ENB pins control motor speed via PWM (optional).

Power the motor driver with an external battery for sufficient torque.

• Power the motor driver with an external battery for sufficient torque.
• L298N Motor Driver:Connects two DC motors (left and right wheels) to enable movement.IN1, IN2, IN3, and IN4 connect to Arduino digital pins (e.g., D7, D6, D5, D4).ENA and ENB pins control motor speed via PWM (optional).Power the motor driver with an external battery for sufficient torque.

💻 Arduino Code Overview

The Arduino sketch reads input from the IR sensors and controls motor movement using digital output. Here's a basic logic flow:

cpp

CopyEdit

int leftSensor = 2;
int rightSensor = 3;

void loop() {
int leftVal = digitalRead(leftSensor);
int rightVal = digitalRead(rightSensor);

if (leftVal == 0 && rightVal == 0) {
moveForward();
} else if (leftVal == 1 && rightVal == 0) {
turnRight();
} else if (leftVal == 0 && rightVal == 1) {
turnLeft();
} else {
stopMotors();
}
}

cpp

CopyEdit
int leftSensor = 2;
int rightSensor = 3;

void loop() {
  int leftVal = digitalRead(leftSensor);
  int rightVal = digitalRead(rightSensor);

  if (leftVal == 0 && rightVal == 0) {
    moveForward();
  } else if (leftVal == 1 && rightVal == 0) {
    turnRight();
  } else if (leftVal == 0 && rightVal == 1) {
    turnLeft();
  } else {
    stopMotors();
  }
}

Each function like moveForward(), turnLeft() or stopMotors() controls the appropriate motor pins via the L298N module.

🚀 Applications

Anti-fall robots: Prevents falling from high platforms.

• Anti-fall robots: Prevents falling from high platforms.

Line-following enhancements: Used in advanced path-finding bots.

• Line-following enhancements: Used in advanced path-finding bots.

Robotic vacuum cleaners: To detect edges of stairs or platforms.

• Robotic vacuum cleaners: To detect edges of stairs or platforms.

Educational purposes: Great for students to learn about sensors and real-time decision-making.

• Educational purposes: Great for students to learn about sensors and real-time decision-making.

✅ Conclusion

The edge detection robot using Arduino is a simple yet powerful project that introduces automation, edge avoidance, and smart movement. With minimal components and clear logic, it’s perfect for beginners and students interested in robotics. It not only teaches you hardware connections but also strengthens your understanding of how sensors and microcontrollers interact in the real world.