Line-following robot
A small robot that uses infrared sensors and motor control to follow a track — my first project combining electronics, code, and mechanics.
Problem
I want one project that ties together everything I'm learning — sensing the world, making decisions in code, and controlling motors — which is exactly what robotics is about.
Approach (planned)
Use infrared reflectance sensors to detect a dark line on a light surface, then drive two motors through a motor driver. Start with simple "turn toward the line" logic, then improve it with smoother control.
Build (planned)
- Assemble the chassis, motors, and sensor array.
- Read the sensors and confirm they detect the line.
- Write the control loop and tune it so the robot follows the track reliably.
Why it matters
This is the kind of hands-on, design-build project the University of Waterloo looks for — and a great lead-in to joining a FIRST Robotics or VEX team.