A Line-Following Robot is an autonomous mobile robot designed to follow a predefined path, usually a dark line drawn on a light-colored surface. It commonly uses infrared (IR) sensors to detect the line and a microcontroller to process the sensor signals. Based on the detected position of the line, the controller adjusts the speed and direction of the robot’s motors.
The robot typically uses two or more sensors positioned near the front wheels. When the line moves toward one side, the controller changes the relative speed of the left and right motors, causing the robot to turn and return to the correct path. A simple control algorithm can provide basic steering, while PID control can produce smoother and more accurate movement at higher speeds.
Line-following robots demonstrate important concepts in robotics, embedded systems, sensors, motor control, and automation. They are useful for learning how robots perceive their environment and make real-time control decisions. Similar principles are used in automated guided vehicles (AGVs), warehouse robots, and other autonomous transportation systems.