Summary of 2022 SCI-FI CONTEST: A HAND-FOLLOWING ROBOT, POWERED BY ARDUINO
This article describes a beginner-friendly Arduino project that builds a hand-following robot inspired by sci-fi tropes. The device uses an ultrasonic sensor to detect objects and infrared sensors to track hand position, guiding the robot via DC gear motors powered by a lithium battery. It serves as an educational entry point for learning robotics and sensor integration before advancing to complex techniques like face tracking.
Parts used in the Hand-Following Robot:
- Arduino Uno microcontroller
- HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor module
- Two infrared sensors
- Four DC gear motors
- L293D motor driver
- Two-cell lithium battery
If there’s one thing audiences love in sci-fi, it’s a cute robot companion that follows the heroes around. If you want one of your own, starting with this build from [mircemk] could be just the ticket.
The build relies on the classic Arduino Uno microcontroller, which talks to a HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor module and two infrared sensors in order to track a human target and follow it around. Drive is thanks to four DC gear motors, driven by a L293D motor driver, with a two-cell lithium battery providing power for everything onboard.
The robot works in a simple manner, following a hand placed in front of the robot’s sensors. First, the robot checks for the presence of an object in front using the ultrasonic sensor. If something is detected, the twin infrared sensors mounted left and right are used to guide the robot, following the hand.
It’s not a sophisticated algorithm, and it won’t really let your robot follow you down a crowded street. However, it’s a great project to learn on for beginners and could serve as a great entry into more advanced projects using face tracking or other techniques. Video after the break.
Source: 2022 SCI-FI CONTEST: A HAND-FOLLOWING ROBOT, POWERED BY ARDUINO
- What components does the robot use to track a human target?
The build relies on an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor module and two infrared sensors. - How does the robot determine if something is present in front of it?
The robot checks for the presence of an object using the ultrasonic sensor. - Which motors are used to drive the robot?
Drive is provided by four DC gear motors. - What component controls the power delivery to the motors?
A L293D motor driver manages the motors. - How is the robot powered?
A two-cell lithium battery provides power for everything onboard. - Can this robot follow you down a crowded street?
No, the algorithm is not sophisticated enough for crowded streets. - Is this project suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is a great project to learn on for beginners. - What advanced techniques could be used in future projects?
Future projects could utilize face tracking or other advanced techniques.
