Note: From 21st April 2020 onwards, this module comes with a STRAIGHT (4-pin) header pin and NO jumper wires are included.
Line following is an essential algorithm for many mobile robots, especially the AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle). It is also fundamental for many control algorithms.
This is a line detection sensor module based on infrared (IR) reflection and it is super easy to use. The sensor has been mounted at the bottom of the module, perfect for mobile robot line detection. It comes with an onboard potentiometer to adjust the sensitivity. The output is digital signal so it is easy to interface with any microcontroller such as Arduino/Genuino UNO, Mega, Leornado, Zero, 101, even the Raspberry Pi or Raspberry Pi Zero. And of course, it is also compatible with all other controller boards including CIKU, CT-UNO, CT-ARM, etc. This sensor module is used in PikaBot too:
![](https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/e/2PACX-1vQOhEcIAEsfKJlkZ8Rkt-IGeuyGXqDhB9DlFXDsIi2xv-mnF5J38icaot6_P1Bd9ULe8ShG1tiVgG9p/pub?w=822&h=467)
Since it is using infrared reflection, it can be used as an obstacle detection sensor too, it is non-contact detection. As it is based on light reflection, the detection does vary with different surfaces. And any infrared source might also interfere with the detection. Yet, since the emitter and sensor are mounted at the bottom of the PCB, this module is designed for line detection :)
![](https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/e/2PACX-1vRrkOxsdnQE7Iw5Fk6GQa3BokA5ZVPDxq5PftugbhnaF4HZP8JuQA9BLaU8zkurntoeesZvmYqo8KLl/pub?w=787&h=380)
It comes in a pair of Infrared emitter and receiver mounted at the bottom of the module, whenever there is an object blocking the infrared source or reflective surface such as white surface, it reflects the infrared, the receiver detects the reflected infrared, generate an electric signal. The signal further go through a comparator circuit onboard, depending on the threshold that is adjusted (through the potentiometer), it will output digital logic at output pin (DO) and an indicator LED will light up to indicate the detection. Turning the onboard potentiometer clockwise will increase the sensitivity and further increase the detection range. Besides the digital output signal, this sensor board also provides an analog output pin (AO). This module is compatible with 5V or 3.3V power input.
Check the PikaBot in action performing line following with just two of these sensor modules:
Warranty Period: 12 months