Light Follower Robot

Introduction:
The light following robot is a mobile machine which is capable of detecting and following
the light source on the traveling path. It is developed without the help of a micro-controller for
providing easier connections and understanding of the circuit. It requires fewer numbers of
electronic components and very cost-effective as well.

The concept of this light following robot is very simple. It includes two photodiodes, one on the
right and other on the left. When the light falls on the right photodiode, the robot will move on
the right side. Similarly, the robot will move on the left side when the light falls on the left
photodiode. (LDR)

Components used:
 2x 555 timer ICs
 4x 10k resistors
 2x LDRs (Light Dependent Resistors)
 breadboard
 Some wires
 2x motors (with wheels)
 2x 0.01nF capacitor
 9v portable power supply

Theory:
NE555 Timer General Description:
The LM555 is a highly stable device for generating accurate time delays or oscillation. Additional
terminals are provided for triggering or resetting if desired. In the time delay mode of operation, the
time is precisely controlled by one external resistor and capacitor. For astable operation as an oscillator,
The free running frequency and duty cycle are accurately controlled with two external resistors and one
capacitor. The circuit may be triggered and reset on falling waveforms, and the output circuit can source
or sink up to 200mA or drive TTL circuits.
Features:
1. Direct replacement for SE555/NE555
2. Timing from microseconds through hours
3. Operates in both astable and monostable modes
4. Adjustable duty cycle
5. Output can source or sink 200 mA
6. Output and supply TTL compatible
7. Temperature stability better than 0.005% per °C
8. Normally on and normally off output
9. Available in 8-pin MSOP package
Pin Diagram:

ASTABLE OPERATION
If the circuit is connected as shown in Figure pins 2 and 6 connected it will trigger itself and free run as a
multivibrator. The external capacitor charges through RA + RB and discharges through RB. Thus the duty
cycle may be precisely set by the ratio of these two resistors. In this mode of operation, the capacitor
charges and discharges between 1/3 VCC and 2/3 VCC. As in the triggered mode, the charge and
discharge times, and therefore the frequency are independent of the supply voltage.
 Waveforms generated in this mode of
Operation.

 BATTERY:
One 9V battery is required for powering the robot.

 Bread board:
One breadboard is used for designing the circuit. The electronic components are
connected by inserting it in the holes of the breadboard.

 DC Motor:

Two DC motors are connected with the wheel for moving the robot. Use a low power
consuming motor

 Resistor:
Two 10K resistors are required for this process to reduce the voltage. The ranges of the
resistors can be calculated with the help of a multimeter.

 Wheels:
Two wheels are coupled with the DC motor. When the motor is powered, the wheels
will start to rotate and move the robot.

 Wires:
Two meters of both two core and four core wires will be required. For breadboard
connections, two core wires should be used and for motor connections, four core wires
should be used.

 Capacitor: Two 10uf capacitors are implemented to store the current, equalize the
power output, filter, and so on.
 LDRs (Light Dependent Resistor) :

The input devices will be LDRs (Light Dependent Resistor) those components have its
resistance changed according to the incidence of light on the device. Basically, if there is
no incident light, the LDR will have a high resistance (from 200KΩ to 5MΩ more or less),
and when the incidence of light, the LDR will have a reduced resistance (since some
dozens of ohms to rough a few hundreds) as we can see in the LDR's characteristic curve
below:

A LDR is also sensitive to the wavelength of the incident light, so we can say that it also
depends on the color of the light.
 Operation of Circuit

Circuit Diagram:

Connections:

Insert the ICs in breadboard. There will be a small notch or dot on every 555 timer IC. Make
sure that the dots on both the chips should face upwards. Connect pins 8 and 4 together. Then
connect pins 6 and 2 together. Connect pin1 to the negative rail on the breadboard. Connect
pin8 to the positive rail on the breadboard. Do the same with the second chip. Now the most
important part. Connect a 10k (brown, black and orange) resistor between the pins 8 and 6.
Connect one more 10k resistor between the pins 7 and 6. Do the same with the next chip. Now
connect a 0.01uf capacitor between the pins 1 and 5 of both the chip. The sensors used in this
robot are nothing but simple LDRs. LDR is a kind of resistor whose resistance varies according to
the intensity of the light falling on it. Connect the LDRs between pins 1 and 2 of both the chips.
We can connect LDR either way as it does not have polarity. Now, last but not the least.
Connect your motor between pin3 of the chip and negative rail of your breadboard. Do the
same with the second chip. Connect a 9v battery. Place the motors in such a way that the
LDR controlling it is in the opposite side. The LDR controlling the right motor must placed to the
left.
Test:

Shine a torch over the LDRs. We will notice that the motors run.

Working:

 If the left LDR has incident light, the right DC motor must be turned on to rotate the
robot or move to the left.
 If the right LDR has incident light, the left DC motor must be turned on to rotate the
robot or move to the right.
 If both LDRs have incident light both DC motors must be turned on to rotate the robot
or move forward.
 If both LDRs have no incident light, both DC motors must be turned off and the robot
remain stationary
.