Light-Activated ROBOT

The mini light-activated robot proposed here works in ambient light. It employs sensors to detect variations in light intensity, which allows it to navigate and perform tasks in diverse environments.

- MANMOHAN SINGH, VIVEK GOWDA, RAMIKSHA C SHETTY, AND SAHANA P

This mini-robot exploration combines robotics and light-sensing technology, showcasing the potential for autonomous systems to adapt to changing light conditions. The block diagram of the light-activated robot is shown in Fig. 1.

This mini-robot introduces a captivating exploration into the realm of robotics by combining the light-dependent resistor (LDR) and the 555 timer IC. The core concept involves creating a light-activated robot, where the LDR functions as the sensory ‘eyes,’ and the 555 timer serves as the controlling ‘brain.’ As light intensity changes, the resistance values of the LDR detect these variations, prompting the 555 timer to orchestrate the robot’s movements. The result is a robot that dynamically responds to its environment, moving in coordination with the presence or absence of light. This hands-on endeavour provides a foundational understanding of sensors, timers, and motor control, bridging the gap between theory and practical application. The author’s prototype on a breadboard is shown in Fig. 2.

Circuit and working

Fig. 2 shows the circuit diagram of the light-activated robot. It is built around two 555 timers (IC1, IC2), two DC motors (M1, M2), two light-dependent resistors (LDR1, LDR2), and a few other components. For the power supply, a 9V power adaptor or a 9V battery may be used.