Light Following Robot

Built a light-following robot through a sequence of six embedded systems labs in BYU's ECEN 301 course. The project combined Arduino programming, sensor integration, power management, and control logic to produce a working autonomous robot. It demonstrates practical experience in microcontrollers, electronics, and hardware-software integration.

Role
Embedded Systems Student
Team
BYU ECEN 301 Labs
Duration
January 2025 - April 2025
Outcome
Built a working light-following robot by integrating sensing, control logic, and power electronics across six labs.
Core Tools
Arduino, Sensors, Motor Control, Embedded Programming, Electronics Integration
View on GitHub Robot Videos
Finished light-following robot with sensors, motors, and control electronics assembled on the chassis.

Overview

I built a light-following robot as part of BYU’s ECEN 301 course. The project progressed through six labs:

  • Lab 1: Introduction to Arduino
  • Lab 2: State machine for a light-following robot
  • Lab 3: Battery pack and battery-voltage indicator
  • Lab 4: Capacitive proximity sensor
  • Lab 5: Light direction finder
  • Lab 6: Final light-following robot

Additional course materials and code are available in the class repository.

Key Takeaways

  • Implemented simple state machines on a microcontroller
  • Applied analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion concepts in embedded systems
  • Interfaced microcontrollers with multiple sensors and actuators, including DC and servo motors

Timeline

  • Duration: January 2025 - April 2025
  • Total time: 25 hours
  • Time commitment: 1-2 hours per week

Results

Here is the final video of the working light-following robot:

Final Lab 6 video

Technical Skills