Infrared Obstacle Avoidance Sensor Module for Arduino

Description

---

🚗 Infrared Obstacle Avoidance Sensor Module – Complete Description

✅ What is it?

The Infrared Obstacle Avoidance Module is an infrared sensor that detects the presence of objects or obstacles in front of it, based on the reflection of infrared light. It is commonly used in mobile robots, autonomous vehicles, counting devices, and generally in projects that require object detection without physical contact.

---

🔍 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Operating Voltage	3.3V – 5V DC
Detection Range	2 – 30 cm (adjustable)
Output Type	Digital (HIGH/LOW)
Detection Angle	Approximately 35°
Main Components	IR LED emitter + receiver, LM393 comparator
LED Indicators	Power LED + Detection LED
Interface	3 pin: VCC, GND, OUT
Sensitivity Adjustment	Trimmer (blue screw)

Works by detecting reflected IR light: a nearby object reflects the emitted IR signal and is detected.

---

🔌 Connecting to your Arduino

🧰 Required materials:

• Arduino Uno/Nano/Mega
• IR obstacle avoidance sensor module
• Jumper wires
• Breadboard (optional)

📌 Connection diagram

Pin IR module	Arduino connection
VCC	5V
GND	GND
OUT	D2 (or any digital pin)

The OUT pin provides a digital signal: LOW when an obstacle is detected.

---

👨‍💻 Basic example code

🧪 Objective: turn on an LED on Arduino when an obstacle is detected.

#define SENSOR_PIN 2 // OUT del sensore
#define LED_PIN 13 // LED integrato sull'Arduino

void setup() {
 pinMode(SENSOR_PIN, INPUT);
 pinMode(LED_PIN, OUTPUT);
 Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
 int statoSensore = digitalRead(SENSOR_PIN);

 if (statoSensore == LOW) {
 // Ostacolo rilevato
 Serial.println("🚧 Ostacolo rilevato!");
 digitalWrite(LED_PIN, HIGH);
 } else {
 // Nessun ostacolo
 digitalWrite(LED_PIN, LOW);
 }

 delay(100);
}

Note: Generally the sensor returns LOW when there is an object in front. Always check with the serial monitor.

---

💡 Advanced example: Robot obstacle avoidance (with 2 sensors)

Using two IR sensors to decide the direction of movement.

#define LEFT_SENSOR_PIN 2
#define RIGHT_SENSOR_PIN 3
#define LEFT_MOTOR 8
#define RIGHT_MOTOR 9

void setup() {
 pinMode(LEFT_SENSOR_PIN, INPUT);
 pinMode(RIGHT_SENSOR_PIN, INPUT);
 pinMode(LEFT_MOTOR, OUTPUT);
 pinMode(RIGHT_MOTOR, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
 int leftObstacle = digitalRead(LEFT_SENSOR_PIN);
 int rightObstacle = digitalRead(RIGHT_SENSOR_PIN);

 if (leftObstacle == LOW && rightObstacle == LOW) {
 // Ostacolo davanti → fermati
 digitalWrite(LEFT_MOTOR, LOW);
 digitalWrite(RIGHT_MOTOR, LOW);
 } else if (leftObstacle == LOW) {
 // Ostacolo a sinistra → gira a destra
 digitalWrite(LEFT_MOTOR, HIGH);
 digitalWrite(RIGHT_MOTOR, LOW);
 } else if (rightObstacle == LOW) {
 // Ostacolo a destra → gira a sinistra
 digitalWrite(LEFT_MOTOR, LOW);
 digitalWrite(RIGHT_MOTOR, HIGH);
 } else {
 // Nessun ostacolo → vai avanti
 digitalWrite(LEFT_MOTOR, HIGH);
 digitalWrite(RIGHT_MOTOR, HIGH);
 }

 delay(100);
}

In a real robot, LEFT_MOTOR e RIGHT_MOTOR should be connected to a motor driver (e.g., L298N or L9110S).

---

⚙️ Practical Tips

• 🔧 Sensitivity Adjustment: turn the trimmer on the module to increase or decrease the detection range.
• 🌞 Environmental Conditions: direct sunlight can interfere with the IR sensor. Use it in indoor or controlled environments.
• 🔋 Voltage: works well with both 3.3V and 5V, but 5V is recommended for maximum reliability.

---

🧠 Possible Applications

• Autonomous Mobile Robots
• Object Counters on Conveyor Belts
• Proximity or Presence Sensors
• Games and Interactive Interfaces
• Simple Automation (e.g., automatic opening)

---

📦 Feature Summary

• ✔️ Object Detection contactless
• ✔️ Easy to Integrate With Arduino
• ✔️ Affordable and adjustable
• ✔️ Digital output, easy to read
• ✔️ Suitable for educational and hobby projects

---

Perfect! Below is a educational presentation divided into slides textual, suitable for PowerPoint, Google Slides, Canva or any other presentation tool.

---

📊 Presentation: Infrared Obstacle Avoidance Sensor with Arduino

---

🔹 Slide 1: Title

Infrared Sensor for Obstacle Avoidance
Introduction and use with Arduino
👨‍🏫 Course: Introduction to Robotics
📅 Date: [inserire data]
📍 By: [nome docente/studente]

---

🔹 Slide 2: What is the infrared obstacle avoidance sensor?

• Sensor that detect objects without contact via infrared
• Use reflected IR light to detect distance from an obstacle
• Output digital: HIGH = no obstacle, LOW = obstacle present
• Ideal for mobile robots, automation, alarm systems

---

🔹 Slide 3: Main components of the module

• IR LED emitter
• IR Photodiode receiver
• LM393 Comparator for logic management
• Status LED (Power + Detection)
• Trimmer for adjust sensitivity
• 3 Pin: VCC, GND, OUT

---

🔹 Slide 4: Technical Specifications

Characteristic	Value
Voltage	3.3V – 5V
Operational Range	2 – 30 cm (adjustable)
Output Type	Digital (LOW = obstacle)
Detection Angle	~35°
Adjustment	via integrated trimmer

---

🔹 Slide 5: Connection with Arduino

IR Module ➡️ Arduino

IR Pin	Arduino Pin
VCC	5V
GND	GND
OUT	D2 (example)

📌 Digital Output: use digitalRead() to read the state

---

🔹 Slide 6: Basic Example Code

#define SENSOR_PIN 2
#define LED_PIN 13

void setup() {
 pinMode(SENSOR_PIN, INPUT);
 pinMode(LED_PIN, OUTPUT);
 Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
 int stato = digitalRead(SENSOR_PIN);
 if (stato == LOW) {
 digitalWrite(LED_PIN, HIGH);
 Serial.println("Ostacolo rilevato!");
 } else {
 digitalWrite(LED_PIN, LOW);
 }
 delay(100);
}

---

🔹 Slide 7: Obstacle Avoiding Robot Application

• Two sensors: one at left, one at right
• If obstacles are detected → the robot turns
• Motors Control via L298N driver or similar
• Autonomous and intelligent movement

---

🔹 Slide 8: Application examples

✅ Autonomous mobile robots
✅ Alarm or presence systems
✅ Object counters on conveyor belts
✅ Interactive games (e.g., chase)
✅ Door opening sensors

---

🔹 Slide 9: Practical tips

• Avoid direct sunlight for reliability
• Adjust the distance with the trimmer integrated
• Can be powered by 3.3V o 5V
• Test with light and dark objects to evaluate sensitivity

---

🔹 Slide 10: Conclusions

🎯 Inexpensive, simple, and powerful sensor
💡 Great for educational projects and prototypes
🔧 Easily integrable with other modules (relays, motors, LEDs, buzzers)
👩‍💻 Useful for introducing students to embedded programming

---

GENERAL	MODEL	Dolly Module for infrared obstacle avoidance
MATERIALS	pcb + components
COMPATIBILITY	ARDUINO
ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS	INPUT VOLTAGE	3,3-5V
WEIGHT AND DIMENSIONS	PRODUCT WEIGHT	8g
PACKAGE WEIGHT	0.1 kg
PRODUCT DIMENSIONS (L x W x H)	5 x 1.5 x 1.5 cm
PACKAGE DIMENSIONS (L x W x H)	5 x 3 x 2 cm
PACKAGE CONTENTS	PACKAGE CONTENTS	1 x Module

We have datasheets available for all components, if not present in the product download sheet, please send us a message through the contact form and we will publish it as soon as possible on our website.

Tutorial: How to Use Infrared Obstacle Avoidance Sensor Module

The infrared obstacle avoidance sensor module is ideal for obstacle avoidance projects with Arduino. It is perfect for both beginners and more experienced makers.

What you need

• Arduino Uno or compatible
• USB cable
• Power connection (5V and GND)
• Arduino IDE software

Steps

1. Connect the VCC, GND pins of the sensor to the +5V and GND of the Arduino.
2. Connect the OUT pin of the sensor to digital pin 2 of the Arduino.
3. Open the Arduino IDE and upload the provided sketch.
4. Check the distance detected by the sensor by changing the position of obstacles.
5. Modify the sketch if necessary to adapt it to your project.

Example code

void setup() {
 pinMode(2, INPUT);
}

void loop() {
 int distanza = digitalRead(2);
 Serial.println(distanza);
}

Mini project

Create an obstacle-avoiding robot in 30 minutes. Use the infrared sensor to move a small vehicle while avoiding obstacles.

Common mistakes

• Do not verify the correct powering of the sensor (5V).
• Connect the OUT pin to a non-digital port on Arduino.
• Use distance values without first calibrating the sensor.
• Ignore the specifications on the datasheet.

Recommended accessories

• DC Motor for robot
• Kit wheels and axles for robot
• Prototype pin header
• Rechargeable batteries

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum detection distance?
Check the sensor’s datasheet.

How can I increase the measurement accuracy?
Calibrate the sensor in various environments and lighting conditions.