The Glowing Green Robot

Robots look cooler when they have a sinister green glow. Better yet, when that glow exists for a functional purpose it’s even better!

Here I show how to make a custom robot and use LED’s to not only enhance line following, but also make it work in the dark too.The Glowing Green Robot

Step 1: The Mechanical Design

First you need to design your robot.

I designed mine using CAD, planning out the locations of all the parts carefully. This is the most important step to making a robot!

The wheels are servo driven, the material is made out of HDPE and bronze metal sheets, the back wheels are foam, and in the front is an orange caster wheel.

I hand made each of the components using a manual mill.

Follow the images in order for construction steps.

Step 2: Add the LEDs

In this step, I used two 4000 candela green LEDs in series with weak resistors.

Next to the LEDs I added photoresistors to be used as a color sensor. See the second image for a close-up.

When the green light reflects back at the sensor, more light reflects back from the white line than the background. By using a simple voltage threshold, the sensor picks up more light when its on the line. Therefore it can follow it!

I could have also used infrared LEDs . . . but you can’t see it so where’s the fun?!

The sensor schematic is the third image.The Glowing Green Robot schematich

Step 3: The Microcontroller

I used the Cerebellum 16F877 PIC microcontroller (no longer sold).

You can download my sourcecode here

I mounted the microcontroller using hex spacers and screws. I also added a bit of amusing decoration . . .

It’s turned on so thats why its glowing green!

That concludes my instructable, hope you give me a good rating! =)

 

 

For more detail: The Glowing Green Robot

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer with a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan University. I have written for various industries, mainly home automation and engineering. My writing style is clear and simple, and I am skilled in using infographics and diagrams. I am a great researcher and am able to present information in a well-organized and logical manner.

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