SKU: SENS-2863
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SparkFun RedBot Sensor - Line Follower

₹379.00 (Inclusive of all taxes)
Out of Stock

The SparkFun RedBot Line Follower sensor is an infrared reflective sensor designed for robotics platforms like the RedBot, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi. It provides digital output for detecting surface contrast transitions, enabling line-following and basic proximity sensing applications.

Features

  • Infrared reflective sensing principle for non-contact detection.
  • 5VDC operating voltage compatible with common microcontroller logic levels.
  • Compact PCB design with integrated IR LED and phototransistor receiver.
  • 3-pin header (VCC, GND, OUT) for direct connection to development boards.
  • Includes mounting hole for secure installation on robotic chassis.

Out of stock

Description

The SparkFun RedBot Line Follower sensor operates on the principle of infrared reflectance. An onboard infrared LED emits light, which is then reflected off a surface and detected by a paired phototransistor. The amount of reflected IR light varies with surface color and proximity, allowing the sensor to distinguish between light and dark areas or detect close-range objects.

This sensor outputs a digital signal, making it straightforward to interface with microcontrollers like the RedBot Mainboard, Arduino, or ESP32. Its fast response time and high sensitivity make it suitable for real-time robotic control applications such as line-following competitions, edge detection, and simple obstacle avoidance.

Key Features

  • Infrared reflectance-based detection for reliable surface contrast sensing.
  • Optimized 3 mm nominal detection distance for precise line tracking.
  • Low 25mA supply current for energy-efficient robotic systems.
  • Compact footprint (25mm x 10mm) with integrated mounting hole for easy integration.
  • Digital phototransistor output simplifies signal conditioning and microcontroller interfacing.
  • Designed for seamless compatibility with the SparkFun RedBot ecosystem and its dedicated library.

Applications

  • Autonomous line-following and edge-detection for educational and competition robots.
  • Proximity sensing for simple obstacle avoidance in small-scale robotic platforms.
  • Surface contrast detection in automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and DIY robotics.
  • Integration into STEM and maker projects for teaching sensor-based feedback control.

Technical Specifications

Manufacturer Part NumberSEN-11769
Operating Voltage5 VDC
Supply Current25 mA
Sensing PrincipleInfrared Reflectance
Output TypeDigital (Phototransistor)
Nominal Detection Distance3 mm
Dimensions (L x W)25 mm x 10 mm
Weight3 g
Connector3-pin Header

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the operating voltage range for this line follower sensor?

The sensor is designed for a strict 5VDC input. Exceeding this voltage may damage the onboard infrared LED and phototransistor circuitry. Ensure your microcontroller or robot power supply provides a regulated 5V source.

How do I connect and interface this sensor with an Arduino?

Connect the sensor's 3-pin header to your Arduino: VCC to 5V, GND to GND, and the OUT pin to any digital input pin. The output is a digital signal that switches between high and low states based on the detected surface reflectance. You can use the digitalRead() function to monitor its state.

What is the effective detection distance and how does calibration work?

The nominal detection distance is approximately 3 mm from the target surface. Calibration involves adjusting the sensor's height above the track and potentially using a potentiometer (if added to the circuit) to fine-tune the sensitivity threshold for the specific surface contrast (e.g., black line on white background) in your application.

Package Includes

  • 1 x SparkFun RedBot Sensor - Line Follower

Additional Information

Weight 0.003 kg
Dimensions 2.5 × 1 cm