Line-Following Robot with TCS34725 & KY-033 Sensors – 3D Print Files (STL)

Description

Line-following robot with two sensor options

This project is a line-following robot that you can build with two different sensors: KY-033 infrared modules or the TCS34725 RGB color sensor from Adafruit. Both work, but they work differently, and the tutorials include Arduino code for each.

The KY-033 is the simpler option. It is a basic infrared sensor that sees dark vs. light. The tutorial uses a white line on a dark surface; point the sensors at it and the robot follows. Straightforward, cheap, and it does the job for most situations.

The TCS34725 is more interesting. It measures red, green, blue and clear light. The tutorial uses the clear (brightness) channel with a PID controller, which steers more smoothly than the on/off logic of the KY-033 version. The color channels are there if you want to extend the project. It is a bit more involved to wire up, but the code handles the calibration for you.

What is in the package

• STL files for the chassis and sensor mounts (3D printable)
• Arduino code for both setups, wiring diagrams and parts lists: in the two free tutorials (links below)

The chassis is designed to hold two DC motors with wheels and a caster ball. The sensor holder sits at the front of the robot and takes either sensor module. You can print all the parts in PLA.

Which sensor should you use?

If you just want a robot that follows a line of tape, the KY-033 is enough (the code follows a white line; for a black line you swap 1 and 0 in two conditions). It is cheaper and easier to set up. If you want to experiment with color detection or plan to extend the project later, go with the TCS34725. The tutorials cover the code for both options, so you can always try both.

Full Tutorials:

• Building the line-following robot with TCS34725
• KY-033 line-following robot: beginner tutorial