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6 · Full projects

Project: obstacle-avoiding robot

Expert45 min

Goal

Move forward, detect an obstacle under 20 cm and go around it.

Why it matters

Perception → decision → action loop, exactly like a real robot.

What you need

  • Arduino UNO board
  • Piezo buzzer
  • SG90 servo motor
  • HC-SR04 distance

Nothing to buy: every component below is simulated in the browser.

Steps

  1. 01Two DC motors + ultrasonic sensor on a panning servo.
  2. 02Measure distance continuously.
  3. 03Below 20 cm: back up, turn, then continue.
  4. 04Structure everything as a state machine.

This tutorial runs inside the Circuitly simulator: your wiring and your code are checked automatically at every step.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to buy hardware for this tutorial?
No. Everything runs in the browser: Circuitly simulates the board, the components and the code. Real hardware is optional if you want to rebuild the circuit afterwards.
Which components are used?
Arduino UNO board, Piezo buzzer, SG90 servo motor, HC-SR04 distance. They are already available in the simulator library.
How long does it take?
About 45 minutes, expert level, in 4 guided steps.
What should I know before starting?
The previous tutorial in the series, “Project: data logger”, is enough preparation. No software install is required.
Is the code provided and checked?
The simulator checks your wiring and your code automatically at every step, and shows the commented solution if you get stuck.

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