Project Hub /Robotics & Autonomous Systems/Obstacle Avoiding/Obstacle Avoiding Robot using Arduino and Ultrasonic Sensor

Intermediate

ARDUINO

₹500 – ₹1,500

3 – 6 Hours

Partial Kit

Obstacle Avoiding Robot using Arduino and Ultrasonic Sensor

Build an autonomous obstacle-avoiding robot using an Arduino Nano or Uno, an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, and an LM298N motor driver module.

Originally published on CircuitDigest

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

Arduino Nano C Type V3 ATMEGA328 with Soldered Headers Rs. 608.00
Ultrasonic Sensor Module HC-SR04 Rs. 89.00
L298N Dual H-Bridge Motor Driver Module – 2A Rs. 195.00
3–6V R140 DC Motor (High-Speed DIY & Toy Motor) Rs. 49.00
110 RPM Single Shaft BO Motor – Straight Rs. 99.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

We don't carry yet: AA / AAA Battery + Holder

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How It Works

The obstacle-avoiding robot operates as an autonomous closed-loop system controlled by an Arduino Uno or Nano microcontroller. At the heart of its environmental perception is the HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, which determines distance by emitting a high-frequency sound wave and measuring the time it takes for the echo to return after bouncing off a surface. The Arduino processes this timing data into distance measurements. When the path ahead is clear, the Arduino sends control signals to the LM298N motor driver module, which regulates power from the 7.4V Li-Po or 6xAA battery pack to drive the 5V DC motors forward, spinning the attached wheels to move the chassis. If the HC-SR04 detects an obstacle within a predefined threshold distance, the Arduino interrupts the forward movement. It executes a programmed avoidance maneuver—such as stopping, reversing briefly, and turning—by reversing or toggling individual motor directions through the LM298N before scanning for a clear path again.

Why Build This

Design and implement autonomous navigation algorithms suitable for mobile robotics and automated guided vehicle (AGV) applications.

Integrate low-level sensor data acquisition with high-current motor control using microcontroller logic.

Gain practical debugging experience bridging digital control signals with analog power electronics.

Real-World Application

Used in autonomous mobile robots, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), warehouse logistics robots, and military reconnaissance systems.

Skills You'll Learn

Ultrasonic distance sensing

DC motor speed and direction control

H-bridge motor driver interfacing

autonomous navigation logic

microcontroller GPIO programming

power distribution in mobile robotics

Safety Precautions

Ensure the power supply is stable and properly wired to avoid short circuits on the motor driver and microcontroller.

Technology Tags

ARDUINO

ROBOTICS

ULTRASONIC SENSOR

HC-SR04

LM298N MOTOR DRIVER

AUTONOMOUS NAVIGATION

C++

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do the Arduino and the motors need separate power considerations?

DC motors draw high current spikes and generate electrical noise that can reset or damage sensitive microcontroller logic, making proper power distribution and a common ground essential.

How does the HC-SR04 sensor actually measure distance?

The sensor transmits a brief ultrasonic sound pulse and measures the exact time elapsed until the echo returns, which the Arduino converts into a distance value based on the speed of sound.

Can I use an Arduino Nano instead of an Arduino Uno?

Yes, both microcontrollers share the same underlying ATmega architecture and operating voltage, making them fully interchangeable for this project's pin requirements.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

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