Distance Sensors



Purpose

Learning: how to read values from IR distance sensors
Making Sumo: install sensors to detect other robots



Sandbox

Today you will install infrared light (“IR”) sensors on your robot.

Explore IR a bit online. Browse these links.

Write in your sprint notes…

a few things you notice or wonder about IR.



Walkthrough

  1. Install the IR sensors following the IR LED installation guide.
  2. Download and run the test program from the IR testing guide. Make use of the Troubleshooting section at the bottom of that page.
  3. Grab a white piece of paper and move it closer and farther while watching the terminal numbers. Verify the sensors read:
    • 8 when no object is detected
    • 0-2 for very close objects

Take a picture…

of the installed sensors, then check the box in your sprint notes.

Note: Hang on to this picture. You’ll use this again soon in the assessment.



Exercises

Distance Chart

Approaching

What sensor values (0-8) do you get at these distances:

  • 1 inch
  • 6 inches
  • 12 inches
  • 24 inches

Write in your sprint notes…

those 4 sensor values.



Reliable Detection

Proficient

Grab another SumoBot and find the maximum distance where your SumoBot can reliably detect it.

Write in your sprint notes…

how many inches away that is.



Sensor Optimization

Distinguished

Experiment with different IR LED angles and positions to maximize detection:

  1. Test 3 different LED angles (pointing straight, angled up, angled out)
  2. Determine the optimal LED positioning for a sumo match

Write in your sprint notes…

What did you determine, and why is that optimal?