EdVenture 4 – Line Tracking
Meet the holy grail of enthusiast robotics; line tracking. Line tracking is a very popular robotics activity as it’s fun to watch the robot go around and around a track. See how many people ask you “Is that line magnetic?”
This barcode activates Edison’s line tracking program. The program uses Edison’s line tracking sensor and motors to follow the edge of a black line.
Reading the barcode
- Place Edison facing the barcode on the right side
- Press the record (round) button 3 times
- Edison will drive forward and scan the barcode
Barcode – Line Tracking
What to do
The first thing you need is a line. You can print the small track on the next page, print the large A1 (84cm x 59cm) EdMat from meetedison.com/downloads or make your own using black electrical tape on a white table (the line must be 1.5cm/0.6in thick).
Place Edison to one side of your line, so that the line tracking sensor is on white. Now press the play (triangle) button and watch Edison follow the line.
EdFact
Edison’s line tracking sensor shines light on the surface and then measures the amount of light that is reflected back. White reflects a lot of light, giving a high light reading and black reflects very little, giving a low light reading.
To track the line Edison is in a constant state of dissatisfaction. When he is off the line, he turns right to get on the line. But when he’s on the line, he turns left to get off the line. This results in him waddling on the edge of the line.
