i
  1. Week 1 : Project Management
  2. Week 2 : Computer-aided
  3. Week 3 : Computer Controlled Cutting
  4. Week 4 : Embedded Programming
  5. Week 5 :3D Scanning and Printing
  6. Week 6 : Electronic Design
  7. Week 7 : Computer Controlled Machining
  8. Week 8 : Electronics Production
  9. Week 9 : Input Devices
  10. Week 10 : Output Devices
  11. Week 11 : Networking and Communication
  12. Week 12 : Mechanical Design and Machine Design
  13. Week 13 : Midterm Review
  14. Week 14 : Molding and Casting
  15. Week 15 : Interface and Application Programming
  16. Week 16 : System Integeration
  17. Week 17 : Wildcard Week
  18. Week 18 : Applications and Implications, Project Development
  19. Week 19 : Invention, Intellectual property and Income
  20. Week 20 : FInal Project Requirements

Week 18 : Applications and Implications, Project Development

Objectives of the Week

  • Define the scope of a project
  • Develop a project plan including a schedule and a bill of materials (BOM)
  • Track the progress of your project
  • Summarise and communicate the essence of your project development
  • What will it do?
  • Who has done what beforehand?
  • What will you design?
  • What materials and components will be used?
  • Where will they come from?
  • How much will they cost?
  • What parts and systems will be made?
  • What processes will be used?
  • What questions need to be answered?
  • How will it be evaluated?
  • What tasks have been completed?
  • What tasks remain?
  • What has worked?
  • What hasn't?
  • What questions need to be resolved?
  • What will happen when?
  • What have you learned?

  • Scope of the Project

    Line Bot is an autonomous line-following robot designed to detect and follow a black path on a white surface using an infrared sensor array. The robot integrates custom electronics, embedded programming, and a laser-cut acrylic structure to create a reliable and efficient educational platform. The goal is to demonstrate real-time motor control and sensor integration using a compact and well-structured system.

    Project Plan

    Tasks Completed

    Tasks Remaining

    Bill of Materials (BOM)

    # Item Description Qty Unit Cost (₹) Total (₹)
    1XIAO ESP32-C3Microcontroller Unit15.505.50
    2Fabricated PCBsMotor + Sensor Interface22.004.00
    3Header Pins & WiresMale/Female, Solder Wires1 set1.001.00
    4BO Motors + WheelsPlastic Gear Motors with Wheels2 sets2.505.00
    5L298N Motor DriverDual H-Bridge Driver22.004.00
    6Connector Wires + JST2/7-pin Wires and Terminals2 sets1.002.00
    7OLED Display0.96" I2C Monochrome13.003.00
    85-Line Sensor ArrayIR Line Detection Module14.004.00
    9Acrylic Sheet100x100 mm Chassis Base11.501.50
    10Line Marker TapeBlack Tape for Path1 roll0.500.50

    Total Estimated Cost: ₹30.50 (~$37)

    Project Summary

    Line Bot is a fully integrated, line-following robot that combines sensing, actuation, and embedded control in a small form factor. The bot uses an ESP32-C3 to interpret signals from a 5-line IR sensor array and adjust motor speeds via an L298N motor driver using PWM. A laser-cut acrylic chassis houses the electronics and mechanical parts. An OLED display provides real-time sensor feedback and status display. All systems are powered by a battery pack and connected via JST headers for easy maintenance.

    System Capabilities

    What Will It Do?

    Who Has Done What Beforehand?

    Line-following robots have been widely implemented in both academic and hobbyist contexts. I reviewed projects from Fab Academy archives and YouTube tutorials to understand effective sensor layouts, motor driving techniques, and PID control. My approach focuses on integrating a compact ESP32-based solution with custom PCBs and display modules for enhanced feedback.

    What Will You Design?

    Final Structure

    Laser Cutting Process





    Materials, Sources, and Cost

    What Materials and Components Will Be Used?

    Where Will They Come From?

    Components were sourced from Robu.in, local hardware shops, and the Fab Lab inventory. PCB fabrication and laser cutting were done in the Fab Lab.

    How Much Will They Cost?

    Total estimated cost is ₹30.50 (~$37), including electronics and fabrication materials.

    Processes Used

    Evaluation Criteria

    Open Questions and Learnings

    What Questions Need to Be Answered?

    What Has Worked?

    What Hasn’t?

    What Will Happen When?

    What Have You Learned?

    Finally Leaving my files here

    Arduino Uno Datasheet

    Xiao ESP32C3 Datasheet

    Source Code