This PCB Robot Follows the Light

Some time ago, I made a light following “robot," which uses two sets of light-dependent resistors (LDRs) to steer. When light is applied to one side’s resistors, the opposite motor turns, allowing it to chase the light without any sort of microcontroller or other computing device. While this worked, it took a fair amount of hacking to get it assembled.

Now, with my noob-ish printed circuit board (PCB) design skills, it seemed only logical to design a board that would both properly connect the simple electronics, and act as the body of the robot. In the end, this took much more effort than it's predecessor, but it was good PCB design practice. The new robot, with CR2032 batteries secured in plastic holders, and LDRs still used to steer, also looks more refined. Finally, duplication should be much easier, as I can just order new bodies as needed.

The video below goes over the design and build process, including a small issue where the motor itself was shorting the power supply out. This, and a few other design elements needed to be changed, so a second revision was ordered and assembled before calling this bot finished.

Info to construct one yourself is available on GitHub. PCBs are available for purchase on Tindie as well, if you so prefer.