The SparkFun Line Follower Array is a long board consisting of eight IR sensors that have been configured to read as digital bits! We have designed the SparkFun Line Follower Arrays to follow a dark line of about ¾ inch width or smaller (spray paint or electrical tape) on a light background. Each array features visible LEDs that point upward when the board is attached (properly) so you can see what the robot sees, brightness control right on the board, and an I2C interface for reading and power control. Here at SparkFun, the RedBot Shadow Chassis was used as a test platform but really this was designed as an add-on for almost any bot.
The line follower functions by taking an 8-bit reading of reflectance for use with following lines or reading dark/light patterns and can see from about ¼ to ¾ inches away. The IR brightness control and indicator can be adjusted with the on-board potentiometer and is capable of showing you the strength of the IR LEDs. Illumination can be turned on and off with software to conserve power, or left on all the time for faster readings. The SparkFun Line Follower Array requires 5V of power with a supply current range of 25-185mA with strobing disabled and 16-160mA with it enabled. Additionally we have added six mounting holes to the line follower with the two inner holes designed to fit our Shadow Chassis while the other four are general purpose.
Note: As you know our Sun emits quite a bit of infrared light, making the SparkFun Line Follower Array much less effective in direct sunlight. Plan your projects accordingly!
Data sheet
Manufacturer BTC Korporacja sp. z o. o. Lwowska 5 05-120 Legionowo Poland sprzedaz@kamami.pl 22 767 36 20
Responsible person BTC Korporacja sp. z o. o. Lwowska 5 05-120 Legionowo Poland sprzedaz@kamami.pl 22 767 36 20
Module with 1 QTRX type optocoupler with RC (digital) output. The module operates from 2.9 V to 5.5 V, detects objects at a distance of up to 30 mm. The sensor will be used in projects that require detection of changes in the ground, e.g. in linefollower robots. Pololu 4341
Module with 7 QTRX type optocoupler with analog output. The module operates from 2.9 V to 5.5 V, detects objects at a distance of up to 40 mm. The sensor will be used in projects that require detection of changes in the ground, e.g. in linefollower robots. Pololu 4447
Module with 7 QTRX type optocoupler with RC (digital) output. The module operates from 2.9 V to 5.5 V, detects objects at a distance of up to 40 mm. The sensor will be used in projects that require detection of changes in the ground, e.g. in linefollower robots. Pololu 4347
Module with 13 QTRX type optocoupler with analog output. The module operates from 2.9 V to 5.5 V, detects objects at a distance of up to 40 mm. The sensor will be used in projects that require detection of changes in the ground, e.g. in linefollower robots. Pololu 4413
Module with 13 QTRX type optocoupler with RC (digital) output. The module operates from 2.9 V to 5.5 V, detects objects at a distance of up to 40 mm. The sensor will be used in projects that require detection of changes in the ground, e.g. in linefollower robots. Pololu 4313
Module with 13 QTRX type optocoupler with RC (digital) output. The module operates from 2.9 V to 5.5 V, detects objects at a distance of up to 40 mm. The sensor will be used in projects that require detection of changes in the ground, e.g. in linefollower robots. Pololu 4353
Module with 25 QTRX type optocoupler with analog output. The module operates from 2.9 V to 5.5 V, detects objects at a distance of up to 50 mm. The sensor will be used in projects that require detection of changes in the ground, e.g. in linefollower robots. Pololu 4425
No product available!
Module with five ITR20001/T reflective sensors. Powered with the voltage from 3.3 V to 5 V, it has analog outputs. It can detect objects at a distance of up to 5 mm. Waveshare Tracker Sensor
No product available!
Diffuse sensor with digital output. The threshold can be adjusted with the built-in potentiometer
A module with line sensors designed to work with the Kitronik kit. It has two sensors in the form of phototransistors that generate an analog voltage that can be read by the microcontroller. The module is equipped with a 4-pin connector (3V, 0V, L, R), which allows for power supply and reception of signals from the sensors, and the output voltage changes depending on the detected surface, which allows it to be used not only with the Kitronik kit, but also with platforms such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi Pico. Kitronik 56111
A compact line-tracing board designed for Raspberry Pi Pico, BBC micro:bit, and Arduino projects. Equipped with three phototransistors, it generates an analog output voltage proportional to the substrate\'s color, enabling precise control of autonomous vehicles. The board is solderless and ready to use, with a standard 2.54mm connector for easy integration with prototype breadboards. Kitronik 5337
No product available!
This micro:bit module allows for light and object detection and line tracking, making it ideal for educational and robotic projects. Equipped with three phototransistors, it provides precise measurements, and the analog signal transmitted to the micro:bit allows for precise analysis of the surroundings. The board can be connected directly to the micro:bit or via alligator clips. Kitronik 5678
The :MOVE mini MK2 robot kit allows for automatic line tracking, enhancing the interactivity of educational projects. The kit is easy to assemble, requires no soldering, and adjustable sensors allow for precise sensitivity adjustments for the left and right sides of the robot. The module can track both a dark line on a light background and a light line on a dark background, and backward compatibility with the original :MOVE mini makes it easy to use in older projects. Kitronik 5659
The QTRXL-MD-01A-S reflective sensor with an analog output enables precise detection of lines and objects. Thanks to its extended range and high sensitivity, it is used in robotic and automation projects. The JST SH connector allows easy integration, and the wide supply voltage range enables flexible use in 3.3 V and 5 V systems.
A reflective sensor that precisely measures the intensity of light reflected from a surface using an IR LED and a phototransistor. It offers a long detection range—optimally around 20 mm, and up to 80 mm—thanks to the QTRXL sensor with a built-in lens and adjustable LED brightness. It generates a digital RC signal that\'s easily read by microcontrollers like Arduino or Raspberry Pi. Pololu 4540
A precision reflective sensor utilizing an IR diode and a phototransistor to measure light reflected from a surface. It offers an analog voltage output proportional to the reflected light and an optimal measurement range of 10 mm. Its low power consumption and compact size make it ideal for line-follower robots, edge detection systems, and educational projects. Pololu 4440
SEN-13582