Kitronik Autonomous Robotics - module with reflective sensors

Description

Kitronik Autonomous Robotics Platform is a sensor board designed for building autonomous vehicles and robots, enabling line following. The board features 3 phototransistors that change current based on the amount of reflected light, generating an analog output voltage read by the microcontroller's ADC, e.g., Raspberry Pi Pico. The board can also be used with platforms such as BBC micro:bit or Arduino. Pins are provided on a standard 2.54 mm header, compatible with most prototyping breadboards. The pins allow connection of 3V–5V power and outputs from three sensors labeled L (left), C (center), and R (right).

The sensor output voltage changes proportionally to the surface color – light surfaces generate low voltage (0 V), while dark surfaces produce high voltage (3 V at 3V VCC). Values read by the microcontroller depend on the ADC range and resolution. The board requires no soldering, making rapid prototyping and testing easy. Kitronik provides a MicroPython example code demonstrating line-following implementation for Raspberry Pi Pico. The board can also be used in larger kits as a tool for learning robotics and programming. Its compact size and simple headers allow easy integration into educational and hobby projects. It is ideal for learning basic electronics, microcontroller programming, and building code-controlled autonomous vehicles.

Features

• Precise line-following for autonomous robots and vehicles
• 3 phototransistors with analog output
• Standard 2.54 mm header
• Sensor outputs: L (left), C (center), R (right)
• Compatible with Raspberry Pi Pico, BBC micro:bit, and Arduino
• Power: 3V nominal, range 3V–5V
• Typical current consumption: ~45 mA
• Dimensions: 24.5 x 14.5 x 5.95 mm