Schrödinger: Journal of Physics Education
Schrödinger: Journal of Physics Education

Advancing Physics and Physics Education Through Research and Innovation

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Schrödinger: Journal of Physics Education

Advancing Physics and Physics Education Through Research and Innovation

Beyond Obstacle Avoidance: Ultrasonic Wave Diffraction and Multi-Sensor Integration in a Follow-Me Robot

Shahab Moradi Kelardeh
Shahroud University of Technology
Iran, Islamic Republic of
shahab@gmail.com
Syarif Maulana
Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta
Indonesia
Ookjin Jung
Chungnam National University
Korea, Republic of
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  • Purpose of the study: This study aimed to design and evaluate a low-cost follow-me robot system based on ultrasonic and infrared sensor integration for object tracking, obstacle avoidance, and indoor autonomous navigation applications.

    Methodology: The study used HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, Arduino Nano, L298N motor driver, DC motors, and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control. Experimental methods were conducted through distance measurement, angular response testing, obstacle avoidance evaluation, payload variation testing, and robot speed analysis under indoor operating conditions.

    Main Findings: The results showed that the proposed robot achieved stable object-following performance within the range of 40–80 cm. Rectangular objects produced more stable ultrasonic reflections than cylindrical objects because of lower wave scattering. Higher PWM values increased robot speed, while larger payloads reduced movement efficiency. The system also demonstrated effective directional correction and obstacle avoidance capability during indoor navigation experiments.

    Novelty/Originality of this study: The novelty of this study lies in the integration of ultrasonic and infrared sensors with the analysis of ultrasonic wave diffraction characteristics, object geometry influence, PWM-based motor control, and payload performance within a single follow-me robotic platform. The proposed system provides a comprehensive and low-cost approach for autonomous indoor robotic navigation and lightweight transportation applications.

  • How to cite

    [1]
    S. M. Kelardeh, S. Maulana, and O. Jung, “Beyond Obstacle Avoidance: Ultrasonic Wave Diffraction and Multi-Sensor Integration in a Follow-Me Robot”, Sch. Jo. Phs. Ed, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 115–127, Jun. 2026, doi: 10.37251/sjpe.v7i3.3328.

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