Build a Shadow Avoiding Robot

You can build a simple robot that responds to a stimulus (the lack of light) by stopping one wheel and reversing the other. This simple maneuver may help the robot leave the shadow it entered and find the light. Once it does, it will drive forward again. Sometimes, the poor little robot will get caught in the shadows and will spin in circles until you rescue it.

This robot is an excellent project for beginner robot builders of any age. I used this design successfully to teach a class full of kids aged 6 to 12. If an instructor or other adult pre-solders the wires to the two motors, it can be built by the student entirely without soldering.


By making this simple robot, children and students of all ages will learn several basic concepts used in robotics. These concepts include differential steering and motor control, sensors, and automated behaviors. In addition, students will gain experience with hands on construction and prototyping a circuit on a solderless breadboard.

You can find complete instructions, materials and parts on Instructables.com at:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Introduction-SpurtBot-ShadowRunner/