DESIGN OF LIGHT TRACKING ROBOT WITH POSITION IDENTIFICATION
Keywords:
Robot, Position identification, Light tracking, Sunlight and shadowsAbstract
This research aims to design and develop a solar-tracking robot with position identification, using the atrium of the Faculty of Industrial Technology, Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University as a case study. Data from light sensors (LDR), a compass sensor, and a Global Positioning System (GPS) were collected to build a database of sunlight and shadow movement characteristics within the atrium. This database was then used to control the robot’s movement toward sunlight positions, serving as a guideline for developing an automatic charging system with solar cells during the daytime. In the experiment, the atrium area was divided into four zones, and the latitude/longitude coordinates of each zone were recorded to determine the robot’s position. Data on sunlight availability were collected at different time intervals, and the robot was programmed to move toward the corresponding sunlight-receiving positions. The robot’s rotation direction was controlled according to the designated path, while the light sensors verified the presence of sunlight at the target positions. From the data collected on February 15, 2025, it was found that during the period from 09:00 to 16:00, the robot was able to move accurately to positions exposed to sunlight according to the actual sunlight patterns inside the building. The integration of multiple sensors (GPS, compass sensor, and LDR) enabled the robot to combine the advantages of each sensor, thereby enhancing the accuracy of its operation.
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