Project idea
An autonomous room-cleaning robot uses ultrasonic ranging to detect room boundaries and execute a zigzag coverage pattern for full-area cleaning while logging session time on a 16x2 LCD. A PIC16F877A microcontroller coordinates sensor reads, motor control through an H-bridge, and LCD updates while a 12V blower provides dust suction.
Project description
Starting from a detected corner, the robot sweeps the room in alternating passes, turning at boundaries sensed by HC-SR04 modules and driving tracks via an L298N motor driver on a metal tank chassis for stable motion over typical indoor floors. Post-cleaning, total elapsed time is displayed on a 16x2 LCD, with power supplied by a compact 3S Li‑ion 12V battery pack and system timing stabilized by a 20 MHz crystal for the PIC controller.
Components
PIC16F877A microcontroller
ADXL335 3‑axis accelerometer module
HC‑SR04 ultrasonic sensors ×3
L298N dual H‑bridge motor driver module
Tracked metal tank robot chassis with 2×12V geared motors
16×2 LCD character display
20 MHz crystal oscillator (TH HC49US)
3‑cell 12V Li‑ion battery pack (~11.1–12.6 V)
12V DC blower fan for suction
Features
Zigzag full-coverage navigation with boundary sensing using HC‑SR04.
Integrated vacuum suction using a compact 12V DC blower module.
Real-time cleaning session timer with 16×2 LCD output.
Robust tracked chassis for stable indoor traversal and sensor mounting.
PIC16F877A control with UART/I2C/SPI peripherals and stable 20 MHz timing.
Applications
Automated floor vacuuming in labs, classrooms, and small offices.
Demonstrations of coverage path planning and embedded control concepts.
Educational robotics kits focusing on sensing, actuation, and HMI basics.
Project Includes:
Fully assembled and tested circuit
Circuit diagram
Source code
(For DIY KITs - only the components will be provided)
Project Types:
- DIY KIT(Do IT YourSelf KIT) - We are providing only components in this kit for this project
- DIY KIT with Code & Circuit Connections - Along with the components, you will get the Code and the Circuit Connections file to help you build the project easily.
- Readymade Breadboard - We are providing fully assembled, tested and ready-made project using plug-n-play jumper wires and breadboard with all the other components, code & circuit diagram.
- Readymade Soldered - We are providing fully assembled, tested and ready-made project soldered on a PCB with all the other components, code & circuit diagram.
Dimensions (cm)
Assembled footprint approximately 22 × 24 × 10 cm, matching the tracked metal tank chassis envelope for compact floor navigation.
Shipping dimensions recommended at 30 × 30 × 15 cm to accommodate protective padding around the chassis and mounted modules.
Weight
Estimated total project weight ≈ 2.5 kg, dominated by the ~2.0 kg chassis plus ~0.3 kg for a typical 12V Li‑ion pack, with remaining electronics adding marginal mass.
Estimate project weight
≈ 2.5 kg assembled, excluding packaging materials for shipment.
Notes: All the products are made by LearnElectronics India and not for re-sale.
