IR Obstacle Avoidance Sensor

Components Needed

1x ESP32
1x USB Programming Cable
1x Double Width Breadboard
1x IR Obstacle Avoidance Sensor Module
3x Male-to-Male Jumper Wires

Connections

Using the breadboard, connect the IR Obstacle Avoidance Sensor Module to the ESP32 as follows:

VCC → ESP32 3V3
GND → ESP32 GND
OUT → ESP32 D23

Code

Upload the following code onto the ESP32:

const int sensorPin = 23;  // IR sensor OUT pin
const int ledPin = 2;      // ESP32 onboard LED pin

void setup() {
  pinMode(sensorPin, INPUT);  // Configure sensor pin as input
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);    // Configure onboard LED pin as output
  Serial.begin(115200);
}

void loop() {
  int sensorValue = digitalRead(sensorPin);  // Read sensor value

  if (sensorValue == LOW) {
    // Obstacle detected
    digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);  // Turn on LED
    Serial.println("Obstacle detected!");
  } else {
    // No obstacle
    digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);  // Turn off LED
    Serial.println("No obstacle detected.");
  }
  delay(500);  // Small delay for stability
}

Explanation

The IR Obstacle Avoidance Sensor Module uses an infrared transmitter and receiver to detect obstacles within its range. When an object is detected, the module outputs a low signal on the OUT pin. The ESP32 reads this signal and responds accordingly. In this code, the onboard LED of the ESP32 will turn on when an obstacle is detected and turn off otherwise.

Results

After uploading the code, open the Serial Monitor in the Arduino IDE to see real-time obstacle detection messages. When the sensor detects an object, the ESP32's onboard LED will turn on, and the Serial Monitor will display "Obstacle detected!". When no obstacle is present, the LED will remain off, and the Serial Monitor

will display "No obstacle detected."

Try for Yourself

Modify the code to perform different actions when an obstacle is detected, such as triggering a buzzer
r sending a notiﬁcation.
Experiment with adjusting the sensitivity of the sensor using the onboard potentiometer.