Auto/Manual obstacle detector

Manual & Automatic Ultrasonic Obstacle Detection System：

Project Description

This project is a manual and automatic ultrasonic obstacle detection system built with Arduino.

It combines a servo-mounted ultrasonic sensor, a joystick interface, and an audible proximity alarm to demonstrate real-time sensing, actuator control, and user interaction.

The system operates in two selectable modes:

Manual Mode:

The servo angle is controlled by the joystick’s X-axis, allowing the user to manually scan the environment.

Automatic Scan Mode:

The servo continuously sweeps between preset angles, simulating a radar-style scan. The scan speed can be adjusted using the joystick’s Y-axis.

A push-button switch on the joystick toggles between manual and automatic modes.

An ultrasonic sensor mounted on the servo measures the distance to obstacles in front of the system. When an object is detected within a predefined threshold distance, a buzzer is activated. The buzzer’s frequency increases as the detected object moves closer, providing intuitive auditory feedback without requiring visual attention.

Key Features

Dual control modes: manual joystick control and automatic scanning

Servo-mounted ultrasonic sensor for directional distance measurement

Distance-based buzzer alert with variable frequency

Adjustable scan speed in automatic mode

Real-time serial output for debugging and visualization

Extra details: When the sensor scanned something, the speed of the auto-rotating motor will slow down

Applications

Introductory robotics and embedded systems learning

Obstacle detection demonstrations

Robot sensor scanning concepts

Human–machine interaction experiments

Why This Project

This project demonstrates how multiple basic Arduino components—sensors, actuators, and input devices—can be integrated into a cohesive and interactive system. Its modular design allows for easy expansion, such as adding visual indicators, displays, or autonomous navigation logic.