Dual-Mode Hand Gesture and Line-Following Controlled Robotic Car

Abstract

In recent years, the rapid advancement of automation and robotics has led to the development of intelligent systems capable of performing tasks with minimal human intervention. This paper presents a Dual-Mode Hand Gesture and Line-Following Controlled Robotic Car that integrates both autonomous navigation and intuitive manual control into a single platform. The robot operates in two distinct modes: line-following mode using infrared (IR) sensors for automated path tracking, and hand-gesture control mode using an MPU6050 motion sensor, NodeMCU, and RF communication for wireless directional commands (forward, backward, left, right). An ultrasonic sensor provides real-time obstacle avoidance for enhanced safety. The system is built around an Arduino Uno receiver and supports seamless mode switching. Testing demonstrates reliable line tracking, accurate gesture response with minimal delay, effective obstacle detection within 15 cm, and stable operation. The low-cost prototype (≈ ₹3,500) offers a versatile, educational, and practical solution for industrial automation, assistive robotics, and human-machine interaction.