Tvet Innovation: Line Follower Robot Programming Approach Using Excel Platform

Abstract

The line follower robot serves as a fundamental element in robotics education as it introduces key concepts of automation, motor control, and sensor integration, which are essential foundations for modern intelligent systems. This project presents an innovative approach to simplifying the programming of line follower robots by utilizing Microsoft Excel as the primary platform for automatically generating Arduino code. The main issue identified is that many primary, secondary, and engineering students without programming backgrounds struggle with conventional coding languages such as C, while block-based programming platforms still require a deep understanding of specific functions, leading to confusion among new users. The objective of this project is to develop a more user-friendly method that allows students to simply input basic parameters such as direction (bearing), distance, and speed into an Excel spreadsheet without needing to understand complex code structures. These parameters can then be copied directly and pasted into the Arduino IDE, allowing the build and burn processes to proceed as usual. Findings show that this approach effectively accelerates the understanding of basic robotics, reduces syntax errors, and simplifies system modifications. Its impact is significant in empowering students with essential technical skills, strengthening STEM and TVET competencies, and supporting the development of capabilities aligned with the needs of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0). This approach not only simplifies the teaching of robotics to students without a technical background but also has great potential to expand access to robotics education at all levels.