Purpose / Goal
The goal of TDLAS was to recreate a target detection and aiming concept from only a reference image and turn it into a working physical prototype. The system was designed to scan for nearby objects, detect a target position, and move a laser aiming assembly toward the detected direction.
Parts Used
- Arduino Uno R4 WiFi
- HC-SR04 ultrasonic distance sensor
- SG90 micro servos
- KY-008 laser module
- External battery pack for servo power
- Breadboard and jumper wires
- Foam board/cardboard structure
- Tape and hot glue for mechanical mounting
Build Process
The project was built step by step by testing each component separately before combining the full system. First, the servos were tested individually. Then the HC-SR04 sensor was tested with the Arduino to read distance values. After that, the radar/scanning section was built using a servo-mounted sensor.
Once the scanning system worked, the laser aiming section was added with X-axis and Y-axis servo movement. The final build used an external battery pack for servo power with a shared ground between the battery rail and Arduino.
Challenges
Major challenges included servo jitter, shorting/power issues, mechanical tilting, weak or unstable mounts, wire management, laser alignment, and matching the radar servo angle to the laser aiming servo angle.
The project also required mechanical fixes like changing the servo horn attachment method, counterbalancing the frame, and adjusting the structure so the servos could move without binding.
Results / Evidence
The final prototype successfully demonstrated the target detection and laser aiming concept. During repeated close-range testing, the system achieved approximately 95% target detection and aiming success for centered targets.
The radar sensor scanned for nearby objects, stopped when a target was detected, and then moved the laser aiming assembly toward the detected direction. Photos, videos, and Serial Monitor output were captured as evidence of the working prototype.
Project Images
These images show the final prototype, laser test, sensor mount, wiring, and Serial Monitor evidence.
Final TDLAS prototype side/front view.
Laser aiming demonstration during testing.
Laser target point showing the aiming result.
HC-SR04 sensor and radar frame close-up.
Full build and wiring overview.
Serial Monitor output showing radar angle and distance readings.
Next Improvements
Future improvements could include a cleaner schematic, a stronger frame, improved servo calibration, better wire management, and a more polished detection and aiming algorithm.