Infrared Obstacle Avoidance Sensor
An infrared obstacle avoidance module sends IR light and watches for a reflection from nearby objects.
Part images
What it is
An infrared obstacle avoidance module sends IR light and watches for a reflection from nearby objects.
How students use it
Students use it for robot bump avoidance, hand-wave triggers, object counters, and reflective-surface experiments.
Pins and power
OUT signal, GND, VCC, and sometimes EN depending on the board.
KY-032 boards are commonly powered as modules; verify VCC and output voltage before Pico wiring.
OUT changes state when reflected IR crosses the module's threshold. Onboard trimmers may adjust range or sensitivity.
Voltage and safety
Confirm OUT does not exceed 3.3V before connecting it to Pico GPIO.
Educational proximity sensor only; do not use it for safety-critical collision avoidance.
Module internals
Main component: IR emitter and IR receiver pair with comparator circuitry.
IR LED, photodiode/phototransistor, comparator, potentiometers, indicator LED, and header pins.
Datasheet notes
Reflectivity, angle, sunlight, and dark materials can all change detection range.
Common libraries
Use machine.Pin for the digital output.
Common mistakes
Testing on black or angled surfaces, using it in bright sunlight, setting the trimmer too far, and trusting it as a precise distance sensor.