It is time to tackle our first project! In this chapter, we will build and program a small EV3 tank that uses infrared sensors to track and target a beacon. You can think of it as a miniature model tank that you can use to keep your room safe from intruders!

The tank demonstrates how smart robots in the real world use infrared technology. We briefly mentioned this technology in the first chapter. Infrared refers to a wavelength of light that is invisible to the human eye. However, robots can incorporate sensors that can detect infrared light. This makes infrared a convenient way to invisibly send messages to a robot or allow a robot to see something that a human cannot see.

The EV3 remote control can serve as a beacon that continuously emits an infrared signal. The tank we will be building in this chapter is equipped with two EV3 infrared sensors. The sensors measure the heading and distance of the infrared beacon. Using this information, the robot can aim its turret at the beacon but also steer itself to keep the beacon within its line of sight.

The tank we build in this chapter also demonstrates some mechanical concepts often found in smart robots. In addition to infrared beacon tracking, you will learn about caterpillar tracks, turntables, cams, and gear reduction.

Now, let's get to the project and make a tank: