An Arduino-based project that measures both average speed and acceleration of a moving object using 3 IR sensors and a 16x2 LCD display. This project is designed for students, hobbyists, and makers who want to combine physics and electronics in a fun and practical way.
Measures average speed (km/h) across the full track.
Calculates acceleration (m/s²) between the first and last sensor.
Displays results in real-time on a 16x2 LCD.
Handles both positive and negative acceleration (deceleration).
Compact, easy-to-build, and fully open-source.
Arduino Uno (or compatible board)
LCD 16x2 Display (connected via pins 12, 11, 5, 4, 3, 2)
3x IR line-tracking sensors (digital output)
Breadboard and jumper wires
LCD (16x2):
RS -> Pin 12
EN -> Pin 11
D4 -> Pin 5
D5 -> Pin 4
D6 -> Pin 3
D7 -> Pin 2
Sensors:
OUT1 -> A0
OUT2 -> A1
OUT3 -> A2
VCC -> 5V
GND -> GND
When an object passes each sensor, the time is recorded.
Using the known distance (8 cm between each sensor), the program calculates:
Average speed across the full path.
Physics experiments (kinematics).
Robotics projects.
Speed and acceleration measurement for small objects.
Learning project for beginners with Arduino.