Margdarshak: A Smart Driverless Vehicle Using IR-Based Traffic and Sign Recognition

Abstract: Therapidadvancementofintelligenttransportationsystemshasled to growing interest in autonomous vehicles. This paper presents Margdarshak, a low-cost, sensor-based driverless car prototype designed to recognize and respond to traffic lights, speed limit boards,directionalsignboards,andobstacles.ThesystemutilizesIR transmitters and a TSOP-based IR receiver to interpret encoded signals from traffic elements. Lane following is achieved using infrared sensors, while ultrasonicsensors enable obstacle detection andavoidance.AnATmega328microcontrollerprocessesreal-time input from sensors and controls the vehicle’s motion via a motor driver module. This prototype demonstrates the feasibility of creating a modular, scalable, andautonomous vehicle using simple embedded electronics, making it suitable for academic, smart city, and controlledenvironment transport applications. Unlike traditional autonomous vehicles that rely on image processing and costly AI modules, Margdarshak is built on a simplified IR communication mechanism that simulates traffic scenarios in a structured and repeatable manner. Each traffic signboardisembeddedwithanIRtransmitterthatsendsadistinct signal pattern representing specific actions like stop, turn, or set speed. These signals are received by the TSOP module, decoded by the microcontroller, and acted upon using motor drivers. By minimizing complexity and cost, this design serves as a learning platform for students and a stepping-stone toward more complex automation. The hardware setup includes IR sensors for line detection, ultrasonic sensors for proximity sensing, and relay modules for directional control. Testing shows accurate responses to red and green light signals, speed adjustments based on IR input, and precise turns at curve indicators. The modular design allows for easy future upgrades such as GPS, voice assistance, or camera- based AI. This paper highlights the effectiveness of combining basic embedded components with logicbased programming to buildanefficient,reliable,andreplicabledriverlesscarprototype with real-time environmental interaction