ESP32-S3 IR Sensor with Arduino IDE

Introduction

The IR Infrared Obstacle Avoidance Sensor detects obstacles by emitting infrared light and measuring the reflected signal.
It provides a digital output (HIGH or LOW) depending on whether an object is detected.
The ESP32-S3 can read the sensor’s output and take appropriate action, such as stopping or turning a motor.
In this tutorial, we’ll interface the IR sensor with the ESP32-S3 to detect obstacles.

Required Components

• ESP32-S3 Board
• IR Sensor
• Jumper wires
• Breadboard (optional)

Pinout

Circuit Diagram / Wiring

• IR SENSOR VCC → VIN, 3.3V (ESP32-S3)
• IR SENSOR GND → GND (ESP32-S3)
• IR SENSOR OUT → GPIO 15 (ESP32-S3)

Code / Programming

/*
Filename: ol_ir_obstacle_sensor.ino  
Description: Reads IR obstacle sensor and prints detection status via Serial Monitor  
Author: www.oceanlabz.in  
Modification: 1/4/2025  
*/
 
#define IR_SENSOR_PIN 15  // Define IR sensor pin
 
void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);           // Start serial communication
  pinMode(IR_SENSOR_PIN, INPUT);  // Set IR sensor pin as input
}
 
void loop() {
  int sensorValue = digitalRead(IR_SENSOR_PIN);  // Read sensor value
 
  if (sensorValue == HIGH) {
    Serial.println("No Obstacle");           // No obstacle detected
  } else {
    Serial.println("Obstacle Detected");     // Obstacle detected
  }
 
  delay(500);  // Wait for 500 milliseconds
}

Explanation

• The IR_SENSOR_PIN reads a digital HIGH or LOW value depending on obstacle detection.
• If the value is HIGH, no obstacle is detected; if LOW, an obstacle is present.
• The sensor value is printed to the Serial Monitor for feedback.

Troubleshooting

• Ensure that the sensor is powered correctly (VCC to 3.3V, VIN and GND to GND) and that the output pin is connected to the ESP32-S3.
• If the sensor continuously reads “Obstacle Detected,” check if the sensor is too close to a surface or incorrectly calibrated.
• If no readings are displayed, ensure the sensor’s wiring is secure and the ESP32’s GPIO is set to INPUT.