DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF LOW-COST LDR-BASED TARGET TRACKING SYSTEM

As we advance technologically, real-time target tracking has become a critical function in domains such as aviation, surveillance, and robotics. Conventional approaches, including radar and vision-based systems, provide high accuracy but are often associated with significant cost, computational complexity, and power consumption. All of this limits their applicability in low-cost and small-scale implementations. This paper presents to you presents the design and development of a cost-effective, sensor-based target tracking system using Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs), an Arduino Uno microcontroller, ultrasonic sensing, and servo-based actuation. The system employs a quadrant arrangement of LDR sensors to detect directional variations in light intensity emitted or reflected by a moving target. By computing differential light intensity across sensor pairs, the system determines the relative position of the target in both horizontal and vertical axes. The proposed system demonstrates real-time tracking capability with satisfactory response time and stability under controlled lighting conditions. Experimental evaluation points out the system achievement through reliable directional tracking with minimal latency, though the performance is influenced by ambient light variability. Despite the simplicity, the system provides a scalable foundation for developing more advanced tracking solutions through integration with vision systems, Artificial intelligence and IoT frameworks. The study highlights the potential of low-cost sensor fusion techniques in bridging the gap between basic light-following systems and complex tracking technologies, making it suitable for educational, prototyping, and limited real-world applications.