360 Degree Radar Using Ultrasonic Sensor

Abstract

This paper presents the design and implementation of a 360-degree radar system using a single ultrasonic sensor, an Arduino board, and a 5V stepper motor with a driver module. The objective of this project is to create a low-cost, efficient radar-like system capable of scanning the environment over a full 360-degree range. The ultrasonic sensor, mounted on the stepper motor, allows for distance measurements at multiple angular positions, providing a comprehensive spatial mapping of the surrounding area. The Arduino board functions as the central controller, handling sensor data acquisition, motor control, and real-time data processing. The 5V stepper motor, combined with the driver module, enables precise rotational movement for accurate scanning, while ensuring smooth and reliable operation. The system\'s capabilities are demonstrated in various applications such as obstacle detection, environmental mapping, and basic autonomous navigation. This paper also discusses the challenges encountered during system integration, including achieving accurate motor control, sensor calibration, and managing processing speed for real-time data visualization. The results indicate that this radar system, powered by affordable components, is an effective solution for applications in robotics, surveillance, and educational projects

Introduction

The paper proposes a cost-effective, simple 360-degree radar system for real-time environmental sensing and obstacle detection, using just one ultrasonic sensor (HC-SR04), an Arduino Uno, and a stepper motor. Unlike traditional radar systems, which are costly and complex, this setup rotates the ultrasonic sensor full circle to capture distance data at multiple angles, enabling spatial mapping for robotics, home security, and automation applications.

Key points:

• Ultrasonic sensors are effective for short-to-medium range but can be affected by noise and surface properties.

• A rotating mechanism (stepper motor) with a single sensor is a cheaper, simpler alternative to multiple sensors.

• The Arduino Uno processes sensor data and controls motor rotation.

• Applications include obstacle detection, perimeter security, parking assistance, and basic autonomous navigation.

• Challenges include limited sensor range, environmental interference, and slower scan speed due to mechanical rotation.

• The system collects distance data as the sensor rotates, processes it, and displays a 2D spatial map via a laptop or LCD screen.

• Components: Arduino Uno, stepper motor, ultrasonic sensor, wiring, and USB connection.

• Future improvements could involve adding other sensors (infrared, lidar), wireless communication, AI for object recognition, faster motors, and energy-efficient designs to enhance accuracy, speed, and functionality.

This approach offers an affordable and accessible solution, especially useful for educational and small-scale projects, while paving the way for more advanced autonomous sensing systems.

Conclusion

Creating a 360-degree radar system with a single ultrasonic sensor and Arduino Uno shows how affordable and simple technology can be used for practical purposes. This system offers an effective way to detect obstacles and map the environment, making it useful for applications like robotics, home security, and automation. By using a rotating motor and an ultrasonic sensor, it can gather data from all directions and display it in a simple way, with the Arduino handling the control and data processing. While the system has some limitations—such as range and environmental interference—these can be improved with better calibration, noise reduction, and adding other sensors. The flexibility of this design allows for further upgrades, like wireless connectivity and machine learning for smarter functionality. In the end, this project proves that even with basic components, it\'s possible to build a reliable and cost-effective radar system that has plenty of potential for real-world use.

References

Low-Cost Mini Radar: Design Prototyping and Tests”, 20 July 2017 Dario Tarchi, Michele Vespe, CiroGioia, Francesco Sermi, Vladimir Kyovtorov and Giorgio Guglieri. Designed a surveillance radar system. [2] Shreyes Mehta, ShashankTiwari-“RADAR SYSTEM USING ARDUINO AND ULTRASONIC SENSOR”, Volume 3, Issue 4 April 2018. [3] AnujDutt (Author), 2014, Arduino-based RADAR System, Munich, GRIN Verlag. [4] SrijanDubey,SupragyaTiwari, Simit Roy -“ IMPLEMENTATION OF RADAR USING ULTRASONIC SENSOR” Indian J.Sci.Res. 2017. [5] J. L. Crowley, “World Modelling and Position Estimation for a Mobile Robot Using Ultrasonic Ranging,” Proc. IEEE Int. Conf. Robotics and Automation, pp. 674-680, 1989.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Prof. V. S. Gaikwad, Aditya Chavan , Viraj Bhalsing , Omkar Deore , Neerav Deshpande . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.