Hybrid Development of a Multimodal Mobile Robot via Vibe Coding Approach

This paper presents a hybrid methodology for the creation of educational mobile robots, combining the efforts of developers in design, construction, and instrumentation with the use of “Vibe Coding” as an alternative programming approach. To achieve this objective, the methodology integrates electronics and algorithmic thinking to enable adaptive behavior across three operating modes for robotics competitions. The mobile robot features a compact and modular architecture (430 g, 22 cm length × 14 cm width) with support components manufactured using 3D printing. Instrumentation included an Arduino Uno® development board, a Syb-170® proto shield, a buzzer, an HC-SR04® ultrasonic sensor, an SG90 RC® servomotor, a SSD1315 display, three TCRT5000® reflective optical sensors, two DC motors with integrated 48:1 gearboxes, an L298N motor driver, and two 18650® rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Programming and algorithmic implementation were carried out using Vibe Coding, leveraging its intuitive environment to accelerate the development of three independent operating modes: (1) line follower on a racetrack, (2) obstacle avoidance with various objects, and (3) Bluetooth control via the free MIT Application Inventor. The mobile robot successfully demonstrated all three tasks, validating its suitability for educational and competitive purposes. Furthermore, its architecture supports AI-assisted decision-making through Vibe Coding, enabling dynamic responses to environmental disturbances. The multimodal configuration enhances navigation by correcting trajectory deviations, thereby improving robustness, adaptability, and overall functionality.