During the Fall Semester 2024-2025, students from the Departments of Computer and Electrical Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Balamand achieved a remarkable milestone by designing and developing autonomous line-tracking robots, as part of their final year project in the Microcontrollers Laboratory (CPEN305). Under the guidance of Mrs. Katia Karam (Instructor and Laboratory Supervisor), the course enrolled 13 students, who worked in teams of two to three, resulting in the successful creation of six operational line-tracking robots.

Notably, the project stood out for its use of the PIC18F45K22 microcontroller, a more advanced and versatile platform compared to the widely used Arduino, underscoring the students’ ambition to tackle sophisticated embedded systems.

By taking on the challenge of programming with the PIC18F45K22, known for its enhanced features and versatility, the students ventured into advanced embedded systems, requiring them to write sophisticated codes from scratch without relying on pre-built libraries. This hands-on approach not only deepened the students’ understanding of microcontroller but also sharpened their programming skills, equipping them with real-world expertise in robotics and automation.

The line-tracking robot is more than a class project — it is a testament to the students’ ingenuity and their ability to engage with cutting-edge technologies. Beyond technical expertise, the project emphasized critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and collaboration essential for future innovators in engineering.

Vice President for Internationalization and Engagement and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Professor Rami Abboud commanded the efforts of Mrs. Katia Karam and her team of students stating: "This initiative exemplifies our mission to prepare students for the ever-evolving fields of robotics and automation. Through projects like these, we empower them with the knowledge and confidence to solve complex engineering challenges. This accomplishment underscores the University of Balamand’s dedication to fostering a culture of innovation, preparing our engineers to be agents of positive change in shaping future technology for a sutainable world”.

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