FaceFollower

FaceTrackBot is a Python-Arduino project that uses OpenCV for real-time face detection and controls a 28BYJ-48 stepper motor via Arduino to keep a face centered.

Project Files

• app.py - Main tracking + motor control
• camera.py - Detects working camera index
• sketch_oct30a.ino - Arduino stepper sketch
• requirements.txt - Python dependencies

Setup

1. Clone repo: git clone <repo_url>
2. Create venv: python -m venv .venv and activate it
3. Install dependencies: pip install -r requirements.txt

Arduino

1. Open sketch_oct30a.ino in Arduino IDE
2. Select board: Arduino Uno, select COM port
3. Upload sketch and close Serial Monitor

Camera

• Run camera.py to find working index (0 default)
• Use index in app.py for cv2.VideoCapture()

Run

python app.py

• Motor follows detected face horizontally
• Press q to quit

Configurable Parameters

• KP - Proportional gain (0.01-0.1)
• DEADZONE - Pixel tolerance
• MIN_ANGLE / MAX_ANGLE - Arduino stepper limits

Troubleshooting

• Serial port error: Close Serial Monitor, check COM
• Blank camera: Ensure no other app uses camera
• Stepper not moving: Check wiring and pins

Author

Mugisha Chrispin | GitHub: Mchiir | MIT License