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[Robot kits](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/) / [SunFounder GalaxyRVR troubleshooting](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/) / **It bumps into walls in Avoid mode**

Updated 2026-10-27

# SunFounder GalaxyRVR: it bumps into walls in Avoid mode

Researched by [Riley Hart](https://robotsforthat.com/author/riley-hart/) · based on SunFounder GalaxyRVR build guide and docs · we may earn a commission

Short answer The infrared sensors are not tuned for your room. Start with this: Put a box 20 cm in front of one IR sensor.

## Why it happens

The infrared sensors are not tuned for your room.

## How to fix it

- Put a box 20 cm in front of one IR sensor.
- Turn the sensor's small screw until its light just comes on.
- Repeat for the other sensor. Light, flat floors work best.

## Check the step it comes from

Step 49 of 49

### Let it drive itself

In the app pick Avoid mode, put it on the floor and watch it steer around walls. Then try Follow.

**Tip:** Bumps into walls? Put a box 20 cm in front of each IR sensor and turn its small screw until its light comes on.

**Check:** It turns before hitting a wall.

**Common mistake:** Testing Avoid mode on a dark rug. The IR sensors work best on light, flat floors.

[See this step in the full build guide](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-build-guide/#step-49)

Still stuck?

## Show the AI coach a photo

Open step 49 in the free build tool, tap Stuck and take a photo. The coach checks it against that exact step and tells you what to change. 3 free questions per kit.

[Open step 49 →](https://robotsforthat.com/lab/build/mars-rover/steps/#step-49)

## Other GalaxyRVR problems

[No camera picture in the app The ESP32 CAM is in its adapter the wrong way, its ribbon is loose, or the camera is not getting power.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/#no-video)[The GalaxyRVR Wi-Fi does not show up The rover is in upload mode, the battery is flat, or the camera board is not powered. The camera board makes the Wi-Fi.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/#no-wifi)[The app keeps disconnecting Your phone leaves the rover's Wi-Fi because it has no internet, or another network on the same channel interferes.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/#wifi-drops)[The app sees the Wi-Fi but will not connect Custom code uploaded to the board replaced the rover's own program, or the camera board firmware is old.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/#app-wont-connect)[A wheel spins the wrong way Two motor plugs are swapped.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/#wheel-backwards)[One wheel does not turn Its plug is not fully in, or its wire got caught and snapped.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/#wheel-dead)

[All 12 GalaxyRVR problems and fixes](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/) · [The full build guide](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-build-guide/)

**SunFounder GalaxyRVR Mars Rover Kit** $129.99 at SunFounder. Every part and tool in one box.

[See it at SunFounder store](https://www.sunfounder.com/products/sunfounder-galaxyrvr-mars-rover-kit)

## Sources

- [SunFounder GalaxyRVR quick start](https://docs.sunfounder.com/projects/galaxy-rvr/en/latest/quick_start/quick_start_robopilot.html)
- [GalaxyRVR board: switches and lights](https://docs.sunfounder.com/projects/galaxy-rvr/en/latest/hardware/cpn_galaxy_shield.html)
- [SunFounder GalaxyRVR paper guide (PDF)](https://github.com/sunfounder/sf-pdf/raw/master/assembly_file/z0112v11-a0001012-galaxyrvr.pdf)
- [SunFounder GalaxyRVR FAQ](https://docs.sunfounder.com/projects/galaxy-rvr/en/latest/faq.html)

Drawings by robotsforthat. SunFounder GalaxyRVR is a trademark of SunFounder. We are not affiliated with SunFounder.

HTML version: https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-hits-walls/