The wall following algorithm

The wall following algorithm is the simplest of the maze solving techniques. Basically, the mouse follows either the left or the right wall as a guide around the maze. The instructions for following the right wall would look like this:

The right wall following routine: Upon arriving in a cell: If there is an opening to the right Rotate right Else if there is an opening ahead Do nothing Else if there is an opening to the left Rotate left Else Turn around End If Move forward one cell

Although there are wall following competitions for the younger students, this algorithm does not work in the IEEE maze solving competitions because those mazes are specifically designed to not be solved in this way. Take a look at the following maze:

You can see that if the mouse follows the left or right walls, it would only explore the perimeter of the maze without ever venturing into the middle section.

 

Summary:

Don't use this algorithm.