To solve the issues of distinguishing the positive and negative side of the raw bamboo-strips

which is a procedure of automatic strip-feeding system for weaving bamboo mats

a sensor for identifying bamboo-strip sides is designed.An optical channel is formed within the sensor mechanical structure and the central groove in the negative side of the bamboo-strip

and the infrared light transmits through the optical channel to the IR phototransistor.The infrared flux is determined by detecting the collector-emitter c-e current of the IR phototransistor

and thus the side of the bamboo-strip is identified.Besides

the output current distribution curve of single sensor unit to either sides of the bamboo-strip is explored

and a fusion method under the condition of homogeneous multi-sensor-units is given.By the experiment

the sensor is able to accurately and quickly identify either sides of the bamboo-strips.It provides basis for the realization of the automatic strip-feeding system for weaving bamboo mats.