Color Cube Sorting Robotic Arm
Developed a 4-DOF robotic arm system capable of detecting and sorting colored cubes on a conveyor using real-time sensors and multiprocessing control logic. Designed for efficient, autonomous material handling in structured environments.
Project Overview
This project showcases an autonomous 4-DOF robotic arm designed to identify and sort colored cubes on a conveyor belt. The system uses a color sensor and an ultrasonic sensor to detect object attributes in real time, allowing the robot to accurately position and drop the cubes into designated bins based on color.
Key Features
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Real-Time Color Detection:
Used a color sensor to classify cube colors (e.g., red, blue, green) while moving on a conveyor. -
Distance-Based Triggering:
An ultrasonic sensor measured proximity, ensuring the arm activated only when an object was within range. -
Efficient Sorting Algorithm:
Implemented multiprocessing on a Parallax Propeller Board to simultaneously read color and distance inputs, ensuring rapid and synchronized sorting actions.
Technical Breakdown
1. Hardware Design
- Built a 4-DOF robotic arm with a custom gripper for object pick-and-drop.
- Integrated the arm with a conveyor system for continuous sorting.
2. Sensor Integration
- Calibrated a TCS34725 color sensor for reliable cube color detection.
- Positioned an ultrasonic sensor to detect when a cube enters the pickup zone.
3. Multiprocessing Control
- Utilized Parallax Propeller’s multiple cores to handle color reading and arm control in parallel.
- Ensured minimal latency between object detection and sorting actions.
Applications
- Smart Warehousing: Automates small-scale item sorting in controlled logistics.
- STEM Education: Demonstrates concepts of sensor fusion, robotic kinematics, and embedded logic.
- Prototyping: Foundation for scalable conveyor-based automation systems.