Project Title: Smart Conveyor Belt for Sorting System

Project Overview 

The Smart Conveyor Belt for Sorting System is an innovative prototype designed to automate sorting tasks using sensors, stepper motors, and IoT integration. This small-scale project replicates industrial conveyor belt systems and aims to demonstrate how automation can simplify sorting processes in various sectors such as agriculture, e-commerce, and manufacturing.

By utilizing 3D printing technology, the project showcases a modular design that can be easily replicated or scaled. The system uses IR sensors to detect objects on the conveyor and servos to divert them into designated bins. The project integrates IoT to monitor and control operations remotely, enhancing efficiency and adaptability.

Key Objectives

• Design and fabricate a conveyor belt system driven by a NEMA 17 stepper motor.
• Implement object detection and sorting through IR sensors and servo motors.
• Develop an IoT dashboard using ThingsBoard for real-time monitoring and data visualization.
• Utilize FreeCAD to design and 3D print the conveyor frame and components.

Features and Highlights

• Compact Design: A conveyor belt with modular, 3D-printed parts.
• Smart Sorting: Servo-driven arms that sort objects based on sensor feedback.
• IoT Integration: Remote monitoring and control through ThingsBoard.
• Scalability: Easily expandable for larger applications or adapted for specific sorting needs.

Project Timeline

Blog 1: Getting Started with the Smart Conveyor Belt Project: Design and Planning 
Blog 2: 3D Printing the Conveyor Frame and Components
Blog 3: Wiring and Motor Control: Bringing the Conveyor to Life
Blog 4: Building the Sorting Mechanism: Servo Arms and Object Detection
Blog 5: IoT Integration and Remote Monitoring for Smart Sorting
Final Write-Up: Comprehensive project documentation and code repository

Why This Project Matters

Automation is at the forefront of modern industries, and learning how to build and implement automated systems provides valuable hands-on experience. This project not only enhances technical skills in CAD design, motor control, and IoT but also offers insight into real-world applications of conveyor systems.

Stay tuned as each blog dives into a different phase of the project, bringing the Smart Conveyor Belt System to life step by step.