Robotic Arm System for Object Sorting

The increasing demand for automation in industrial environments necessitates innovative solutions for efficient sorting processes. This project proposes the design and development of an advanced 6-axis servo robotic arm system integrated with a camera and a controller to address the industrial challenge of sorting objects by size and color into designated bins.

System Overview

The proposed system consists of a conveyor belt, a camera, a controller, a robotic arm with servo motors, and a defaulter mechanism. The workflow is as follows:

1. A camera positioned above the conveyor belt continuously monitors objects in motion.

2. The computer vision system identifies the size and color of each object.

3. The controller processes this data in real-time and generates commands for the robotic arm.

4. The 6-axis servo robotic arm picks up identified objects and places them in designated bins.

5. Faulty or unidentifiable objects are sorted separately by the defaulter mechanism.

6. The dual operation of the robotic arm and defaulter ensures seamless sorting without congestion.

Objectives

• To develop an automated sorting system using a 6-axis servo robotic arm.

• To integrate a computer vision-based camera system for real-time object detection.

• To implement a controller for processing data and executing robotic commands.

• To incorporate a defaulter mechanism for managing unidentifiable or faulty objects.

• To optimize sorting efficiency and minimize processing delays.

Key Features

• High-Precision Sorting: The 6-axis servo robotic arm ensures accurate placement of objects.

• Real-Time Processing: The integration of computer vision allows instant data analysis and decision-making.

• Defaulter Mechanism: Manages faulty objects to maintain an uninterrupted workflow.

• Industrial-Grade Performance: Designed for speed, precision, and reliability in manufacturing environments.

Expected Outcomes

• Improved sorting accuracy for industrial applications.

• Enhanced efficiency in object classification and placement.

• Reduced manual labor and increased automation.

• A scalable solution adaptable to different industries and sorting requirements.

Conclusion

By integrating robotics, computer vision, and real-time control, this project presents a cutting-edge solution for industrial sorting challenges. The combination of a high-precision robotic arm and an intelligent sorting mechanism enhances workflow efficiency and reliability, making it a valuable addition to modern manufacturing and automation systems.

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3d modeling of Robotic Arm

Since this robotic arm is a major component of my final project, its design and manufacturing using 3D printing were completed during this week.

I used SolidWorks 3D software to design the part. Using this software, I first designed the base component.

1. Base

When starting the base design, I first created an accurate 2D sketch using various commands such as Circle, Trim, Line, and Rectangle.

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Then, I used the Extrude Boss/Base command to extend the part to the desired height

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Using the Circular Pattern command, create four evenly spaced small holes along the periphery of the base.

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Use the Cut Extrude command to create a circular hole in the base

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2. Arm 1

When starting the arm 1 design, I first created an accurate 2D sketch using various commands such as Circle, Trim, Line, and Rectangle.

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Then, I used the Extrude Boss/Base command to extend the part to the desired height

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Next, I used the Cut Extrude command to create a circular hole in the arm at the desired depth.

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Then, use the Fillet command to round the edges of the rectangular shape, applying a fillet radius of 10 mm.

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Next, create a small feature on the outer side of the arm and extrude it using the Midplane option. Then, use the Cut Extrude and Boss-Base commands to achieve the required shape.

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2. Arm 2

When starting the arm 2 design, I first created an accurate 2D sketch using various commands such as Circle, Trim, Line, and Rectangle.

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Then, I used the Extrude Boss/Base command to extend the part to the desired height

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Next, I created a rectangle of the required dimensions on the side face. Then, I used the Cut Extrude command to create a rectangular hole through the shape.

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Next, I created a circle of the required dimensions on the side face. Then, I used the Cut Extrude command to create a circular hole with the specified dimensions in the shape.

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Next, I created the desired shape as shown in the figure. Then, I used the Cut Extrude command to shape it according to the specified dimensions.

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Next, a rectangular shape was created on the same face where the previous Cut Extrude command was applied. Then, the Cut Extrude command was used again to cut through the entire shape.

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Finally, the arm part is complete and ready for use.

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3. Base

I first created an accurate 2D sketch using various commands such as Circle, Trim, Line, and Rectangle.

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Then, I used the Extrude Boss/Base command to extend the part to the desired width.

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Next, I sketched the required shape on the front face to perform the cut operation.

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Next, on the bottom face, I first located the center point and then used the Circle command to draw a circle. After that, I applied the Extrude Boss/Base command to create the base.

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Next, I selected the top face and drew a rectangle at the specified location. Then, I applied the Extrude Boss/Base command. After that, I selected the side face of the rectangle and used the Cut Extrude command to create a rectangular hole.

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Next, I applied the Fillet command to the small rectangle with a fillet radius of 3 mm.

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Next, I applied the Fillet command to the main shape with a fillet radius of 20 mm.

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4. Joint

I first created an accurate 2D sketch using various commands such as Circle, Trim, Line, and Rectangle.

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Then, I used the Extrude Boss/Base command to extend the part to the desired width.

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Next, I created a half-circle on the top of the rectangle.

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I created a precise 2D sketch using various commands such as Circle, Trim, Line, and Rectangle.

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Next, I used the Cut Extrude command to remove that part. Then, on the same face, I sketched a rectangle to be cut in the next step.

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Next, on the same face, I used the Circle command to draw a circle with the specified dimensions.

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Next, on the bottom side, I used the Circle command to draw a circle with the specified dimensions. Then, I applied the Cut Extrude command to remove that shape.

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Next, I drew a triangle on the side face using the Line and Dimension commands. Then, I applied the Cut Extrude command to create a slanted edge.

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then on that slant edge apply the fillet command of 4mm to edge make circular.

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5. Clip

I first created an accurate 2D sketch using various commands such as Circle, Trim, Line, Dimension and Rectangle.

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Then, I used the Extrude Boss/Base command to extend the part to the desired width.

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Next, on the front face of the extruded part, I created a 2D sketch of the desired shape for extrusion.

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I extruded that part upward to the desired height.

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On the side face, I created a 2D sketch and extruded it to a width of 8 mm.

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Finally, the clip part is complete and ready.

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6. Gear

I first created an accurate 2D sketch using various commands such as Circle, Trim, Line, Dimension and Rectangle.

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Then, I used the Extrude Boss/Base command to extend the part to the desired height.

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7. Gripper

I first created an accurate 2D sketch using various commands such as Circle, Trim, Line, Dimension and Rectangle.

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Then, I used the Extrude Boss/Base command to extend the part to the desired height.

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8. Pin

I first created an accurate 2D sketch using various commands such as Circle, Trim, Line, Dimension and Rectangle.

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Then, I used the Extrude Boss/Base command to extend the part to the desired height.

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Slicing

First, I downloaded the STL files in solid works for all parts to generate their G-codes. We then imported all STL file into the Ultimate cura slicing software to generate the G-code required for the 3D printer.

I opened the Ultimaker Cura software and navigated to the File menu. Then, I selected the Import option and chose the previously saved files in STL format.

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Then, right-click and select "Arrange All Models" to automatically arrange all models in a specific layout. Next, navigate to the print settings and select the "Fine 0.2mm" profile. Set the layer height to 0.2 mm, and configure additional parameters such as infill density, infill pattern, print temperature, build plate temperature, print speed, support structure and material settings as required.

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After selecting all the parameters, click "Slice." Once the processing is complete, the required printing time will be displayed.

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Finally, save the file to a memory card.

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The same process was repeated for the remaining parts, which required 12 hours and 16 minutes for printing.

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Printing

After setting up our 3D printer with Nozzle temperature as 210 deg C and bed temperature as 60 deg C.

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Next, I selected the file from the memory card inserted into the machine and started the printing process.

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Finally, our part was successfully printed and ready for use.

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FAB ACADEMY - Dr. Shantanu Kadam Image