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Microcontroller - Actuators Workflow

The document outlines the workflow of an automatic waste sorting machine, detailing the roles of microcontrollers and actuators in the system. It explains how sensors detect waste properties, how the microcontroller processes this data to categorize waste, and how actuators sort the waste into appropriate bins. Additionally, it offers suggestions for improving the system's accuracy and efficiency, such as using vision systems and weight sensors.

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victormulu9073
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9 views8 pages

Microcontroller - Actuators Workflow

The document outlines the workflow of an automatic waste sorting machine, detailing the roles of microcontrollers and actuators in the system. It explains how sensors detect waste properties, how the microcontroller processes this data to categorize waste, and how actuators sort the waste into appropriate bins. Additionally, it offers suggestions for improving the system's accuracy and efficiency, such as using vision systems and weight sensors.

Uploaded by

victormulu9073
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Automatic waste sorting

machine
Microcontroller-Actuator Workflow
Microcontroller
• The Brain of the System
• Role: The microcontroller processes data from sensors and controls
the actuators based on logic coded into it.
• Typical Choices:
i. Arduino Uno (simple, affordable, widely supported)
ii. Raspberry Pi (more powerful, supports vision processing and AI)
iii. ESP32 (has Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and handles multiple sensors)
How the Microcontroller Works in the
System:
a. Sensor Input:
• Sensors (like inductive, capacitive, or IR) detect material properties.
• Each sensor sends a specific voltage or signal to the microcontroller.
b. Processing:
The microcontroller runs code (usually C++ for Arduino or Python for
Raspberry Pi) to interpret which type of waste is detected.
It assigns a “category ID” to the item (e.g., 1 for metal, 2 for plastic,
etc.).
c. Control Signal Output:Based on the category, it sends signals
(HIGH/LOW or PWM) to the appropriate actuator for sorting.
Actuators
• The Muscles of the System
• Types Used:
i. Servo Motors – Great for precise movement of flaps or gates.
ii. DC Motors – For general rotation or pushing systems.
iii. Pneumatic Pushers – For fast, high-force waste redirection (requires
compressed air).
iv. Stepper Motors – For rotating sorting platforms or arms with high
control.
How Actuators Work in the System:
i. Servo Motor Sorting Gate
• Connected directly to the waste channel.
• Microcontroller sends a PWM signal to turn the servo to a specific
angle (e.g., 0° for plastic, 90° for metal).
• The item is deflected into the correct bin.
ii. Pneumatic Pusher
• A valve is triggered via a relay connected to the microcontroller.
• Compressed air extends the cylinder, pushing the waste into the
correct bin.
• Fast and strong—ideal for larger or heavier waste items.
How Actuators Work in the System:
iii. Robotic Arm
More advanced: multiple servo motors controlled using inverse
kinematics.
Can pick items off the belt and place them accurately into bins.
Requires more complex code and maybe a vision system for precision.
Microcontroller-Actuator Workflow:
• 1. Sensor detects plastic → sends signal to microcontroller
• 2. Microcontroller logic: “Plastic detected” → activates servo motor
connected to sorting gate at position 1
• 3. Plastic passes through the gate into the plastic bin
• 4. Gate resets to neutral position for the next item
Additional suggestions
• Consider switching out robotic arms with simpler servo-controlled
gates for smaller projects—less expensive and easier to program.
• If the system isn’t detecting all metal types accurately, inductive
proximity sensors can be used alongside electromagnets.
• Use weight sensors to detect denser objects like metal and glass.
• Consider adding camera-based vision systems with AI for better
accuracy (if project budget allows)
• If space is limited, rotating disc sorters can compactly separate items
by size or density.

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