Chapter 2: Introduction
Background and Motivation
In today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing and packaging industries, automation plays a
vital role in improving productivity and consistency. Colour-based product sorting is
essential in food processing, packaging, and recycling industries. Traditionally, manual
sorting methods have been inefficient, time-consuming, and error-prone. This project
introduces a cost-effective and efficient colour-based sorting system using the TCS3200
colour sensor and Arduino UNO, which automatically detects and sorts objects based on
their colour.
Problem Statement
Many small-scale industries lack access to affordable and effective automation tools for
sorting objects based on colour. Manual sorting not only increases operational time but also
leads to inconsistencies in quality and output. There is a need for a reliable, accurate, and
economical colour sorting solution.
Objectives of the Project
- To design and develop a colour-based product sorting machine using TCS3200 and
Arduino UNO.
- To accurately detect the colour of an object using the TCS3200 sensor.
- To control actuators for sorting based on sensor input.
- To develop an embedded system capable of functioning in real-time environments.
Scope of the Work
The project is focused on developing a prototype model that sorts objects of different
colours (e.g., red, green, and blue). This model demonstrates principles that can be scaled
for industrial automation. The system comprises a sensor, microcontroller, and sorting
mechanism with simple actuation.
Significance of the Project
This work demonstrates an entry-level automation solution ideal for educational purposes,
research, and real-world small-scale industrial applications. It promotes the use of low-cost
embedded systems for solving practical challenges in automation.