The SCADA Recycler

The goal of the SCADA Recycler is to be a fully automated recycling robot that will take empty drink containers and separate them into 4 categories (plastic, glass, metal, paper material). Also, with successful operation of the machine, we hope that it will be used as a demonstration tool to be used to recruit more students to the Mechatronics field. The Recycler will be built out of 80/20 aluminum extrusions and use an Allen Bradley as the main process controller. Also, the Recycler will use 3 different sensors and a scale to decipher the material and begin the sorting. After receiving the quantity of each good and total weight collected that day per material, we will use 4 Ardunios to change the data to C programming so it can be displayed on LCD screens above each storage bin. Then, once the data has been converted, we will use an Azure Hub to upload the data to show how simple material sorting can be monitored online from any location. Furthermore, with the idea of custom desktop computers, we will construct a case to place all of the circuit cards and wiring in a case with LED lighting and a plexiglass lid to show all of the components and the wiring that is required to the the machine. That way, it will get future student's attention and demonstrate design capabilities.

Our team members are currently enrolled at Alexandria Technical and Community College in Alexandria, Minnesota as mechatronics students. Even though the project is not due until May of 2018, we have decided to start early because no project has been done like this before and we want it to be a success. Evan Koering- Designing/ wiring the Arduinos and Azure to communicate with the Allen Bradley PLC. Nolan Hart- Wiring sensors and robotic gripper to communicate with the PLC and programming the PLC to complete the required tasks. Ryan Baron- Designing the frame of the machine, the pneumatic circuits and, using his machining experience to build specialized parts.