This project implements an IoT-based automatic color sorting system combining embedded systems, automation, and real-time data visualization. The system detects object colors, sorts them automatically using actuators, and displays sorting statistics on a Node-RED dashboard.
- Automate object sorting based on color
- Process sensor data in real time using an embedded system
- Control mechanical actuators for physical sorting
- Visualize sorting data through an IoT dashboard
- Study an industrial-oriented supervision solution (PLCnext / Proficloud)
- Color detection using a sensor
- Data processing on Arduino
- Mechanical actuation for sorting
- Serial data transmission
- Real-time visualization via Node-RED
- Arduino board
- TCS230 color sensor
- Nema 17HS4401S stepper motor
- DRV8825 stepper motor driver
- Three servo motors
- 2200 µF / 16 V capacitor
- External power supply (12V/2A) and (5V/2A)
- Arduino IDE (C/C++)
- Node-RED
- Node-RED Dashboard
- PLCnext Engineer (study)
- Proficloud (study)
The TCS230 sensor measures RGB light intensity using a matrix of photodiodes. The output is a frequency proportional to the detected light intensity.
- RGB frequency measurement
- Noise reduction using averaging
- Dominant color detection
- Object counting per color
- Serial transmission of results
- A Nema 17 stepper motor, driven by the DRV8825, ensures object movement
- Servo motors direct objects according to the detected color
Data received from Arduino are processed in Node-RED using:
serial incsvchangegauge
The dashboard displays the number of detected objects for each color in real time.
An industrial visualization architecture was studied using:
- PLCnext
- OPC UA communication
- Proficloud platform
This setup enables real-time industrial-level monitoring of sorting data.
- Insufficient motor torque, requiring a Nema 17 motor
- Driver incompatibility, leading to the use of DRV8825
- Electrical instability due to an undersized capacitor
- Connection issues between PLCnext and Proficloud
This project delivers a functional IoT-based color sorting prototype, integrating sensing, processing, actuation, and visualization. It demonstrates practical implementation of embedded systems, automation, and IoT supervision concepts.