Automated Sorting and Organizing Systems :: Robotics

Background Research Sorting and Organizing Since the birth of civilization, organization has played an essential role in all aspects of life. The seven wonders of the ancient world could not have been built without extensive organization. The Egyptians made an impressive use of organization when they built the Great Pyramids. They had to organize their workers into different groups, each doing a different job. The architects also had to sort the bricks in order to build the pyramids. They sorted the bricks depending upon size and shape in order to reduce the amount of work they had to do shaping the bricks.1 This effectiveness of sorting can be seen today in the modern world. In recent times, sorting systems are automated requiring little human involvement. One company that uses sorting to make its company run faster and more efficient is DHL in Belgium. They have put into practice an automated sorting system called Verastream.2 Verastream can do the whole process of sorting, including weighing, measuring, and shipping without much human interference. Another company named Compac has an extensive sorting system that sorts produce by weight, color, blemish, shape, and density. Compac’s color sorting system uses an InVision 5000 Color and Demension System to sort its produce. This machine can distinguish between up to sixteen user-defined colors. In addition, it can choose the average color of the type of produce. After determining the 1 â€Å"Seven Wonders of the World - Pyramids of Egypt† 2 â€Å"Verastream Helps Automate Package Sorting for DHL† color of the produce passing through the machine, the produce can then be sent down the correct path.3 Compac’s color sorting system is similar to the soda sorting system. The soda sorting system uses a light sensor to sort the soda by color. When the consumer makes a choice of soda by clicking the corresponding button, the light sensor will look for the color of the corresponding soda. Once the light sensor acquires the correct soda, it will then send the information to another RCX. The other RCX will then find the correct type of soda, pick it up, and transport the selected soda to a soda can opener. The major advantage of the sorting machine compared to industrial sorting machines is that the robot sorter is much smaller. It is small enough to fit into a cabinet. Also this product allows an average person to have a remotely operated way of choosing a type of soda and bringing it to him or her. This is useful because a person may not want or be able to get up and get a soda for him or herself without missing part of his or her