Flexible Automation Cell for Integration and Application

For Mechatronics students, it is important to be able to utilize Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) for specific purposes and work with other components, such as sensors or conveyor belts. In the current laboratory setting, the PLC trainer is intended for learning purposes relating to programming. Yet, hardware wiring PLCs to complete a specific project is essential for students as well. This paper will discuss the project that is built from wiring hardware, including a conveyor belt, PLC modules, sensors and a camera to complete the working prototype of a conveyor belt system for inspection purposes. The system is controlled by CompactLogix L43 processor and programmed using the RSLogix 5000 software. The completed prototype can recognize the taught object and determine whether the object passes or fails. Based on the inspection result, the conveyor belt can convey objects to the end station or start back on when the failed object has been removed. This project has the potential to be integrated with other types of hardware for more applications.