Brainstorming about the project

Project overview

For several days now, I have been thinking about a personal project that would allow me to develop my engineering skills in practice, while also preparing myself for university starting in September.

Core pillars

I defined the core pillars of the project as follows:

• It should provide a solution to a realistic, real-world problem.
• Use an Arduino-compatible microcontroller.
• Include a DC motor and at least one other type of module.
• Involve AI for intelligent decision-making.
• Be 3D printable.

Initial ideas

Three potential projects met these requirements:

• Line-following four-wheeled robot
• Balancing two-wheeled robot
• Fruit defect detection and sorting system

After reflecting on which project aligns best with my interests, I chose to develop the fruit defect detection and sorting system, mainly because environmental awareness is close to me.

Motivation

Sorting damaged or spoiled fruit is a critical step in agricultural production. It helps:

• Minimize waste and unnecessary fruit production.
• Maximize profit from sellable, intact fruit.
• Contribute to a more sustainable world.

System design

The sorting system consists of 4 units:

1. Roller (rotating) conveyor unit: Moves and rotates fruit for better visibility.
2. Sensor control unit: Includes a camera, microcontroller, and server for analysis.
3. Sorting unit: Separates individual fruits on command.
4. Selected fruit storage unit: Holds fruit after sorting, depending on its condition.

To simplify development, I decided to model fruit as lemon-shaped objects, they’re easier to rotate for observation. Instead of real fruit, I’ll use a 3D-printed “lemon set” for testing.

Process flow

Theoretically:

1. The lemon moves on the roller conveyor unit.
2. The roller conveyor rotates and transports the lemon under the camera sensor.
3. The camera identifies and labels healthy and damaged/spoiled lemons.
4. Labeled spoiled lemons are separated into one storage unit.
5. Healthy lemons are sorted into a different storage unit.

Notes

I don’t currently plan to show how the lemon gets on the conveyor unit, but I may expand the process with that later.