Arduino Uno Lego Sorter

In this project, you will build a fully functional LEGO sorter using everyday household materials alongside more complex electronics. With the SparkFun kit, you'll use an Arduino Uno, color sensor, and servos to construct the sorting mechanisms. These components will come together and be able to effectively separate LEGO pieces by size and color. Given the 3D models and the code that controls the Arduino, you will be fully equipped to construct your very own LEGO sorter. Through building this project, you will gain a deeper understanding of how mechanical design and programming are able to be combined to solve even simple household tasks.

1. Sparkfun Kit
2. Arduino Uno
3. 2 Servo Motors (found in Sparkfun Kit)
4. TCS34725 Color Sensor (ATTACH LINK)
5. Cardboard
6. Hot glue
7. Soldering Iron and solder
8. 3d Printed Files attached below

Here is our wiring diagram, the color sensor couldn't be included in tinker cad, but the code provides the pin numbers for everything.

First, you'll need to 3D print the parts necessary to create the mechanism. We have attached the necessary parts, which are the ramp, ramp platform, rotator, sorting panel, box, and ramp holder. We used PLA filament to print out each of the items. You will need to print one ramp, ramp platform, and rotator. In addition, you will need to print four sorting panels, boxes, and ramp holders.

Next, you'll want to construct the primary holding mechanism. To do so, you'll want to take three pieces of cardboard and connect them together with glue to create a pillar. Connected to the bottom of this pillar, add each of the four 'boxes'. Two on each side of the pillar, and two in the front of the pillar, both perpendicular to it.

After completing step one, attach the 'sorting panels' to the ends of each box at a forty-five-degree angle and attach the other end to the top of the pillar. Add cardboard walls to the outsides of each sorting panel to ensure no Legos fall off the side of the sorting panel as they fall down. If necessary, add cardboard stabilizers connecting the boxes with the bottom of the sorting panel to ensure maximum durability.

Attach the 'ramp' where you set the Lego to the pillar. Furthermore, thread your servo motor under the pillar and through the bottom of the top plate of the pillar. Glue it there, then add the 'rotator'. Once you've done this, attach the Arduino breadboard to the top of the ramp, and the Arduino Uno to the side of the ramp.

Here is a video of the Complete Project