Automated Inline Inspection and Sorting of Labeled Products Using Machine Vision and PLC Control
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
6-24-2026
Department
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; Department of Applied Computing
Abstract
We present a compact mechatronic cell for inline inspection and sorting that couples RGB/depth vision on a Raspberry Pi with deterministic actuation on a CompactLogix PLC. The Pi decodes barcodes, validates semantic fields (SKU, batch, expiry), and transmits a binary decision to the PLC, which drives pneumatic diverters. On 50 bottle passes, the prototype achieved 97% correct detection for valid products and 100% correct rejection of unlabeled items. Novelty lies in the clean SBC-PLC split that keeps perception flexible while preserving industrial timing and safety, enabling low-cost retrofits. Limitations: accuracy is sensitive to label glare and occlusion; actuation timing is currently time-based rather than sensor-triggered. Scalability: the architecture extends to multi-lane lines and SKU changes via software-only updates, with straightforward hooks for SCADA/MES logging.
Publication Title
2025 International Conference on Engineering and Computing Technologies (EngiTek)
ISBN
979-8-3315-6047-8
Recommended Citation
Nutakki, P. K.,
Ryalat, M.,
Musunuru, B. A.,
Almtireen, N.,
Elmoaqet, H.,
&
Rawashdeh, N.
(2026).
Automated Inline Inspection and Sorting of Labeled Products Using Machine Vision and PLC Control.
2025 International Conference on Engineering and Computing Technologies (EngiTek).
http://doi.org/10.1109/EngiTek68245.2025.11567660
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p2/2795