Sorting and Retrieval Robotic System Controlled via Programmable Logic Controller for Library Usage

Abstract

This paper presents the conceptual idea for the sorting and retrieval robotic system controlled via Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). The purpose of presenting this idea is to ease the library users and librarians to sort and retrieve the books from the library's shelf. The robotic system consists of movable platform using four wheel mobile systems. At the mobile platform there are a robotic arm and gripper that can move vertically and horizontally to pick and place the books on the shelf. The system is equipped with the colour recognition sensor and Radio Frequency Identification Detector (RFID) to ensure the robot can recognize the books located on the shelf. The system starts its operation by utilizing the sensor to detect the book on the shelf and then, the system actuator will be activated, causing the mechanism arm to extend and retract to reach to the book and the gripper will grip the book. The book that is required then can be brought down and the mobile platform will move to the counter. If the books are required to be sorted out, the motor at the robotic hand will moves the arm mechanism until the sensor detect an absence of books on the book shelf. Then, the arm will extend, sorting the book at its place by release the gripper.