Design of a End Effector For Coffee Bean Quality Monitoring through IoT

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a growing network that encompasses a horde of Internet-connected devices, sensors, actuators and smartphones. This paper presents a solution for the application of robotic grippers in the industry to provide more delicate handling of susceptible or delicate products when handling them. This study is based on the design of an end effector to monitor the temperature and humidity data of coffee beans using IoT. The prototype design is worked out in SolidWorks CAD software while the mechanical system is divided into design and fabrication. The final effector, which was equipped with a 3d printed strain gauge that is integrated to the gripper as flex sensor and contact sensors, had great accuracy and reliability in sensing changes in flexion and contact while in use. This demonstrates the usefulness and efficiency of network connectivity and the use of the Internet of things in applications for soft robotics. It is recommended to redesign the flexion sensor and increase its size to have a wider range of resisting values, thereby avoiding imprecise data and spikes in values at low flexion angles, thus enhancing the sensor’s reading capability.