“Smart Pallet” Design Using Optoelectronics And Programmable Microcontrollers

The project goal was to design and implement a cost effective and autonomous product transport device capable of functioning in an automated assembly line manufacturing environment. All the information necessary for the automated assembly of a finished product accompanies the product through the manufacturing process. Specific assembly information is communicated from the device to each assembly workstation using a specialized wireless infrared system with a programmable microcontroller. This proof-of-concept project was one of several components in a Manufacturing Engineering Technology senior capstone course. The resulting device was given the name “Smart Pallet” by Dr. Wesley Baldwin who also presented the original concept for the project.