Automatic package delivery system controlled by PLC

Abstract

This research aims to design and create a prototype of an automatic parcel delivery and collection system controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC), utilizing barcodes for integration with the control system. The machine features a parcel shelf measuring 300 x 900 x 900 millimeters with a total of 12 storage slots. The drive system uses five stepper motors to operate the belts on each axis for transporting parcels to be stored on each shelf level. A gear electric motor drives the conveyor belts. The power supply consists of a 220-volt AC and a 24-volt DC source to power the electric motors. The belt can support parcel weights of up to 400 grams. The average time to move, pick up, and deliver parcels falls within the specified timeframe. The experimental time from the starting point to each storage slot has a standard deviation of no more than 0.25 minutes. The experimental time from the starting point to each slot for parcel retrieval has a standard deviation of no more than 0.20 minutes. The average process time in the system shows that each slot has a standard deviation of no more than 0.28 minutes, respectively. This research can serve as a prototype for practical development and as a demonstration set for teaching and learning. The production cost of each prototype machine is 38,500 baht, and it consumes 0.4 kilowatts of electricity per hour per machine.