Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: fallenangel on September 12, 2008, 12:21:30 PM

Title: Sensor
Post by: fallenangel on September 12, 2008, 12:21:30 PM
Which would be the best sensor to detect non-conductive materials such as glass and plastic?
Title: Re: Sensor
Post by: ArcMan on September 12, 2008, 12:49:01 PM
That depends on the application.  Is it for collision avoidance?  If so, ultrasonic would be a good choice.  Of course, contact sensors like limit switches could be used.
Title: Re: Sensor
Post by: fallenangel on September 12, 2008, 06:49:48 PM
It's not to avoid collision. I need to detect plastic bottles and glass bottles in a close range field, about 10'x10' and be able to differentiate between the two. Someone had suggested an optical sensor, but I haven't seen any that will meet the requirement I'm looking for.
Title: Re: Sensor
Post by: Ro-Bot-X on September 12, 2008, 07:36:56 PM
Get a camera on the robot. Try the Blackfin camera.
Title: Re: Sensor
Post by: Tsukubadaisei on September 12, 2008, 11:14:23 PM
depends on the plastic and glasses. What color are they? Are they transparent?

A camera might be the best option. Light sensors can work depending on the material.
Title: Re: Sensor
Post by: fallenangel on September 13, 2008, 11:33:49 AM
Yes, they are transparent. They are coke products actually. I'll see what I can do with a camera.
Title: Re: Sensor
Post by: ArcMan on September 13, 2008, 07:57:09 PM
If you go with the camera solution, check out Cognex if you have alot of money available.
Title: Re: Sensor
Post by: Admin on September 16, 2008, 10:48:25 AM
Please don't double post:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=5251
Title: Re: Sensor
Post by: Gertlex on September 16, 2008, 01:24:12 PM
A camera seems excessive.

You could certainly use a couple of metal probes to touch the item and see if it conducts...  Making that reliable would be the tricky part, though. (And this assumes touching the item isn't a problem)