How to make a product-moving conveyor belt system using an Arduino

Hello and welcome back! In this project, we will learn how to make a product-moving conveyor belt system using an Arduino. This is a simple and beginner-friendly project that you can build at home using low-cost components.

For that, I used simple and easily available components. The main part of this project is the Arduino Nano board. It controls the whole conveyor belt system. Also, I used a TT gear motor to drive the conveyor belt smoothly. To control the speed of the motor, I used an L293D motor driver IC. For making the structure of this project, I used cardboard and 5 mm foam board. Therefore, you can make it easily.

Finally, I added an IR sensor for detecting and counting the items on the conveyor belt. Whenever a product passes in front of the sensor, the Arduino counts it automatically. Especially, I have designed a PCB for this Project. Therefore, we don’t need to worry about making the circuit.

Ok, let’s do this project step by step. The required components are given below.

• Arduino Nano board x 1 — Our Store / Amazon 
• IR sensor —  Our store / Amazon 
• L293D motor driver IC x 1 — Our store / Amazon
• IC base x 1 — Our store / Amazon
• Two-pin terminal x 3 — Our store / Amazon
• Female header x 1 — Our Store / Amazon
• 5V Active buzzer x 1 — Our store / Amazon

Disclosure: These Amazon links are Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Step 1

Firstly, let’s identify the components that we need for this project.

Step 2

Secondly, let’s order the PCBs for this project.

• First, go to the JLCPCB official website and log in to your account. If you are a new customer, please use my link here to register and claim $123 in new user coupons.

• Click the “Instant Quote” button and upload the Gerber file, which you can download from the link below.
• Gerber file – Download
• For this project, I ordered five White PCBs. Next, select the build time and shipping method. Finally, click “Save to Cart” and complete the payment.

Step 3

Thirdly, let’s unbox the PCB package. After receiving the package, let’s check the PCB quality and make sure everything is in good condition.

Step 4

Next, let’s solder all the components onto the PCB. Make sure to place each component in the correct position before soldering.

Step 5

Now, let’s prepare the conveyor belt system. For that, follow the steps below.

• First, we will build the main frame using the 5mm foam board.

• Then, we will make the two rollers using the cardboard.

• Next, install the bottom roller to the main structure. After that, connect the upper roller to the TT gear motor. Then, fix the motor with the roller assembly and install everything securely onto the main structure.

• Now, let’s prepare the conveyor belt using cardboard. First, cut the cardboard into a long strip that matches the length of the rollers. Then, join the ends properly.

• Next, install the product holding parts on the belt. For that, cut small pieces of cardboard and attach them evenly to the conveyor belt.

Step 6

Now, install the IR sensor at the product falling point. Then, connect the Arduino Nano board and the L293D motor driver IC to the controller board.

Step 7

Next, connect the gear motor and the IR sensor to the controller board. Make sure the motor wires are connected correctly to the L293D motor driver, and the sensor is connected to the proper input pins of the Arduino. Then, connect the Arduino Nano board to the computer using a USB cable.

Step 8

Now, copy and paste the following program into the Arduino IDE.

• Program — Download

#define buzzer 6
#define IRsensor 7
#define IN1 2
#define IN2 3
#define ENA 5

int packageCount = 0;
bool counted = false;

int Speed = 80;  // base speed

void setup() {
  pinMode(buzzer, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(IRsensor, INPUT);

  pinMode(IN1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(IN2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(ENA, OUTPUT);

  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {

  // Start conveyor motor
  analogWrite(ENA, Speed);
  digitalWrite(IN1, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);

  int sensorState = digitalRead(IRsensor);

  // Sensor active (LOW = package detected)
  if (sensorState == LOW && !counted) {

    delay(10);  // debounce

    if (digitalRead(IRsensor) == LOW) {

      packageCount++;
      counted = true;

      Serial.print("Package Count: ");
      Serial.println(packageCount);

      digitalWrite(buzzer, HIGH);
      delay(100);
      digitalWrite(buzzer, LOW);
    }
  }

  // Reset after package leaves sensor
  if (sensorState == HIGH) {
    counted = false;
  }
}

• Next, select the board and port. After, click the upload button.

Step 9

Finally, remove the USB cable and connect the external power supply to your conveyor belt system. After that, power up the system and carefully test the project. Make sure the motor is running smoothly, the IR sensor is working correctly, and the conveyor belt is moving without any issues.

Ok, enjoy this project! The full video guide is given below. I hope this tutorial was helpful for you. So, we hope to see you in the next project.

How to make a product-moving conveyor belt system using an Arduino