Rahul Sharma
Rahul Sharma
ON
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement For the award of the degree
of
BACHELOR OFENGINEERING
IN
INDUSTRIALPRODUCTIONENGINEERING
SUBMITTEDBY
RAHUL SHARMA (2101100450023)
UNDERTHEGUIDANCE OF
MR.VIRENDRAKR. VERMA
(Assistant Professor)
DEPARTMENT OF
INDUSTRIALPRODUCTIONENGINEERING
INSTITUTEOFENGINEERING&RURALTECHNOLOGY,PRAYAGRAJ.
ENGINEERING DEGREE DIVISION
(2024-2025)
UNDERTAKING
We hereby declare that the work presented in this report entitled "Design
and Development of a MECHANICAL PICK AND PLACE
MECHANISM" submitted to the Department of Industrial and
Production Engineering, Institute of Engineering and Rural Technology,
Prayagraj (India), in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award
of the Bachelor of Technology degree in Industrial and Production
Engineering is our original work.
We affirm that no part of this report has been plagiarized or submitted for
the award of any other degree or diploma at any institution. If any part of
this declaration is found to be incorrect, the degree may be withdrawn
unconditionally.
i
CERTIFICATE
ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The satisfaction and euphoria that accompany the successful completion of any task
would be in complete without the mentioning of the people whose constant guidance
and encouragement made it possible . We take pleasure in presenting before you , our
project, “MECHANICAL PICK AND PLACE MECHANISM ”which is result of
studied blend of both research and knowledge.
We expressourearnestgratitudetoourinternalguide,Mr.Virendra KumarVerma,
DepartmentofIndustrialProductionEngineering,our project guide, for his constant
support, encouragement and guidance. We are grateful for his cooperation and his
valuable suggestions.
Finally,weexpressourgratitudetoallthermemberswhoareinvolvedeitherdirectlyor
indirectly for the completion of this project.
Ankit
Shukla
Ayushman Singh
Namrata
Shukla Rahul
Sharma
Suman
Jaiswal
iii
ABSTRACT
iv
Table of Contents
UNDERTAKING ......................................................................................................................................................... i
CERTIFICATE ........................................................................................................................................................... ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ..........................................................................................................................................iii
ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................................................... iv
LIST OF
FIGURES………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..vi
i
LIST OF
TABLES………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...vi
ii
CHAPTER:1INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY ............................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT ................................................................................................................................. 4
1.3 MOTIVATION OF STUDY .............................................................................................................................. 5
1.4 USES ................................................................................................................................................................. 6
CHAPTER:2LITERATUREREVIEW......................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................. 7
2.2 RELATEDWORK ............................................................................................................................................. 7
2.3 COMPARATIVESUMMARYTABLE ............................................................................................................... 9
2.4 RESEARCHGAP ............................................................................................................................................. 10
2.5 SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................................................... 11
CHAPTER:3PROBLEMSTATEMENT&METHODOLOGY.................................................................................... 12
3.1 PROBLEMDEFINITION ................................................................................................................................. 12
3.2 RESEARCHOBJECTIVES .............................................................................................................................. 12
3.3 METHODOLOGYOVERVIEW ...................................................................................................................... 14
3.4 TOOLSANDTECHNOLOGIESUSED............................................................................................................. 16
3.5 PROJECTDESIGNAPPROACH ...................................................................................................................... 18
CHAPTER:4 SYSTEMDESIGN/IMPLEMENTATION ............................................................................................ 21
4.1 SYSTEMARCHITECTURE ............................................................................................................................ 21
4.2 DATA FLOW DIAGRAM/BLOCK DIAGRAM ............................................................................................. 22
4.3 MODULEDISCRIPTION ................................................................................................................................ 22
v
4.4 ALGORITHM USED ...................................................................................................................................... 25
4.5 CODEIMPLEMENTATIONOVERVIEW ....................................................................................................... 26
4.6 SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................................................... 27
CHAPTER:5RESULT&DISCUSSION ..................................................................................................................... 28
5.1 TESTCASESANDSCENARIOS ...................................................................................................................... 28
5.2 EXPERIMENTALSETUP ............................................................................................................................... 29
5.3 PERFORMANCEANALYSIS ......................................................................................................................... 29
CHAPTER:6 CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK .......................................................................................... 32
6.1 SUMMARYOFWORKDONE ......................................................................................................................... 32
6.2 MAJORFINDINGS.......................................................................................................................................... 32
6.3 LIMITATIONS ................................................................................................................................................ 32
6.4 FUTURESCOPE .............................................................................................................................................. 33
6.5 FINALREMARK: ............................................................................................................................................ 33
REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................................................... 35
APPENDIX 1………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………36
vi
LIST OF FIGURES
vii
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 2 .1TABULARFORMOFLITERATURE REVIEW ....................................................................................... 9
viii
CHAPTER:1INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUNDOFSTUDY
The study of mechanical pick and place mechanisms has a rich and deep background,
stemming from the fundamental human need for efficient material handling and assembly.
Its evolution is closely tied to the broader history of automation, industrialization, and
ultimately, robotics.
While the term "pick and place mechanism" as we understand it today is a modern concept,
the underlying idea of automating repetitive material manipulation has roots in much earlier
times.
Early Mechanical Devices: Simple mechanical aids were developed to assist workers
with heavy lifting or repetitive movements. These weren't "pick and place" in the
robotic sense, but rather cranes, hoists, and conveyer systems that moved materials.
The focus was on reducing physical strain and improving throughput.
Therealimpetusformechanicalpickandplacemechanismsasweknowthemcamewiththe rise of
mass production and the increasing complexity of manufacturing processes.
Need for Consistency and Speed: As industries like automotive and electronics
grew, the demand for consistent quality and higher production speeds becomes
1
paramount.Manualassembly,whilepreciseforskilledworkers,waspronetoerrors, fatigue, and
slow throughput for high-volume operations.
Thiseramarksthetruegenesisofmodern,flexiblepickandplacemechanisms
.
George Devol and Joseph Engelberger - The Unimate (1950s-1961): This is the
seminal moment. George Devol filed patents for "programmed transfer articles" in
1954, leading to the creation of the Unimaterobotin1961 by Unimation, founded by
Devol and Joseph Engelberger (often called the "Father of Robotics"). The Unimate
was the first programmable industrial robot.
2
o Spherical Robots: Provide radial, pitch, and yaw movements, mimicking
the human arm's reach, good for machine tending and spot welding.
o Delta Robots (Parallel Robots): Known for their incredibly high speed
and precision, Delta robots use a parallel kinematic structure, making
them perfect for fast pick and place operations in food packaging and
pharmaceutical industries.
ModernAdvancementsandtheFuture(Late20thCentury-Present)
Thecontinuousdevelopmentofcomputingpower,sensortechnology,andartificial intelligence
has revolutionized pick and place mechanisms.
Improved End-Effectors (Grippers): The "hand" of the robot evolved from simple
suction cups and two-finger grippers to highly sophisticated, adaptive grippers:
Sensing and Feedback: Beyond vision, force sensors, tactile sensors, and proximity
sensorsproviderobotswitharicherunderstandingoftheirenvironment,enabling
3
more delicate handling, collision avoidance, and verification of successful picks and
placements.
ArtificialIntelligence(AI)andMachineLearning(ML):AIisincreasinglybeing
integrated into pick and place robots for:
o Adaptive Learning: Robots can learn to handle new objects or adapt to
changing conditions without explicit reprogramming.
o Predictive Maintenance: Analyzes sensor data to predict potential failures,
reducing downtime.
o Optimal Path Planning :AI can determine the most efficient picking and
placing sequence.
Miniaturization and Precision: Pick and place mechanisms continue to shrink in size
while increasing in precision, enabling the assembly of micro-components in
industries like medical devices and consumer electronics.
.
In conclusion, the background of studying mechanical pick and place mechanisms is a
journey from ancient mechanical curiosities to sophisticated, intelligent robotic systems. It's
a field driven by the continuous pursuit of efficiency, precision, and safety in manufacturing
and material handling, and its evolution continues to shape the industrial landscape.
1.2 PROBLEMSTATEMENT
A mechanical pick and place mechanism project typically addresses the inefficiencies,
inaccuracies,andsafetyconcernsinherentincurrentmaterialhandlingandcomponentplacementproces
ses.
Here'sabreakdownoftheproblemstatement,consideringcommonscenarios:
The current method of [manual or existing automated] material handling and component
placement within [specific industry or process, e.g., electronics assembly, pharmaceutical
packaging, heavy manufacturing] is fraught with significant challenges. These challenges
include:
4
Low Throughput and Speed: The reliance on [manual labor or outdated machinery]
leads to a bottleneck in production, unable to meet increasing demand for higher
volumes and faster turnaround times.
Significant Labor Costs and Ergonomic Issues: Manual operations for repetitive pick
and place tasks are labor-intensive, leading to high operational expenses.
Furthermore, these repetitive motions often cause [worker fatigue, musculoskeletal
injuries, and reduced productivity due to downtime], posing significant health and
safety concerns.
Limited Adaptability and Flexibility: Current systems often lack the ability to
quickly adjust to changes in [product designs, component sizes, or varying
productionbatches].Thisinflexibilityleadstoextensivedowntimeforre-tooling and
reprogramming, hindering efficient production of diverse product lines.
This problem statement highlights the critical need for a more efficient, precise, and
automatedmechanicalpickandplacesolutiontoovercomecurrentoperationalhurdlesand1
1.3 MOTIVATIONOFSTUDY
The motivations for studying and developing mechanical pick and place mechanisms are
deeply rooted in the pursuit of efficiency, economy, quality, and safety across various
industries. They address the fundamental limitations of manual labor and less advanced
automation.
ReduceCosts:Lowerlaborexpenses,optimizeresourceutilization,anddecreaseper- unit
production cost.
5
Enhance Safety: Remove humans from hazardous environments and eliminate
repetitive strain injuries.
Increase Flexibility: Enable quick adaptation to new products and processes through
programmability.
Enable New Technologies: Facilitate complex assembly like SMT and micro-
assembly.
GainCompetitiveEdge:Achievesuperiorefficiency,quality,andresponsiveness.
1.4 USES
AutomotiveIndustry:Componentassembly,engine/powertrainassembly,machinetendi
ng.
6
CHAPTER:2LITERATUREREVIEW
2.1 INTRODUCTION
Since many years’ replacement of human work with mechanization and automation are in
practice. It is observed and been proved that the automated devices are faster and more effective
than human work. Automated electro-mechanical device or contrivance that can be used for self-
governing tasks. Currently many devices are utilized for tasks that are so tough or hazardous for
the humans for apply undeviatingly such as picking and allocating the objects withal, it can be
utilized to automate the perpetual tasks that can give alongside extra precision. Raj gure S.D et
al[2018] has reviewed the modeling of pneumatic robotic arm for automation in two machines,
for material handling purpose. There view was between the two machines namely extrusion and
belt grinding machine. It was commanded to design the pneumatic arm to pick and place the
cylindrical object like steel bars. It has presented forward and inverse kinematics of robot arm
and reveals that a robotic arm can be manufactured by using cellular titanium and nano
crystalline aluminum in order to ensure less weight. In some of the work PLC program are used
to control the arm robot, but it needs more costs, skill and knowledge to make it and connecting
to the arm robot.
2.2 RELATEDWORK
[1] Robotic arm for pick and place application , Kaustubh Ghadge, Saurabh More, Pravin
Gaikwad, Shrenik Chillal , International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology 9
(1), 125-133, 2018. This project is to design and develop a" Robotic Arm for Pick and Place
Application" using Node MCU controller. This project
combinestheknowledgeofelectronicandelectrical.Theobjectiveofthisprojectistodesignandbuildam
orecompact,usableandcheaper pick and place robotic arm for educational purpose uses
NodeMCU from Microchip Technology as the control system to control all the activities. Input
devices such as Android application will send a signal to NodeMCU; then NodeMCU will make
a response accordingly. The response normally involves turning ON or OFF an output signal to
some devices such as servo motors.
[2] Design and implementation of pick and place robotic arm , Ravikumar Mourya, Amit
Shelke, Sourabh Satpute, Sushant Kakade, Manoj Botre , Int. J. Recent Res. Civ. Mech. Eng 2
(1), 232-240, 2015. Robot manipulator is an essential motion subsystem component of robotic
system for positioning, orientating object so that robot can perform useful task. The main
objectives ofthis project are to design and implement a 4-DOF pick and place robotic arm. This
project can be self-operational in controlling, stating with simple tasks such as gripping, lifting,
placing and releasing. In this project, the focus is on 4-DOF articulated arm. Articulated arm
consists of revolute joints that allowed angular movement between adjacent joint. Four servo
motors were used in this project to perform four degree of freedom (4-DOF). There are, speed,
7
numerous dimensions over which robotic arms can be evaluated, such as torque, payload
range, repeatability and cost, to name a few. Robot manipulators are designed to executerequired
movements. Their controller designis equally important. The robotarmis controlled by a serial servo
controller circuit board. The controller used for servo motor actuation is ATmega 16 Development board.
[3] Design analysis of a remote controlled pick and place robotic vehicle , BO Omijeh, R
Uhunmwangho, M Ehikhamenle , International Journal of Engineering Research and
Development 10 (5), 57-68, 2014. The design analysis of a Remote Controlled “Pick and Place”
Robotic vehicle has been presented in this paper. This work unravels the fact that man would
always want to adhered to safety precautions at workplace and even in its environment, to beable
to handle some specific tasks, like sending the robotic vehicle to hazardous environment to
obtain samples for chemical analysis. A typical Robotic Vehicle is capable of traveling over
various terrains and traversing obstacles. Inone embodiment, the design in this work, includes a
Robotic arm of five Degree of Freedom with its base resting directly on top of the vehicle, abody
having four drive wheels coupled to the ends thereof. The wheels are selectively poweredto
propel the vehicle. The design methodology involves the hardware, software part and
implementationofbothdesigns. Aprototypeofthe Remote Controlled “Pick and Place” Robotic
vehicle was built to validate design specifications. The results obtained were very satisfactory.
The use of Robots is highly recommended for Industries especially for safety and productivity
reasons.
[4] Position control method for pick and place robot arm for object sorting system , Khin Moe
Myint, Zaw Min Min Htun, Hla Myo Tun , International journal of scientific & technology
research5 (6), 57-61, 2016. The more increase the number of industries indeveloping countries,
the more requirelabourers or workers in that. To reduce the cost of labour force and to increase
the manufacturing capacity of industries, the advanced robot arms are more needed. The aim of
this journal is to eliminatethe manual control for object sorting system. Robot armdesign in this
research uses two joints, three links and servo motors to drive. Microcontroller is used
togeneraterequiredPWMsignal for servo motors.Inthisresearchthepositioncontrolofrobot arm was
designed by using kinematic control methods. There are two types of kinematic control methods
which are forward and reverse kinematic methods. In forward kinematic method, the input
parameters are the joint angles and link length of robot arm and then the output is the position at
X, Y, Z coordinate of tool or gripper. In inverse kinematic, the input parameters are position at
X, Y, Z coordinate of gripper and the link length of robot arm and then the output parameters are
the joint angles. So, kinematic methods can explain the analytical description of the geometry
motion of the manipulator with reference to a robot coordinate system fixed to a frame, without
consideration of the forces or the moments causing the movements. For sorting system,
Metaldetector is used to detect the metalor non-metal. This position controlofpick and
placerobotarmisfullytestedandtheresult is obtained moreprecisely. Roboticarmforpickand place
application
8
[5] Robotic Arm for Pick and Place Mechanism , Kaustubh Ghadge, Saurabh More, Pravin
Gaikwad, Shrenik Chillal , International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology 9
(1), 125-133, 2018. This project is to design and develop a" Robotic Arm for Pick and Place
Application" usingNodeMCU controller. This project
combinestheknowledgeofelectronicandelectrical.Theobjectiveofthisprojectistodesignandbuildam
orecompact,usableandcheaper pick and place robotic arm for educational purpose uses
NodeMCU from Microchip Technology as the control system to control all the activities. Input
devices such as Android application will send a signal to NodeMCU; then NodeMCU will make
a response accordingly. The response normally involves turning ON or OFF an output signal to
some devices such as servo motors.
2.3 COMPARATIVESUMMARYTABLE
9
4 Position 2016 Objectsorting Limited to 2-DOF, Increase DOF,
Control automation lacks object integrate object
Method for recognitionandreal- recognition,
PickandPlace time control. implementreal-
RobotArmfor time control,
ObjectSorting develop path
System planning.
5 Robotic Arm 2018 Materialhandling, Limitedprecisionand Improve control
for Pick and assembly, flexibility with 4- algorithms,
PlaceApplicati packaging DOF. increase DOF,
on. integratesensors,
and explore
advanced
applications in
automation,
healthcare, and
education.
2.4 RESEARCHGAP
DexterityandVersatilityinGripping:
Needforadaptivegripperstohandlediverse,delicate,deformable,or irregularly
shaped objects.
Researchinsoftrobotics,multi-modal,andunderactuatedgrippingfor enhanced
versatility.
IntelligenceandAdaptability:
Developingself-learningsystems(e.g.,deepreinforcementlearning)for
autonomous task adaptation without extensive programming.
10
Real-timefailuredetectionandintelligentrecoverystrategiesusingrobust sensing
and feedback.
Enablingseamlessandsafehuman-robotcollaborationthroughintuitive
programming and shared workspace safety.
Improvingsim-to-realtransferforfasterdevelopmentanddeploymentof intelligent
solutions.
Speed,Precision,andThroughputinComplexScenarios:
Achievinghighspeedandprecisionsimultaneouslyfordelicateorcomplexobjects.
Effectiveoperationindynamicenvironments(e.g.,movingconveyors, varying
lighting).
Advancementsinminiaturizationandmicro-assemblyforextremelysmall
components with high precision.
Cost-EffectivenessandAccessibility:
Reducingoverall system coststhroughmodular,reconfigurabledesignsand
lower-cost hardware.
2.5 SUMMARY
This section review shows a progression from basic mechanical automation to highly
sophisticated, intelligent, and adaptable robotic systems, with a strong current emphasis on
enhancing gripper versatility, integrating AI for autonomous decision-making, and
facilitating effective human-robot collaboration.
11
CHAPTER:3PROBLEMSTATEMENT&METHODOLOGY
3.1 PROBLEMDEFINITION
In modern industrial and automation systems, repetitive tasks such as picking and placing
objects are usually performed manually, which results in reduced efficiency, increased
fatigue, and a higher chance of human error. This manual operation is not only time-
consuming but also limits productivity in assembly lines and material handling processes.
There is a growing need for a simple, cost-effective, and reliable mechanical systemthat can
automate the process of picking and placing objects without human intervention. Such a
system should be easy to control, require minimal maintenance, and be suitable for small-
This project aims to design and develop a mechanical pick and place mechanism that can
perform object handling tasks with improved speed, accuracy, and efficiency, thereby
repetitive process that consumes time and labor, and increases the chances of operational
fatigue and errors. To enhance efficiency, reduce cost, and ensure precision, a mechanical
pick and place mechanism is required. The goal is to develop a simple, low-cost,
human involvement.
3.2 RESEARCHOBJECTIVES
Todesignanddevelopasimpleandcost-effectivemechanicalpickandplace mechanism
Toensureprecisemovementandpositioningofthepickandplacearmusing mechanical
Tocreateareliablesystemthatcanoperateconsistentlywithminimalhuman
supervision.
Toprovideaflexiblesolutionthatcanbeadaptedtodifferentindustrialor workshop
settings.
To study different types of gripper mechanisms and implement a suitable one for
operators.
components.
Tosimulatethemotionandworkingofthepickandplacemechanismusingbasic CAD
Totestthedevelopedmechanismfordurability,speed,andrepeatabilityunder
sensors or microcontrollers.
To integrate motion controlusing switches or basic electronics for better usability
(if applicable).
Todevelopamechanismthatcanbeeasilyscaledupormodifiedformorecomplex
automation tasks.
3.3 METHODOLOGYOVERVIEW
materials to produce desired structures. And while different fabrication companies use
1) Cutting
FIG.3 1 CUTTING
The first process of fabrication is cutting. During this process, the metal fabrication company
cuts one or more pieces of raw metal for use in the creation of a new metal structure or
product. Whether it’s steel, aluminum, iron or any other common type of metal, though,
cutting metal requires special tools. Some metal fabrication companies use torches to cut
metal, whereas others numerical control (CNC) machines involving lasers or water jets.When
finished, the company will have clean, appropriate-sized sheets or sections of metal with
which to work.
2) Bending
FIG.3 2BENDING
After cutting raw metal, metal fabrication companies must bend it. Again, there are different
ways to bend metal after cutting it. Some metal fabrication companies hammer the metal
sheets or sections into the desired shape. Hammering can be done by hand, or it can be done
using a machine (power hammering). Recently, though, many metal fabrication companies
have begun using press brakes to bend their metal. This heavy industrial machine
automatically presses metal sheets and sections into a specific shape when engaged. It
essentially clamps the metal between a punch die, forcing the metal into the desired shape.
3) Assembling
FIG.3 3ASSEMBLY
The third and final process of metal fabrication is assembling. As the name suggests, this
process involves assembling the metal sheet or sections into the desired finished product.
Assembling is typically performed via welding, though other steps may be included in the
process as well. In addition to welding, for example, metal fabrication companies maycrimp
seams, apply screws or other fasteners, and apply glue. After assembling the metal, the
company will finalize the product before shipping and selling it to its customers.
Metal fabrication is a driving force behind the country’s ever-growing manufacturing sector.
Although there are countless machines and techniques used by metal fabrication companies,
must rely on a three-step process that consists of cutting, bending and assembling. Thesethree
processes allow metal fabrication companies to transformraw metal materials into new
products.
3.4 TOOLSANDTECHNOLOGIESUSED
Components:-
● DCMotor(Squareboximported10RPM)
● Sprocket(20and35no.oftooth)
● Chain
● Spring(20mm)
● Electromagnet
● ConnectingRods(12mmround bar)
● SlideRod(20mmroundpipe)
● Supporting Frame(40*40mmsq.tube)
● Nuts &Bolts
● MountsandJoints
● BaseFrame
● ScrewsandConnectors
● AluminiumBlock (40*40*60mm)
● MSPin
● MSSpacer/ Washer
● Mdfwoodenply
● MetalPlates(MildSteel)
● 12mmstud
● Circuit
TechnologiesUsed:
Mechanical Linkage System – For transferring motion from motor to arm and claw
Gripper Mechanism / Claw – For holding and releasing the object securely during
movement.
Gear and Pulley Arrangement – To provide torque transmission and control speed
(if used).
mechanism.
3.5 PROJECTDESIGNAPPROACH
The design and development of the mechanical pick and place mechanism was carried out
through a systematic and step-by-step engineering approach. The objective was to create a
low-cost, reliable, and efficient mechanism that can perform repetitive tasks with precision
and minimal human intervention. The following stages were followed during the project:
ProblemIdentificationandNeedAnalysis
The first step involved identifying the need for automation in repetitive tasks suchas picking
and placing objects in industries, especially small-scale units. Manual handling was found to
Researchand Conceptualization
A detailed study was conducted on different types of pick and place systems used in
industries. Various mechanisms like robotic arms, pneumatic systems, servo-based grippers,
and link mechanisms were explored. After comparing cost, complexity, and feasibility, a
DesignPlanningandComponentSelection
After finalizing the concept, appropriate components were selected based on requirements
included:
DC motorsformotion
Agrippermechanismforholdingtheobject
Astablebasetosupportthearm
Linksandleversformechanicalmovement
Switchesandwiringformanualcontrol
MechanicalDesignandDrafting
Mechanical parts such as the arm, base, and gripper were drafted either manually or using
basic CAD software (if used). The design focused on maintaining balance, minimizing
friction, and ensuring smooth motion. Proper dimensions and alignment were considered
Fabrication andAssembly
All components were fabricated using materials like metalrods, wood, or acrylic sheets. The
arm and gripper were mounted on the base and connected with motors. Proper joints and
fasteners were used to ensure structural stability. The electrical connections were also made
Once assembled, the entire systemwas tested for performance. The arm movement, gripping
force, speed, and accuracy were observed. Any mechanical misalignment or electrical fault
was identified and corrected. The system was calibrated to ensure smooth and repeatable
operation.
Optimization andFinalImplementation
Minor improvements were made to enhance the efficiency and reduce friction or wobbling.
The final system successfully demonstrated the ability to pick up and place objects from one
4.1 SYSTEMARCHITECTURE
The system architecture consists of a combination of mechanical components powered by a
12V DC motor, interconnectedthrougha chain and sprocket mechanism. The flow ofmotion is
managed througha reciprocating plate, anoscillating spring arm, and an electromagnet for
gripping the object.
CoreComponents:
Motor:Drivestheentiresystem.SprocketandChain:Transmitrotarymotioninto linear
motion.
ReciprocatingPlate:Convertsrotaryinputintotranslational motion.
Spring-loadedArm:Oscillatesandbuffersthemotion.
Electromagnet:Handlesobjectpick-upandrelease.
LimitSwitches:Controlthemagnetanddefinemotionboundaries.
This simple yet modular architecture eliminates the need for complex controllers, making it
ideal for low-cost automation applications.
STRUCTURALARCHITECTURELAYOUT:
SPROCKET&CHAIN
RECIPROCATINGPLATFORM OSCILLATINGLINKAGE
ASSEMBLY
END
PICKAND PLACEARM CONTROLPANEL(SWITCHES)
EFFECTOR(ELECTROMAGNET)
BlockDiagram Description:
POWERSUPPLY
DCMOTOR
CHAIN&SPROCKET
SYSTEM
RECIPROCATINGPLATE
OSCILLATINGSPRINGARM
LIMITSWITCHES
ELECTROMAGNET(ON/OFF)
OBJECT-PICKED-MOVED-
PLACED
→ Start Motor
→PlateBeginsReciprocating
→AtPickPoint→Switch1→MagnetON
→AtPlacePoint→Switch2→MagnetOFF
→ Reset
Thislogicenablesasemi-automaticpickandplaceactionwithoutdigitalprogramming.
4.3 MODULEDISCRIPTION
Eachmajormoduleofthesystemcontributesadistinctmechanicalorfunctionaltask:
a) DCMotor(12V,10RPM)
FIG.4 3. DC MOTOR
DC gear motor is an all-in-one combination of a motor and gearbox. The addition of a gear
head to a motor reduces the speed while increasing the torque output. Here you can get
Orange Square Gearbox Motor with Operating Voltage of 12 V and varying RPM. This is
Lightweight and compact-sized motor with high performance.
The applications of this dc gear motor are Central air conditioning valve, Amusement
equipment, Coinrefund devices, Grill, Oven;Peristaltic pump, ATM bank automatic system,
Medical equipment, Office equipment, Household appliance, Automatic actuator and many
more.
Features:
HeavyDutyMetalGears. Uniformity
of parts.
Capability to absorb shock and vibration as a result of elastic compliance.
Abilitytooperatewithminimumornolubrication,dueto inherent lubricity.
Relatively low coefficient of friction.
Corrosion-resistance;eliminationofplating, orprotectivecoatings.
Specifications:
OperatingVoltage 12VDC
NoLoadCurrent ≤220mA
NoloadSpeed 10RPM (at12V)
FullLoad Current (mA) ≤1300
RatedCurrent ≤4800mA
RatedTorque (Kg-cm) 90
ShaftLength(mm) 27
ShaftDiameter (mm) 8
Length(mm) 92
DimensionOverall 70X70(Sq.)X90(Length)
Application:
Roboticpurposes.
Centralair–conditioningvalve Coin
refund devices
Industrialapplications.
b) SprocketsandChain
FIG.4 4SPROCKET
Asprocket or chainwheel is a profiled wheelwith teeth that mesh with a chain, track orother
perforated or indented material. The name 'sprocket' applies generally to any wheel upon
whichradialprojections engage a chain passing over it. It is distinguished froma gear inthat
sprockets are never meshed togetherdirectly, and differs froma pulley in that sprockets have
teeth and pulleys are smooth except for timing pulleys used with toothed belts.
Sprockets are used in bicycles, motorcycles, tracked vehicles, and other machinery either to
transmit rotary motion between two shafts where gears are unsuitable or to impart linear
motion to a track, tape etc. Perhaps the most common form of sprocket may be found in the
bicycle, in which the pedal shaft carries a large sprocket-wheel, which drives a chain, which,
in turn, drives a small sprocket on the axle of the rear wheel. Early automobiles were also
largely driven bysprocket and chain mechanism, a practice largely copied from bicycles.
The chain drives the secondary sprocket connected to the reciprocating plate.Translates
rotational input into linear motion.
c) ReciprocatingPlate
Rectangularmetalplatemountedonguide rails.
Moves backandforthasthechainrotates.
Servesasthebaseforthespring-loadedarm.
d) Spring-LoadedArm
Attachedtothereciprocatingplate.
Incorporatesaspringmechanismthatabsorbsshockandprovidesoscillation.
Ensuressmoothandcontrolledmovementofthepick-and-placetool.
e) Electromagnet
FIG.4 5ELECTROMAGNET
The main advantage of an electromagnet over a permanent magnet is that the magnetic field
can be quickly changed by controlling the amount of electric current in the winding.
However, unlike a permanent magnet that needs no power, an electromagnet requires a
continuous supply of current to maintain the magnetic field.
Electromagnets are widely used as components of other electrical devices, such as motors,
generators, electromechanical solenoids, relays, loudspeakers, hard disks, MRI machines,
scientific instruments,andmagneticseparationequipment.Electromagnetsarealso employed in
industry for picking up and moving heavy iron objects such as scrap iron and steel.
. f)LimitSwitches
Placedattheextremeendsof motion.
LimitSwitch1:Activatesthemagnet(PickPoint).
LimitSwitch2:Deactivatesthemagnet(PlacePoint).
f) Supporting Frame
.Constructedusingmildsteelsquare tubes.
Housesallmovingpartssecurely.
Ensuresvibration-freeoperation.
ModuleRolesOverview:
TABLE 4.1MODULEROLESOVERVIEW
Module Function
DC Motor Driveschainsystem
Sprocket &Chain Convertsrotarymotiontoreciprocatingmotion
Plate Servesasthecarrierforspringarm
SpringArm Providesoscillationandshockabsorption
Electromagnet Picks/releasesmetalobject
LimitSwitches Trigger magnet ON/OFFlogic
Frame Supportsandhousesallcomponents
4.4 ALGORITHMSUSED(IfAny)
Thissystem operates on hardwarelogicratherthanprogrammablesoftware.However,the logic
sequence can be considered a mechanical algorithm:
MechanicalLogicFlow:
IFPlate =PickPoint:
THEN Magnet = ON
IFPlate=PlacePoint:
THEN Magnet=OFF
If this were to be upgraded, a basic microcontroller (e.g., Arduino) could execute thislogicusing
digital I/O pins for switch inputs and relay outputs.
4.5 CODEIMPLEMENTATIONOVERVIEW
Since the mechanismrunspurelyonmechanicalandelectromechanicalprinciples, no code is
currently used. However, for future enhancement:
SuggestedArduinoLogic (Conceptual):
if (digitalRead(limitSwitch1) == HIGH) {
digitalWrite(magnetRelay,HIGH);//PickObject
if (digitalRead(limitSwitch2) == HIGH) {
digitalWrite(magnetRelay,LOW);//ReleaseObject
}
This logic could allow more flexibility in motion control, including delay timing, sensor
feedback, and object verification.
4.6 SUMMARY
This chapter covers the structural, functional, and technical design of the proposed
mechanical system. The design process begins with conceptualization and ends with the
physical fabrication of a working prototype capable of automating object picking and
placement using basic mechanical and electromechanical components.
The system is designed for simplicity, efficiency, and affordability. Its non-programmed
architecture makes it ideal for rapid prototyping and educational use. Each component is
selected to maximize performance within a minimal cost and complexity framework.
CHAPTER:5RESULT&DISCUSSION
5.1 TESTCASESANDSCENARIOS
Tovalidatethefunctionalityandefficiency of the developedsystem,severaltestscenarios were
conducted:
Test Scenario1–LightLoadHandling:
Object:Smallmetalcomponent(~150g)
Observation:Smoothpickandplacemotionwithaccuratepositioning.
Result:Successfuloperation;nomechanicalstressnoticed.
TestScenario4–MisalignmentTolerance:
Object:Irregularlyshapeditemplacedslightlyoff-center
Observation:Pick-upwaspartiallysuccessful,provingtheneedforcentering.
Result:Systemworksbestwithstandardshapedobjectsplacedproperly.
5.2 EXPERIMENTALSETUP
Theexperimentalsetupincludes:
Frame:Constructedusing40x40mmmildsteelsquaretubes.
Motor:12V DCgearmotorwith10 RPMand90Kg-cmratedtorque.
DriveSystem: Chainandsprocketmechanismconnectedtoreciprocatingplate.
Linkages: Mechanicallinksandrodstranslatemotionfromrotationtooscillation.
Electromagnet:Activatedbylimitswitchestopickandrelease metallic items.
Control:Manualoperationusingbasiccontrolswitchesandlimit-based actuation.
The setup ensured stability and smooth operation during repeated cycles. The mechanical
structure was placed on a lab table. A metalobject was placed at one end (pickup point), and
the release point was marked at the other end.
5.3PERFORMANCEANALYSIS
Parameter Observation
Load capacity Upto~700gsafely
Speed ~10cycles/min(limitedbymotorRPM)
Accuracy ~95%placementreliability
Repeatability High,ifobjectpositioningisprecise
PowerConsumption Low(12VDCsystem)
MechanicalNoise Moderatevibrationatjoints
Key Insight:The system is consistentunderideal loading conditions and performs well
in a controlled environment.
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3 Series1
2 Series2
1
0 Series3
FIG.5 1BarGraph
5.4COMPARISONWITHEXISTINGSYSTEM
TABLE 5.3EXISTINGSYSTEMVSROBOTICARM
The experimental results demonstrate that the fabricated mechanical pick-and-place mechanism
successfully fulfills its primary objective of picking an object from one location and placing it
at another. The chosen design parameters and material selections are generally appropriate for
the targeted load capacity and operational speed.
The comparison with existing systems highlights the trade-offs involved in designinga
simple, cost-effective mechanical system versus a high-performance industrialrobot.
For applications requiring basic automation of repetitive pick-and-place tasks with
moderate precision and speed requirements, this type of mechanism presents a viable
and economical solution. Future improvements could focus on incorporating more
rigid materials, reducing backlash in joints, and exploring more sophisticatedyet still
affordable actuation and control methods (e.g., stepper motors with basic
microcontrollers) to enhance accuracy and speed without significantly increasing
complexity or cost. The successful operation within the tested parameters validatesthe
design methodology and fabrication processes employed in this project.
CHAPTER:6 CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK
6.1 SUMMARYOFWORKDONE
This project successfully designed, fabricated, and tested a Mechanical Pick and Place
Mechanismintendedtoautomatebasicmaterialhandlingtasks.Thesystemoperatesthrough a
chain-sprocket-driven reciprocating mechanism with a spring-loaded arm and an
electromagnet for object manipulation.
Keyaccomplishmentsinclude:
Developmentofalow-cost,user-friendlyprototype.
Implementationoflimitswitchesforbasicautomationwithoutmicrocontrollers.
Testingundervariousconditionstoevaluateloadcapacity,speed,accuracy,andconsi
stency.
Emphasisonlocalmaterials, manufacturability,andadaptabilityforsmall-scaleor
educational use.
Theworkingmodeldemonstratesthatmechanicalautomationsystemscanbedeveloped using
simple design principles and readily available components.
6.2 MAJORFINDINGS
Theprojecthasledtothefollowingsignificantconclusions:
6.3 LIMITATIONS
Whiletheprojectachieveditscoreobjectives,severallimitationswereobserved:
LoadCapacity:Thesystemislimitedtolightormediumloadsduetothemotorand
structural design.
NoIntelligentFeedback:Theuseofbasiclimitswitchesdoesn’tallowforadaptive
decision-making or error correction.
No Multi-axisMovement:Unlikeroboticarms,thisdesignmovesonlyinasingle plane.
LimitedEnvironmentalApplication:Cannothandlehigh-temperatureorcorrosive
environments without modification.
ManualCalibrationNeeded:Requiresprecisemanualalignmentofobjectsatthe
pickup point.
6.4 FUTURESCOPE
Thereareseveralpotentialenhancementsthatcouldbeincorporatedintofutureversionsof this
system:
SmartAutomation
Incorporatingmicrocontrollers(e.g.,ArduinoorRaspberryPi)andsensors(IR,ultrasonic, vision
systems) for adaptive control, object detection, and error handling.
IncreasedPayload
Upgradingthemotorandstrengtheningthemechanicalstructuretosupportheavierandlarger objects,
extending its industrial applicability.
Programmability
Multi-AxisMovement
Addingvertical(Z-axis)orrotationalmotion(yaw/pitch)toenhanceoperationalflexibility and
mimic robotic arm movement.
IntegrationwithConveyors
Linkingthesystemwithconveyorbeltsforassemblylineautomationinsmallindustriesor educational
demonstrations.
MobilePlatformMounting
6.5 FINALREMARK:
The Mechanical Pick and Place Mechanism stands as a testament to the power of simple
engineering solutions in addressing real-world industrial challenges. With further
enhancements,thisprototypecanevolve into ascalabletoolforsmart manufacturing, low- cost
automation, and educational.
REFERENCES
Fig.FRONT VIEW
Fig.REARVIEW
Fig.SIDEVIEW