And now for something that seems incredibly complex but is quite the opposite - a device that can sort Skittles or M&Ms into separate colours. Thanks to the availability of inexpensive colour sensors, this device can control the flow of candy as they approach - determine the colour, then move a servo-controlled chute to the appropriate colour's cup.
The work behind the project is mostly the 3D-printer parts and assembly, however the electronics are quite simple and could be gathered for less than a hundred dollars. It made a great educational project and I'm sure lives to this day to amuse and feed onlookers. Here's the sorter in full operation:
For an very-well documented explanation of the device, visit the sorter's website. And for more, we're on facebook, twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.
If you're looking to learn how to use an Arduino to sense and control certain environments, you can't go past "Arduino Workshop - A Hands-On Introduction with 65 Projects” by John Boxall.
Arduino Workshop takes the reader from having zero knowledge about the Arduino platform, electronics and programming and leaves them with the know-how and instructions on everything from blinking an LED, to robotics, wireless data, cellular communications, motor control, sensors, Internet connected systems and more. For more information including a sample chapter and table of contents, visit the book page.
