What is a sorting device?

A sorting machine is an advanced device for sorting large amounts of items for the use of complex builds. This machine, for example, will be capable of sorting a large amount of LEGO parts into various categories. The idea is to put these parts through a hopper and on to a conveyor belt that can bring the parts to a camera that will recognize each piece using image processing fundamentals. Once the camera recognition is completed, the Lego part continues down the belt where a predetermined link pushes the part off the line and into a container.

What type of LEGO is the device capable of handling?

The LEGO Sorting Device currently has a specific focus on the educational sets used by Stevens Mechanical Engineering Professors, so the device is currently capable of sorting LEGO's EV3 and NXT Mindstorm sets. This include about 200+ unique axles and rods, beams, gears, connectors, bushings, and more. In the future, as the team expands to more educational institutions and commercial markets, personalizing sorting and recognizing capabilities will also expand to accommodate demand

What will the final product look like?

The device is currently a work in progress. To view some of the team's more recent progress, please see the Current Design tab and stay tuned on our website!

When is the product expected to be completed?

The team will reach our sixth and final phase of the project in May 2021, where the final product will be presented at Stevens Institute's Annual Innovation Expo! For more information on the Innovation Expo, please see the link below:

https://www.stevens.edu/research-entrepreneurship/annual-innovation-expo

What are the next steps for the device?

The LEGO sorting device has recently completed Phase V, which includes a detailed technical analysis, refined SolidWorks model, and functioning prototypes of major subsystems. The team is now beginning to move forward into Phase VI, which will entail refined prototypes as well as the ordering and construction of parts! Prior to Phase VI, the team will also be participating in the Stevens Innovation Expo