Eco-Genie - Capstone Project

Project Overview

The Eco-Genie is an automated material sorting system that streamlines the recycling process through sensor-based detection and mechanical sorting. Developed for our Capstone Design Course (ME 4370), this project enhances recycling efficiency while reducing manual labor.

The system utilizes inductive, capacitive, and optical sensors alongside automated actuators to accurately classify and separate materials.

Read the Full Proposal

System Design & Components

The system consists of several key components:

• Sorting Mechanism - A precision actuator and hopper design for material separation.
• Sensor Array - Uses ultrasonic, inductive, and capacitive sensors to classify materials.
• Microcontroller Control - Powered by an Arduino Mega running optimized sorting algorithms.
• Conveyor System - Automates material transport and staging.

System Code & Implementation

The following is the complete Arduino code used to control the sorting system. The system uses ultrasonic, capacitive, and inductive sensors to detect and classify materials.

Initialization and Sensor Setup

#include 
#include 
LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27, 16, 2);
const int trigPin = 26;
const int echoPin = 28;
const int capacitivePin = 24;
const int inductivePin = 22;
            

Ultrasonic Distance Measurement

long getUltrasonicDistance() {
  digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);
  delayMicroseconds(2);
  digitalWrite(trigPin, HIGH);
  delayMicroseconds(10);
  digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);
  long duration = pulseIn(echoPin, HIGH);
  return duration * 0.034 / 2; 
}
            

Material Detection Logic

String determineMaterial(int capacitiveCount, int inductiveCount) {
  if (capacitiveCount > 25 && inductiveCount > 25) {
    return "Aluminum Detected";
  } else if (capacitiveCount > 25 && inductiveCount <= 25) {
    return "Glass Detected";
  } else {
    return "Plastic Detected";
  }
}

➝ View the Full Arduino Code for Material Detection

Final Prototype & Testing

Our final design was refined across multiple iterations. Below are key images of the version 5.1 prototype: