
Light Sensors vs. Touch Sensors on a Conveyor Belt
Medium
Which type of sensor counts objects more reliably at high speed? You install a light sensor and a touch sensor on a conveyor belt. Each sensor connects to its own electronic counter. One hundred boxes pass through at three speeds: 2, 5, and 8 meters per minute.
The light sensor counted all 100 boxes at every speed. The touch sensor matched it at the slowest speed but missed more boxes as the belt moved faster. At 8 meters per minute, friction between the boxes and the touch sensor caused a pileup on the belt.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that the light sensor will be able to cope better than the touch sensor as a counter, even if the speed of the conveyor is increased.
Method & Materials
You will set up a conveyor belt with a light sensor and a touch sensor, and two electronic counters. You will place 100 boxes on the conveyor belt and measure the number of boxes counted at different speeds.
You will need a conveyor belt, a light sensor, a touch sensor, two electronic counters, 100 boxes, and a stopwatch.
Results
The experiment showed that the light sensor was able to detect and count all 100 boxes at all 3 different speeds, while the touch sensor was only able to detect and count 95 boxes at 5 meters per-minute and 77 boxes at 8 meters per-minute.
Why do this project?
This science project is interesting because it demonstrates the effectiveness of different types of sensors in a real-world application.
Also Consider
Consider repeating the experiment using a proximity sensor, or by increasing or decreasing the space between the boxes.
Full project details
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