This document outlines the goals, components, procedure, and models for an automated soda vending machine project. The machine will use a 3-axis stage with a fork to pick sodas from stock and drop them in the dispenser. It will check item availability and temperature using LabVIEW. Payment will be made through a coin counter and verified via an Android interface. Components include motors, sensors, a cooler, and electronics. The procedure involves a user selecting a soda on the app, inserting payment, and receiving the soda. Questions address improving the first motor, third axis calibration, and adding extra payment options.

1. Minnesota State University, Mankato
EET 462
Daniel Campos Moreira
Joao Augusto Oliveira Luiz

2.  Project Goals
 Components
 Procedure
 Project Models
 Questions

3.  Develop an automated vending machine with:
◦ A stage capable of moving in 3 different axis with a
fork that picks the soda can up from the stock and
drop it at the dispenser
◦ Item availability check
◦ Temperature control through LabVIEW®
◦ Money counter and price check
◦ Android® user interface with communication
through Network

4.  2 Axis Stage
 Photo sensor
 Limit Switch
 Multisight
 LED Lights
 3 small DC motors
 Temperature Sensor
 Cooler
 LabVIEW
 FactoryTalk View
 Android Device
 H-Bridge
 NI USB-6008
 2 Relays

5.  User:
◦ Select the soda on the
mobile device
◦ Put the money on the
machine
◦ Wait until the soda is
picked and dropped in
the dispenser
 System:
◦ Verify the cash inserted
by the user
◦ Move the axis to the
required position
◦ Verify if there is soda
available
◦ Pick the soda up
◦ Move the axis to the
dispenser location
◦ Drop the soda
 Background
◦ Verify the temperature of
the machine, activating a
cooling system if
necessary

6. Soda Can Stock Thermistor and Cooling system

7. Z-Axis Fork System Coin verifier

8. Android Interface

9.  Quality and reliability of the first DC motor
used
 Measurement and calibration of the third axis
 Building the extra hardware

10.  Use of CNC machine for a precise and better
machining of the part used in the project.
 Inclusion of a second coin dispenser for
payments involving more then one coin
 Payment with credit card
 Use of a more powerful motor capable of
grabbing full soda cans
 A less aggressive mode to drop the soda for
the user