Title: Multi part automatic dispenser for cobots

Overview: A company, based in Edmonton, invites teams to participate in a design challenge focused on the automation of repetitive tasks using robotic arms and collaborative robots (cobots). This competition centers around the design of an Automatic Parts Dispenser specifically for fish lures, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of industrial pick-and-place operations. In industrial settings, pick-and-place tasks often require robots to sequentially pick up small items, like nuts, lures, or tags, and place them at designated locations. However, this process can be time-consuming when handling individual parts. An Automatic Parts Dispenser simplifies this by preloading parts into a cartridge, allowing the robot to pick up and release multiple items simultaneously. This not only speeds up operations but also improves overall efficiency, reducing the robot’s need to return to pick positions frequently.

Challenge Details: Participants are tasked with designing a dispenser that will seamlessly integrate with cobots. This challenge primarily involves design work in Fusion360 or Solidworks; however, if the team would like to develop a prototype, the proposing company may offer necessary support. The dispenser will need to release fish lures through a specialized mechanical release window, coordinated with the cobot's position. The cobot will send a signal to the dispenser’s control electronics, triggering the release of each lure at the appropriate moment. The primary objective is to enable the cobot to arrange fish lures on a tray, which will then be sent for painting. The prototype will be installed and tested on company’s cobots.

Key Requirements:

• Dimensions: The dispenser should fit within 3" (W) x 3" (L) x 10" (H).

• Maximum Current Draw at 24V: 500mA

• Dispensing Speed: 1 second per part.

• Cobot Integration: The dispenser must be compatible with standard communication protocols such as RS485, Tx/Rx, or CAN bus.

• Mechanical Integrity: The dispenser must withstand 1 million cycles.

• Manufacturing Feasibility: The design should be manufacturable using common additive or subtractive methods and should be constructed primarily from carbon fiber or aluminum.

• Cost: The total manufacturing cost should not exceed $1,000 CAD.