The smart conveyor belt from Softeq uses Arduino for a robust wireless control solution

As a leading digital transformation and software engineering company, Arduino system integrator Softeq Development Corp. is a proven innovator in the industrial space – working with clients to deliver sophisticated, reliable solutions that leverage power and accessibility at the same time.

In a recent project, the company developed a cutting-edge controller for a client specializing in automation technology. The goal was to create a reliable system capable of transporting items along complex pathways using multiple conveyor belts and diverters. This required a centralized brain to manage the sequence and timing of all moving parts and sensors.

The challenge of complex transport and remote control

The client needed a solution that went beyond simple, straight-path conveyor control. As a first step, the system supports multiple conveyor belts operating in line with each other, establishing the foundation for future capabilities like managing transitions between belts and routing items to specific destinations.

The key technical challenge was twofold:

1. Centralized, reliable control: Developing a controller that could successfully manage the sequence of multiple conveyor belts, photo-eye, and contact sensors.

2. Wireless connectivity: For future, large-scale deployments, the client wanted to avoid running extensive control and sensor cables to every unit. The solution required robust, production-ready wireless control capabilities.

The Arduino advantage: off-the-shelf and industrial-grade

Softeq selected two key Arduino products to deliver the solution: Arduino® Opta WiFi and Arduino® MKR WiFi 1010. While the Opta WiFi served as the micro PLC (programmable logic controller) for the system, managing sensor inputs (origin, destination, door) and controlling the power output for the conveyor motor, the MKR WiFi 1010 provided wireless remote control and intelligent status updates, enabling the system to be managed without extensive hardwired cabling.

By utilizing these industrial-grade devices, the Softeq team was able to meet the demanding requirements for sensor inputs and motor control outputs. The choice simplified firmware programming and eliminated the need for costly, time-consuming custom hardware development. The resulting hardware controller box is a robust unit that integrates seamlessly with the conveyor system to ensure safe, intelligent, and efficient package handling. For instance, the system ensures the conveyor only runs when conditions are met and automatically returns packages if they linger too long at the destination or after a door cycle.

“The decision to use Arduino was driven by the client’s need to wirelessly control conveyor belts in a large warehouse with multiple conveyor systems. They wanted to avoid running extensive control and sensor cabling to each conveyor. The solution required three sensors (Origin, Destination, and Door open/close) along with motor power control, making off-the-shelf Arduino devices a strong fit. This approach eliminated the need for custom hardware, saving both time and cost. With built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support, and Opta handling sensor inputs and motor outputs, only minimal firmware was needed to manage sensor states and Bluetooth inputs from the MKR 1010 control box.” – Paul Fruia, Senior Advisor with Softeq Development Corp.

A successful partnership for smart logistics

This smart conveyor belt is a prime example of the synergies between Softeq and Arduino in the industrial IoT space – following the previous successful collaboration for a non-invasive glucose monitoring prototype. Softeq’s client expressed strong satisfaction with the delivered controller box and is already preparing specifications for extending the solution to new applications.

Industrial innovation is no longer reserved for companies with massive R&D budgets: accessible and production-ready industrial hardware makes smart logistics and automation easier and more accessible for everyone.

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