This paper presents the design and implementation of a 3 Degrees of Freedom (3DOF) robotic arm integrated with a vacuum suction system for industrial automation applications. The proposed system is developed using the ESP-12E microcontroller, which enables wireless control and efficient execution of pick-and-place operations. The robotic arm is designed using servo motors that provide precise movement across three axes, allowing accurate positioning and flexibility in handling objects. An infrared (IR) sensor is incorporated for automatic object detection, enabling the system to operate without continuous human intervention.Upon detecting an object, the control unit activates a vacuum pump connected to a suction cup through a 7 mm pipe, which creates negative pressure for firm gripping of the object. The object is then lifted, transferred, and placed at the desired location by coordinated servo movements. The vacuum-based gripping mechanism is particularly effective for handling delicate, smooth, or irregularly shaped objects without causing damage. The integration of embedded control, sensing, and actuation provides a cost-effective, simple, and scalable solution suitable for small-scale industrial environments such as packaging, sorting, and assembly operations. The system demonstrates improved efficiency, reduced manual effort, and enhanced accuracy in repetitive tasks.The proposed project highlights the potential of combining IoT-enabled microcontrollers, sensor-based automation, and vacuum-based gripping systems to develop intelligent robotic solutions for modern industrial automation needs.
Prathyusha et al. (Wed,) studied this question.