The Mechanical Engineering Department has faced ongoing challenges with tools being misplaced or removed from the Robotics Research Lab (LB-172). To address this, a retrofit automated inventory tracki..
The Mechanical Engineering Department has faced ongoing challenges with tools being misplaced or removed from the Robotics Research Lab (LB-172). To address this, a retrofit automated inventory tracking system is being developed for the lab toolboxes. The system utilizes limit switches and leaf spring contacts to monitor tool presence, while Near Field Communication (NFC) cards track tool usage by different user groups. The system promotes accountability and allows faculty to procure missing or more commonly used tools. By improving organization and streamlining inventory management, the system aims to offer a cost-effective solution tailored to the lab’s needs. Its effectiveness will be evaluated by user ease of use, tool detection, accuracy, and reliability.
