Low cost automation solution for paper bag production using commodity hardware

Abstract

Despite of all known hazards of plastic pollution, it's prevalent and pervasive in India. Polythene bags are major contributors to it. Polythene bag production is easier and cost effective as compared to its eco-friendly alternatives. Paper bag is closest economical alternative to the polythene bag. In this paper, we try to address the several issues that makes paper bag production economically incompetent with polythene bags. We propose a flexible assembly line controlled by a microcontroller to automate paper bag production. The system is capable of handling different sizes and textures of the paper. It has provision to control the speed of production and monitor the quality of the output. We have used commodity hardware × microcontrollers and DC motors unlike previous attempts using PLCs, servo motors. The reliability and fault tolerance is achieved through software rather than using expensive hardware. The system autocorrects itself based on the paper quality feedback recorded automatically or manually. We believe the system can play an important role in making paper bag production costs comparable to polythene bags.