Make a Sorting Machine

Design Brief

Design, build and program a machine that can identify at least three different colours of LEGO® elements and sort them into separate locations.

Think about these questions:

  • Which colours will you sort?
  • Which element sizes will you sort?
  • Which type of motorised mechanism is able to move these elements?
  • How can the machine sense different locations?
  • What design features will ensure that the machine’s movements are accurate and repeatable?

Hints
Use typed notes, a handwritten lab notebook, sketches, photos, screenshots or videos to document your design process. Make sure to explain:

  1. Any challenges that you are facing.
  2. How you are working to overcome these challenges.
  3. The resources that you need.
  4. Ways in which your classmates or teacher can help you.
  5. Any early signs of success that you are observing.

Communicate the results of your work by:

  • Creating a video that demonstrates your design process starting with your initial ideas and ending with your completed project
  • Creating a presentation that connects your projects with real-world applications of similar systems

Ask for feedback and conduct a self-assessment Use the evaluation tools that your teacher has provided.