How colorful clamping bricks become a gateway to the future of industrial automation
Camera and AI in the classroom
What looks like a toy project at first glance turns out to be a practical introduction to a highly relevant field of technology: In a final project at the Werner-von-Siemens School in Frankfurt, Germany, three technology students developed an automated sorting device for clamping bricks - supported by the IDS NXT Experience Kit. The result is more than just a clever sorting machine: It is a learning system that combines automation, artificial intelligence and OPC UA communication in a vivid way - and thus creates a practice-orientated approach to industrial image processing.
"The device is used to visualise automation processes," explains project supervisor Matthias Groß. Particularly exciting: "The OPC UA connection between the camera and the PLC is particularly relevant for our lessons."
From individual part to industrial plant in miniature format
The system itself is mounted on a sturdy table frame and impressively demonstrates how industrial processes can be reproduced on a small scale. A screw conveyor in the form of an Archimedean screw separates the clamping bricks and conveys them into a magazine with integrated lifting magnets. These transfer the bricks to a conveyor belt in a cycle-controlled manner - ready for image capture.
Camera meets AI - simple, fast, effective
The central element is the IDS NXT rio industrial camera, which uses a trained neural network to recognise the shape and colour of the bricks. The requirements for the system were clear: simple implementation, an OPC UA interface and AI-supported image processing. The camera supplies image data in real time to a Siemens S7-1512C PLC, which takes over the sorting process on the basis of this information. The control unit decides into which of several storage containers the respective component is transported - fully automatically and precisely.
"The IDS NXT Experience Kit is particularly suitable for this. The system contains all the components a user needs to create, train and run a neural network in a productive environment and enables quick and easy commissioning."
The IDS NXT Experience Kit makes it possible
Everything you need to get started is included: Camera, lens, cabling and a licence for the IDS NXT lighthouse training platform - including a graphical user interface for teaching individual object recognition. New features can be trained, customised and used productively within a very short time. The platform is designed so that even beginners can achieve rapid success.
"The system achieves a high level of recognition accuracy with relatively little training effort," confirms the project group. Different colours and sizes of the bricks can be easily taught and automatically sorted.
More than just a project: A look into the industrial future
The sorting machine is to be used permanently in lessons for future generations of pupils - as a learning object, a source of ideas and an introduction to topics such as AI-based quality control, Industry 4.0 communication and adaptive control systems. Because one thing is clear: AI-supported image processing and open interfaces such as OPC UA will be standard in the industry of tomorrow. It is precisely the combination of intelligent image recognition, mechanical separation and standardised communication with a PLC that makes the project so valuable. It provides a practical demonstration of how modern technologies interact - and creates a motivating learning environment for prospective specialists in the field of energy technology and process automation.
With the IDS NXT Experience Kit, this is no longer an abstract topic of the future, but a tangible learning experience - true to the motto: see, understand, automate.
Image rights: Werner von Siemens School, Frankfurt / Main, Germany
© 2025 IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH
Werner-von-Siemens-Schule
The Werner-von-Siemens-Schule is a vocational school specialising in electrical, information and media technology based in Frankfurt / Main, Germany. The training is strongly practice-orientated and combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications. The learning fields include topics such as "Planning and implementing automated systems" and "Commissioning and handing over automated systems".
IDS NXT Experience Kit
Model used: IDS NXT rio
For over ten years, she has been creating press releases and application reports and designing corporate topics and technical product communication with corresponding expertise. Thanks to her experience in strategic B2B communication, she formulates precise messages and delivers well-founded, technically robust content - always with a focus on authenticity and clarity.
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