Electrical · Controls & Automation
PLC-Style Traffic & Machine Sequencer
Intermediate 5 weeks 35-50 hours
Program a state-machine controller that runs a multi-step industrial sequence (like a bottling or press cycle) with sensors, actuators, and safety interlocks. Mirrors real PLC automation work.
Major
Electrical
Focus area
Controls & Automation
Total hours
35-50 hours
What you'll need
- Arduino Mega 2560 R3 microcontroller board
- 5V 4-channel relay module for Arduino
- infrared IR obstacle avoidance sensor module for Arduino
- MG996R metal gear servo motor 2 pack
- 16x2 LCD display module with I2C for Arduino
- push button and LED assortment kit for Arduino
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Steps
- Pick a real process to mimic, like a bottling line or press cycle, and write out each step.
- Draw a state diagram showing every state, transition, sensor input, and safety interlock.
- Wire the sensors, relays, servos, buttons, LEDs, and LCD to the Arduino Mega.
- Program the sequence as a state machine that shows the current step on the LCD.
- Add an emergency stop and interlocks, then test that the machine stops safely at every step.
- Record a full cycle on video and document your state diagram for your portfolio.
What to photograph for your portfolio
- Sequencer wiring
- state diagram
- cycle timing logs
- interlock demo
- HMI display
Resume bullet starters
Copy one, then swap in your own numbers.
Designed and built a plc-style traffic & machine sequencer using Industrial automation, state machines, ladder-logic concepts
Applied sensor/actuator integration and Arduino to implement, test, and validate the system end-to-end
Skills you'll show off
Industrial automationstate machinesladder-logic conceptssensor/actuator integrationArduino