Honors Program, UNL
Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)
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Date of this Version
2026
Document Type
Project
Citation
Pinkelman, P. 2026. Conveyor System for Portable Industrial Robot (Astorino). Undergraduate Honors Thesis. University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Abstract
This Project focused on the design and development of a portable conveyor system intended to integrate with the Astorino educational robot used by Kawasaki Motors. The goal of the system was to create an interactive demonstration capable of showcasing fundamental manufacturing processes involving robotic automation. The system was designed to transport aluminum pucks along a conveyor belt, allowing the robot to detect, pick, and reposition in a controlled sequence.
The design process involved mechanical, electrical, and programming considerations. A modular frame using 80/20 extruded aluminum was selected to ensure structural integrity while maintaining portability. Multiple iterations of rollers, brackets, and sensor fixtures were deployed and tested to improve reliability and manufacturability. Material selection played a key role in performance, particularly in transitioning from carbon fiber nylon to PETG due to printability and durability concerns.
Engineering analysis was conducted to determine belt speed, torque requirements, and power consumption, confirming that the system operates efficiently within design constraints. Finite element analysis was used to validate structural components, ensuring a factor of safety greater than 2 across critical parts. The final system successfully met most project requirements, including functionality, integration, and cost limitations, while remaining significantly under budget. However, some deliverables, such as ease of installation and full palletizing functionality, were not fully achieved. Overall, the project demonstrates a functional and expandable platform for educational and demonstration purposes.
Comments
Copyright Preston Pinkelman 2026.