Thu Dau Mot University Journal of Science


REAL-TIME SORTING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS USING LABVIEW AND PLC INTEGRATION: A CASE STUDY ON TOMATOES

By Nguyen Phuong Tra, Nguyen Anh Vu
DOI: 10.37550/tdmu.EJS/2025.02.640

Abstract

The rising demand for automation in agriculture and manufacturing necessitates efficient, cost-effective sorting systems to replace labor-intensive manual processes. This paper introduces an innovative system integrating a Siemens S7-1200 Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), LabVIEW-based image processing, and OPC (OLE for Process Control) communication for automated tomato sorting. Utilizing real-time vision analysis, the system classifies tomatoes by color and size, offering a low-cost, scalable solution tailored for small-scale industries. A high-resolution camera captures images, processed in LabVIEW using HSV color space and size thresholds, with results relayed via OPC to the PLC, which actuates a stepper motor-driven sorting mechanism. Experimental validation in a controlled setting achieved 92% sorting accuracy and a throughput of 60 tomatoes per minute, surpassing manual sorting in speed and consistency. The modular design supports scalability to other agricultural products, enhancing its practical utility.


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Publication Information

Publisher

Thu Dau Mot University, Viet Nam

Editor-in-Chief

Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Van Hiep
Thu Dau Mot University

Editorial Board

Assoc. Prof. Le Tuan Anh
Thu Dau Mot University
PhD. Nguyen Quoc Cuong
Thu Dau Mot University

PhD. Doan Ngoc Xuan
Thu Dau Mot University
PhD. Nguyen Khoa Truong An
Thu Dau Mot University

Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thanh Binh
Thu Dau Mot University
PhD. Le Thi Thuy Dung
Thu Dau Mot University

PhD. Ngo Hong Diep
Thu Dau Mot University
PhD. Nguyen Duc Dat Duc
Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade

Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Van Duc
Animal Husbandry Association of Vietnam
PhD. Nguyen Thi Nhat Hang
Department of Education and Training of Binh Duong Province

PhD. Nguyen Thi Cam Le
Vietnam Aviation Academy
PhD. Trần Hạnh Minh Phương
Thu Dau Mot University

M.A. Pham Van Thinh
Thu Dau Mot University
PhD. Nguyen Thi Lien Thuong
Thu Dau Mot University

Prof. Le Quang Tri
Can Tho University
Prof. Banh Quoc Tuan
Thu Dau Mot University