Conference Agenda

This paper details the reengineering of an automated system for the dosing of viscous food grade fluids, optimizing the efficiency and performance of the equipment for an uninterrupted dosing process. A development methodology is proposed that includes the reconfiguration of the design, adaptation and installation of electrical and electronic components for the implementation of an automated control system. The development involves the installation of a control panel that integrates a Programmable Logic Controller (LOGO), connection terminals, wiring, start/stop push buttons, emergency stop, relay, electrical protections, power supply, and wiring. In addition, the sequence is configured in the LADDER programming language for the activation of the solenoid valves and pneumatic cylinders by means of Logosoft. Once the reengineering process was executed, a defined operation of the machine was achieved, starting with the aggregation of the raw material in the silo by the operator, start of cycle from the push buttons, opening and closing of the 3-way valve and loading of raw material in the dosing chamber, obtaining displacement of the raw material in stages from the pneumatic cylinders and subsequent dosing in the final product container.

This paper deals with the design of a source for the selective generation of harmonics, aimed at deepening the analysis of one of the main phenomena affecting power quality in electrical systems. As a first step, the pertinent equations were developed through frequency-domain analysis using Fourier theory. A general equation was obtained as a function of harmonics, switching angles, and voltage levels, taking as a reference the topology of an 81-level asymmetric multilevel converter. With these equations, it is possible to determine the switching angles necessary for the controlled generation of the desired harmonic over the fundamental waveform.

The project focused on the development of a mobile autonomous vehicle prototype designed to detect, collect, and store plastic bottles and soda cans in a controlled environment. The addressed issue was the accumulation of these waste materials in spaces such as homes and laboratories, where manual collection was inefficient and no effective automated solutions existed. This project explored the integration of advanced technologies, such as autonomous navigation, computer vision, and robotics, to optimize the management of these recyclable waste materials. A V-model technical methodology was used for system development, along with a deductive scientific methodology for research and validation. The obtained results included the implementation of a functional prototype and the generation of applicable knowledge for future research and developments in the field of robotics and waste collection automation.

This paper investigates the shift in experiential education laboratories for electronic, electrical, and computer engineering courses in Ireland, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic forced higher education institutions to adapt their electronic laboratory sessions to a remote delivery model. This study categorizes and evaluates the different approaches taken by Irish higher education institutes (HEIs) to implement remote engineering laboratories. Using survey data, user feedback, and firsthand reports from 33 participants across 12 HEIs, the paper examines the effectiveness of these remote lab methods. The analysis identified five distinct remote laboratory delivery methods, with learning simulations and remote hardware lab kits being the most commonly employed. Although remote hardware lab kits were favored for their perceived effectiveness in replicating hands-on experiences, they posed significant challenges, including increased administrative workload, preparation, implementation, and management overheads. In contrast, simulated lab solutions, though less resource-intensive, did not fully capture the hands-on learning experience. This study highlights the complex challenges faced by Irish HEIs in maintaining effective experiential education in electronic engineering labs during the pandemic, shedding light on the advantages and limitations of remote delivery models and their implications for future educational practices in engineering disciplines.

This article presents the design of a development board based on ESP32, optimized for controlling motors and sensors in mobile social robotics applications. The proposed board improves power distribution, reduces wiring complexity, and enhances communication efficiency between components. The methodology includes system architecture design, hardware integration, and experimental validation. Preliminary results demonstrate improved energy efficiency, motor control precision, and enhanced human-robot interaction capabilities. Future work will focus on expanding communication protocols and optimizing system robustness for real-world applications.

New emerging technologies such as LIDAR sensors are being explored for application fields. Their ability to continuously and accurately record distance measurements makes them ideal for SLAM systems, since this system is based on simultaneous mapping and localization in unknown environments. This work implemented the use of this technology through a rotating LIDAR sensor in conjunction with SLAM methodology to create an autonomous robot capable of mapping interiors by navigating through it, avoiding obstacles and the limits of the environment. A robot powered by 2 motors was designed and implemented, which allow the robot to move around the environment. Infrared proximity sensors incorporated in the front section allow obstacle detection and control over the wheels, avoiding this by turning depending on the sensor where the obstacle was detected.

As a result of the design process, a robot was assembled with the required elements. It was able to move around the designated environment, detecting and avoiding obstacles through the joint work of motors and sensors. Additionally, a manual control function was incorporated, allowing the operator to exercise control over the robot's movement.

A map of the work area was obtained using the LIDAR sensor built into the top. However, for operation and obtaining results in real time, it is necessary to use a cable connected to a computer, allowing the transfer of data from the sensor and its direct display by software.