Lego automated container terminal part 1: Unloading containers

This video shows the new fully automated container terminal. It automatically unloads containers from different configured trains. It supports the 7939 size containers (the fullsize and small size).
The container terminal is controlled by an Arduino mega. The crane contains its own arduino nano, controlling the two motors on the crane.
The terminal is powered with a lithium battery and is communicating with an NRF24.

[@oldcitybricks9153]

If this was a kit I would buy it! Excellent!

[@bricktrainautomation8680]

Thank you!

[@matthewhill1426]

While not the biggest LEGO creation I have ever seen, this is definitely one of the most well thought-out and ingeniously designed LEGO creations! I do not collect LEGO city anymore, but that was simply awesome. I am glad KZbin recommended it. Thank you Bricktrain Animation, and keep up the awesome stuff!

[@bricktrainautomation8680]

Thank you! Yes, I am happy with the small design. This way it fits nicely between other Lego creations.

[@mauricederegt]

Very nice project, looking forward to the follow up !

[@bricktrainautomation8680]

Thank you! working on it. But I might do an other video first. These things take time...

[@BrennanHuff_001]

This is some next level stuff!

[@bricktrainautomation8680]

Thanks a lot.

[@GeneralHomsar]

Impressive, most impressive. -Darth Vader

[@bricktrainautomation8680]

Thanks :-)

[@NeoSephirothVal]

Amazing work!

[@bricktrainautomation8680]

Thanks

[@ingoheinen2742]

wow really amazing. well done.

[@bricktrainautomation8680]

Thank you 😊

[@JOSHSLEGO]

Great job and very underrated! New sub 😀

[@bricktrainautomation8680]

Thank you very much!

[@scottyk9393]

Awesome!

[@bricktrainautomation8680]

Thanks!

[@talkingdragon3122]

This is exactly what I was planning to build... Any chance to see in more detail how u made it and what parts you used? I been planing on maybe using electro magnets to pick the containers up 🤔

[@bricktrainautomation8680]

I tried the electromachnets, bought them from Ali Express and experimented with them. They require a lot of power during the whole time the container is lifted. For me this worked better. One machnet under the top of the container and one in the crane, moved by a small motor. I might make a video with more details on how it is build up.

[@talkingdragon3122]

@@bricktrainautomation8680 that's a interesting idea 🤔 Also how u built the cranes and it's track would be awesome! So I know what to buy... 😂 It's litteraly my next project after upgrading my trains to have nfc, sound and 18650 batteries ☺

[@Krafting]

It's really awesome! Btw what kind of software did you use for that? And what software do you use to automate trains, switches and red lights/green lights?

[@bricktrainautomation8680]

It all runs on Arduino's. The container terminal has an Arduino mega controlling 3 stepper motors. Inside the sliding crane there is a separate arduino pro mini, controlling the stepper motor for the crane and the lock/unlock motor. Both are communicating with one another via a serial line. The crane is communicating wireless via NRF24L. But I only have to give a command to start unloading/loading, the rest is automated. When integrated with the centralized traincontrol this will be completely automated. The trains all have an Arduino and using NRF24's to communicate. The trains are detected by RFID's in the signal nodes under the tracks. Everything is happening with Arduino's (all programmed in C). I use a laptop to display a graphical interface that makes it easier to control the trains. But it translates input to commands that go directly to the Arduino mega that acts as the central control, this one is doing the real work. It can all work without the laptop. O, and the graphical interface is written in Perl/WxPerl. Yes, I know, it's a bit old and there are probably nicer ways to do this.... But I did not want to start learning a new language :-)

[@ps2064]

So cool! How is the little magnet actuator on the grabber powered/controlled? I can’t see a wire running to it aside from the strings that hold the grabber.

[@bricktrainautomation8680]

The strings that hold the grabber are the same wires that power the magnet motor for locking/unlocking the container. There is a sliding contact on top of the crane at the 'sling reel' to transfer the power to the wires and the motor.

[@zugesinddoof9885]

Cool

[@bricktrainautomation8680]

Thank you! Part 2 is in the making.

[@zugesinddoof9885]

@@bricktrainautomation8680 Great :) Have you ever Seen Something Like Chain car system? Bob Brinkmann, German KZbiner has done some Experiments with that. Maybe Something cool for your Truck

[@bricktrainautomation8680]

Absolutely going to look at that :-) Thought about creating a second track under this one to move the trucks after they are loaded. But that might be something for the future.

[@christopherstransky9581]

Do you have links to the code and hardware used?

[@bricktrainautomation8680]

Hardware is easy: Arduino mega and Arduino Nano, Wireless: nRF24L01 One infrared obstacle avoidance module for arduino. Steppermotor driver: TB6612FNG Stepper motor: Ali Express: a stepper motor with gearbox 1:20 Just search for the items on ebay or Ali Express, this gives lots of results. Software: Written myself. Thats a bit harder :-) I do not have a link for you so it can be downloaded. Maybe in the future, I am still not sure what to do with it.

[@jacobroebuck5648]

Awesome!

[@bricktrainautomation8680]

Thanks!