This project focuses on designing an automated cleaning process for reusable plastic trays, including loading, unloading, and washing. This system replaces Horst Engineering's existing manual cleaning process, reducing water usage and operating costs in the aerospace manufacturing environment. Our team selected the necessary components, including a tunnel washer, robotic arm, end effector, pedestal, and conveyor belt. Then, the team developed an integrated system to incorporate these components, designed custom parts when needed, and validated component performance through testing, notably in vacuum end effector performance validation. Collaboration with vendors, automation engineering, and business analysis are major aspects of this project. One critical component is return on investment, as Horst requires the project to provide significant cost savings. The automated system is projected to provide full return on investment within 2.5 years. In addition to analyzing cost factors, the project involved modeling many components and the automated system with tray flow. This analysis provides Horst Engineering with the information they need to purchase, install, and begin running the equipment, train operators in its safe use, and implement the full system for maximum cost savings.

Our team collaborated with Mechanical Engineering 25 on this project.