using an RFID/Barcode Reader to activate pick-by-light system

Projects General Guidance
1

Hello,
I am working on a project for university which might involve the Arduino UNO R3. I am a beginner in the area of electronics and would really appreciate any help I could get in order to make my project feasible. I would like to control an RFID reader/writer or a Barcode scanner, two LEDS, two light curtains (motion sensors) and a horn with the Arduino UNO from a computer using a LabView script. The idea is to create a mock up of a pick-by-light system, which helps workers of an assembly line take materials from the right containers. Pick-by-light means that an LED under a certain container will light in order to show the worker from which container the materials are to be taken. Here is what I have in mind:

  1. RFID Tag is read by the reader or Barcode is scanned (carries information on whether the LED corresponding to container A or B is to be switched on)

  2. Depending on the information on the RFID Tag or Barcode, the LED corresponding to container A or B will be switched on in order to show which container the materials are to be taken from.

  3. Each container LED is paired with a light curtain (A or B) which is to check whether the worker reached in to the right container or not. Should the worker reach into the right container, there would be no further action. Should the worker reach into the wrong container, the horn would go off to warn that a mistake has been made.

  4. Ideally, I would like to be able to save information on my hard disc on the number of repetitions and mistakes.

Here is what I would like to ask:

  1. Would I be able to use the Arduino UNO for this application?

  2. Can I use the Arduino UNO and LabView to transmit real-time data to my hard disc?

  3. While choosing the sensors and readers for my mock up, I would like to make sure that they are compatible with the Arduino. What sort of plugs should I be looking for? And what sort of signals (voltage) should they ideally deliver or receive?

  4. Is it possible for the Arduino to receive information from an RFID reader or a Barcode scanner connected to a PC via USB, assuming the Arduino is also connected to the PC?

  5. Would I need to write drivers for the RFID-Reader or Barcode scanner?

Thanks a lot

2

Based on my past experiences, here is how I would setup it up.

I would add a wifi card and also use the RFID as you suggested. When the RFID tag is scanned, the rfid tag number is sent to a database server, it checks which parts have been installed and then a green light goes on at the bin that hasn't been done yet. As the hand reaches into the bin, the counter of inventory goes down for that bin and light goes out. If they reach into the wrong bin the horn goes off.

if you have multiple arduinos setup, instead of just sending just the rfid tag number it could also send the location number. so when you check the inventory if the last location had not been completed it would honk the horn instead of giving a green light for either of its bins