Modular Storage Grid PCBTop view of brainboard
I had a problem with storing and organising the tools and electronic parts in my workshop, so I decided to design my own modular automatic storage system. The idea is to create a grid of small, interconnected storage modules that can keep track of where items are stored and help locate them when needed.
Each module is built around a three-tier PCB stack measuring 60 × 60 mm. The bottom board is a 24 V power backplane, while the middle board acts as the main control board and contains an STM32 microcontroller. It controls a buzzer, 24 magnetic sensor inputs, and an array of LEDs that can be used to indicate the location of a particular item. The top PCB is designed as an experimental springboard for future features, including measuring the weight of containers.
The modules are designed to connect together in a grid, with UART used for communication between cells and a main server. This would allow the system to track items and illuminate the LEDs at the location of a requested part. Each storage container would contain small magnets arranged to create a unique 24-bit identification code, allowing the system to identify which container is sitting on each module.
The complete PCB design has been created in KiCad, and the main control board has already been manufactured and printed. The next stage of the project is to order and assemble the electronic components and begin testing the system.
Bottom view of brainboard
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