Automated log tracking and sorting for sawmill conveyor

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Boniferro Mill Works of Sault Ste. Marie and Sault College are collaborating in an Applied Research project to help automate Boniferro's log sorting process. Each of Boniferro's three sawmills specializes in cutting a specific log quality. Incoming logs are selectively fed into each sawmill from a conveyor that runs between all of them. The mill operator decides which mill best suits each log and, via manual switches, selectively knocks logs off the conveyor. Besides the potential health concerns around repetitive toggle switch stress injuries, the manual sorting process draws the operator's focus from other duties.Sault College proposes an automated sorting solution that would replace the tedious manual toggle switches and give the mill operator more time for other duties. An automated solution would increase log sorting accuracy by eliminating expensive mistakes when high quality logs mistakenly end up in the woodchipper. In this proof-of-concept project, Sault College Engineering Technology students guided by expert faculty will demonstrate the system on a scale model in the college's automation lab. Students will be involved in all aspects of the project. The project was partially funded through a grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and with contributions from Boniferro Mill Works. The goal of the grant program is to transfer knowledge from the College to Canadian industry while helping to solve a company specific manufacturing issue. Sault College students specializing in automation will have a chance to hone existing skills and develop some new ones while under the supervision of Professor Chris Beauchamp. John Coccimiglio manages applied research at Sault College. Paul Larsen is the project manager and Rhonda Davies is the business development officer. Boniferro Mill Works is a modernized sawmill specializing in hardwood products. The sawmill has been in operation since 1948, with several different owners, including Weyerhauser Canada. Since 2003, the mill has been owned and operated by Boniferro Mill Works and produces high quality, forest products for the market from a valuable, renewable, and sustainable forest resource through continuous secondary research and recognized forest management.