Group 1 – S A S

The goal of this project was to develop a semi-autonomous machine capable of accurately differentiating between mineral soil samples and organic-rich substances, while efficiently transferring precise quantities of soil from shipping bags into extraction vessels. The design was required to meet strict weight tolerances, portability constraints, and dimensional limits, all while staying within a fabrication budget of $1,500 and a total manufacturing budget of $5,000 including labor. Our solution, the SoilShifter, features a gantry crane system that operates an auger-based scooping mechanism. When lowered into the soil bags, the auger rotates to collect material, which weighed from the difference given by the scales and transferred into standardized sampling cups. The user specifies the target weight via a simple interface, and the system dispenses soil accordingly. A transparent housing with front-facing doors encloses the working area for visibility and containment, while an integrated emergency stop button ensures operational safety. The base assembly integrates alignment features and a dual-scale system to support accurate weight detection and consistent sample placement. All subsystems and components were designed in Fusion 360 to fully visualize the mechanical intent. Stress analyses were conducted on structural members and mounting points to confirm appropriate factors of safety under expected loads. By automating the most repetitive and error-prone steps of the soil sampling process, this design improves both the consistency and throughput of lab operations, providing a practical, safe, and cost-effective solution for the client's needs.