Nuwan Jaliyagoda

This is a CNC-based, 3-axis pick-and-place robot developed to remotely operate a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) test rig, allowing laboratory automation exercises to be carried out from anywhere. It was built as part of the Computer Systems Engineering course project at the Department of Computer Engineering, University of Peradeniya, during my undergraduate studies.

The machine borrows its precise motion system from CNC architecture and is controlled from a remote location using MQTT, a lightweight publish/subscribe messaging protocol widely used in IoT applications. This lets students and instructors interact with the physical PLC test rig without being present in the lab, which is especially valuable for remote learning.

Full documentation is available on the project page, and the source code for the firmware and controller, along with the CAD designs, is available on GitHub.