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Hello everyone, I am your industrial automation partner— Sister Fang!
Today we are going to talk about a very interesting topic: How PLC and the AI model (DeepSeek) are combined and applied in intelligent logistics sorting systems.
Sounds cool, right?
Don’t worry, Sister Fang will explain the principles and applications in the simplest language, ensuring that you will gain a lot after reading!
What will you learn?
Through this article, you will learn the following:
- The roles and division of labor of PLC and DeepSeek in logistics sorting systems.
- How PLC interacts with AI models to achieve efficient intelligent sorting.
- The basic workflow of intelligent logistics sorting systems.
- Common issues and debugging methods.
Logistics sorting is the core of modern e-commerce and supply chains, and intelligent sorting systems are changing the entire industry. If you are interested in industrial automation or want to understand how future logistics will operate, then follow Sister Fang to take a look!
1. Overview: The Role of PLC and DeepSeek in Logistics Sorting
In logistics sorting systems, PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and DeepSeek (AI model) each have their own roles.
We can make an analogy: PLC is like a “precision craftsman”, responsible for executing the actions of sorting equipment and responding to sensors in real-time; while DeepSeek is more like a “smart brain”, responsible for analyzing data, optimizing paths, and making efficient sorting decisions.
- The role of PLC: Controls the actions of sorting equipment (such as conveyor belts, sorting arms, pneumatic devices, etc.), ensuring that hardware executes accurately.
- The role of DeepSeek: Uses image recognition, data analysis, and path optimization to determine the direction of goods in real-time and sends instructions to PLC for execution.
You can think of them as a perfect “smart sorting duo”: one thinks, and the other acts, working together to greatly increase efficiency!
2. Hardware Configuration: Basic Equipment for Intelligent Logistics
To build an intelligent logistics sorting system, the following hardware is essential:
- PLC Controller: Responsible for executing the action logic of sorting equipment, such as Siemens S7-1200, Mitsubishi FX series, and other common brands.
- Sensors: Including photoelectric sensors, barcode scanners, weight sensors, etc., used to detect goods information.
- Actuators: Such as conveyor belts, sorting arms, pneumatic push rods, used to perform specific sorting actions.
- Industrial Cameras: Used to capture images of goods for DeepSeek to analyze and recognize.
- Industrial Network Communication Devices: Connects PLC with DeepSeek, such as Ethernet modules or industrial wireless gateways.
In this system, the choice of hardware will directly affect the efficiency and accuracy of sorting, so beginners must familiarize themselves with the basic functions of each component!
3. Design Concept: How do PLC and DeepSeek Work Together?
Next, Sister Fang will use a simple example to illustrate the collaboration process between PLC and DeepSeek in logistics sorting.
1. Overall Division of Labor
- DeepSeek is responsible for “thinking”:
- Obtains images of goods through industrial cameras, recognizes barcodes, labels, or appearance features of the goods.
- Based on the attributes of the goods and order information, determines which area the goods belong to and generates sorting instructions.
- PLC is responsible for “executing”:
- After receiving instructions from DeepSeek, controls the conveyor belt to start or stop, drives the sorting arm or pneumatic device to send the goods to the designated location.
2. Process Flow Diagram Analysis
Let’s take a look at a simple flow diagram (imagine it, Sister Fang will describe it in words):
- Goods enter the system: The photoelectric sensor on the conveyor belt detects the goods entering, and PLC records the position of the goods.
- Image Acquisition: The industrial camera captures images of the goods and sends the data to DeepSeek.
- AI Analysis: DeepSeek recognizes the goods information, determines the classification of the goods, and sends sorting instructions (e.g., “Goods A to exit 4”).
- PLC Executes Sorting: PLC controls the conveyor belt to stop, the sorting arm to act, and sends the goods to the target location according to the instructions.
- Sorting Completed: The goods are sent to the correct area, and the system is ready to process the next item.
4. Implementation Details: How do PLC and AI “talk”?
The “conversation” between PLC and DeepSeek mainly occurs through industrial networks, such as using Modbus TCP/IP or OPC UA protocols. Here is how they interact:
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Data Transmission:
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PLC collects the initial position and status data of the goods through sensors (e.g., whether the goods have reached the sorting area).
- The industrial camera transmits the goods image data to DeepSeek.
AI Decision:
DeepSeek analyzes the goods images, identifies the type of goods, and generates sorting instructions.
- These instructions are transmitted to PLC over the network, such as “Goods No. 123, send to exit 6”.
Action Execution:
PLC starts the conveyor belt, sorting arm, and other execution devices according to the instructions to complete the sorting action.
Sister Fang’s Tip: If you are a beginner, it is recommended to start with simple communication protocols (like Modbus RTU) and gradually learn how to make PLC interact with the upper computer or AI module.
5. Debugging Methods: How to Ensure Smooth System Operation?
Debugging is the most important part of building the entire system. Here are some common debugging methods and suggestions:
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Step-by-Step Debugging:
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First, test the PLC’s action control logic separately to ensure that the hardware of the conveyor belt and sorting arm operates normally.
- Then test DeepSeek’s goods recognition function separately to see if it can correctly classify and generate instructions.
Data Verification:
Check whether the data transmission between PLC and DeepSeek is accurate, especially whether instructions are delayed or lost.
Simulation Testing:
Use simulation software or virtual goods to simulate the sorting process and observe whether the system operates as expected.
Notes:
- Ensure stable industrial network communication to avoid system failures caused by network fluctuations.
- When encountering problems, check logs and monitor device status to identify fault points.
6. Application Scenarios: What Else Can Intelligent Sorting Do?
In addition to logistics sorting, the combination of PLC and DeepSeek can also be applied in the following scenarios:
- Warehouse Management: Automating the control of goods storage and retrieval, improving warehouse utilization.
- Express Delivery: Optimizing last-mile delivery routes, reducing manual intervention.
- Production Line: Achieving automatic classification and transportation of production materials in manufacturing.
If you have specific application scenarios you want to implement, feel free to leave a message to Sister Fang!
7. Summary and Next Steps for Learning
Today we learned about the application of PLC and DeepSeek in logistics sorting systems, from hardware configuration to process design, and then to debugging optimization. I believe you now have a preliminary understanding of intelligent logistics.
Sister Fang’s Suggestions:
- If you are a beginner, you can start by learning the basics of PLC programming, such as how to implement simple sorting logic using ladder diagrams.
- For the AI part, try to understand some basic principles of image recognition, such as simple applications of OpenCV or TensorFlow.
- Finally, build a small sorting model, such as simulating a real process with a toy conveyor belt, practicing communication between PLC and the upper computer.
You are not alone on the journey of learning industrial automation; Sister Fang will always be with you! If you have questions or insights, feel free to share in the comments!
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