Monday, May 12, 2025

Shadetree Automation Telecom Cable Recycling

The Shadetree Automation System modernizes cable recycling operations by pairing a  Raspberry Pi and two ESP32 devices. At the heart of the system is the ESP32 microcontroller—an affordable, Wi-Fi-enabled device well-suited for industrial automation. Each ESP32 handles real-time tasks such as motor control, relay switching, and sensor monitoring. With dual-core processing power and extensive I/O capability, the ESP32 is ideal for distributed control systems.  These devices run MicroPython and communicate using MQTT with Node-RED on the Raspberry Pi. The Raspberry Pi also acts as a mobile hotspot, providing access to a web dashboard that enables live monitoring and recording of production information.

🧠 Core Features
- Wi-Fi Access Point – No internet required
- Web Dashboard – Node-RED-based control panel
- ESP32 Expansion – Wireless control of motors, sensors, and relays
- Modular & Scalable – Easily extend to multiple machines

📱 Real-Time Monitoring
- View live I/O states
- Encoder readings and cycle counts
- Saw position, cable feed, and cut confirmation
- System status and diagnostics at a glance

🔧 Field Tech Friendly
- Accessible via phone, tablet, or laptop
- Fast setup – connect to Pi Wi-Fi and open browser
- Built-in status indicators and logs
- Supports training, maintenance, and troubleshooting

🚀 Built for Expansion
- MQTT-ready for cloud integration
- OTA firmware updates for ESP32
- Remote support via AI assistant (Stronkey Intelligent Assist)