ARDUINO-BASED AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR SORTING, IDENTIFYING AND GEOREFERENCING SOIL SAMPLES

This article presents the development and experimental validation of an automated module for sorting, identifying, and temporarily storing soil samples, implemented on an Arduino development board. The system was conceived as an auxiliary unit that can be seamlessly integrated into existing soil sampling equipment, automating the post-extraction operations. By directing each sample automatically to a designated container, the module eliminates manual handling, which is labor-intensive and prone to error. Each container is assigned a unique identifier using the PN532 NFC/RFID module, while GPS coordinates, date, and time are simultaneously recorded. Tests performed on a functional prototype demonstrated reliable operation. The carousel mechanism demonstrated performance consistent with functional requirements, the inductive sensors achieved 100% detection accuracy, and the PN532 NFC/RFID module reached a 97% reading success rate. The system ensures full sample traceability, reduces contamination risk, and, by automating critical sorting and labeling steps, significantly enhances the overall efficiency of the analytical workflow.