ME 360 · Electromechanical Design · Spring 2026

VENDING. MACHINE

A fully functional vending machine — user input, motorized dispensing, and dispensed confirmation.

See the build ↓ ← All work
Arduino
Servo Motors
Sensors
ArduinoServo MotorsSensorsSolidWorksCADFabricationEmbedded CArduinoServo MotorsSensorsSolidWorksCADFabricationEmbedded C
01Project brief

The brief.

Course
ME 360
Period
March – May 2026
My Role
Team Member
Tools Used
ArduinoServo MotorsSensorsSolidWorks3D PrintingLaser CuttingG Code
02Goals

What we set out to do.

01

Design and build a functional vending machine capable of dispensing items on demand via user input with reliable, repeatable operation.

02

Integrate electromechanical actuation with adapted code to give user feedback if item was dispensed.

03

Demonstrate full system integration from mechanical design and fabrication through functional code.

03My contribution

What I did.

Contribution

Mechanical Design

  • Contributed to the mechanical design and SolidWorks CAD modeling of the dispensing mechanism and enclosure.
  • Laser cut the main enclosure panels and 3D printed custom servo mount and rack and pinion system.
  • Assembled the physical machine and verified dimensional fit of all components.
Contribution

Electronics & Code

  • Assisted with electronics integration — cable managment, wiring motors, and mounting motors.
  • Led debugging sessions to resolve timing and distance issues between actuator trigger.