Bridge control automation using PLC

Nowadays, automation in the industry as well as in real life is a global need for ease of operation, flexibility and operational safety. This paper presents automation on controlling the movement of a bridge using a programmable logic controller. The idea is to automate the process of ship detection, opening or closing of a bridge, controlling the signals and road barriers. The purpose of the research is to replace the manual system which is currently used, compare the time and manpower requirement for both the existing system with the proposed automated system. The siemens S7 200 series PLC is used to mechanize the system. Sensors such as IR are used to provide input to the system. And motor such as servo and DC motor serves as an output. Ladder diagram as a programming language is used to control the whole system between the input and output. With the help of IR sensor the arrival and leaving of the system is Monitored and bridge is operated accordingly.