Automated Lightweight Barcode Scanning Trolley

I’m setting up an autonomous, ultra-light trolley that can roll over a level outdoor surface, capture every code in its path, and report the data in real time. The core task is straightforward: bring together barcode reader, cameras, Infrared camera, GPS receiver (RTK), and ToF sensors so the platform can see, focus, and reliably decode barcodes as it moves—no manual intervention, no tethered laptop. Besides this, also take IR image of the scanned area. Data must be stored locally and also communicated to a server over wi-fi/LoRa/4G network, along with with precise GPS location. Push button - start and stop.

Key capability
The trolley’s sole mission is barcode acquisition. It must steer itself, keep a stable reading distance, trigger the imager automatically, and relay each result to a local edge computer or over Wi-Fi/LTE.

The codes it has to recognise are:
- 1D barcodes
- 2D barcodes
- QR codes
- OCR text printed beside or instead of a code

Operating conditions
Everything happens on a flat but outdoor surface, so sunlight, dust, and wind gusts are part of the equation. Please select lenses, illumination, housings, and drive components that thrive outside while keeping overall weight low enough for one person to lift into a van. 3-4 hours of reliable and highly safe power supply with one backup set. Charger to be planned accordingly. The device has to be assembled and dismantled easily for use and transportation. Transportability is important.

What I expect from you
• A complete electromechanical design: chassis, drive train, battery sizing, sensor placement, and weather-resistant enclosures
• Detailed BOM with part numbers that can be sourced in India
• Control firmware (ROS, Arduino, STM, Raspberry Pi or similar) with autonomous navigation, obstacle detection via ToF, and interface for the decoded data
• Simple operator dashboard to start/stop tasks, input speed control of the trolley, options to activate -de-activate sensors, monitor battery and connectivity; data transfer and readouts on the fly. Store the data locally as per desired format and export to csv/xlsx.

Acceptance criteria
The prototype must run for 3-4 hours on a single charge, maintain speed as per programmed, and achieve 99.5 % read accuracy on all listed codes under noon daylight.

If you’ve built mobile robots, AGVs, or smart carts before—and you’re comfortable merging computer vision with embedded motion control—I’m ready to dive into the details and set milestones right away.

Location - Design and Development in India (delivery at Noida, Uttar Pradesh)

Dead line - 15 Feb 2026