Prototype Smart Paper-Handling Device

I need an experienced mechatronics/prototyping engineer to design, build, test and ship a compact electromechanical proof-of-concept involving single-sheet paper handling.

The prototype will use small motorised rollers and guides to move individual paper sheets through a controlled path, with sensors and a camera/controller for basic detection and imaging. Motor-operated gates will control the direction and movement of the sheet.

This is an early demonstration prototype, not a production-ready commercial product. Simple, inexpensive, off-the-shelf components and 3D-printed parts are preferred.

Required capabilities: mechanical/CAD design, paper-feed/roller mechanisms, motors and sensors, Arduino/ESP32/Raspberry Pi or similar embedded control, camera integration, 3D printing/fabrication, assembly, testing and troubleshooting.

I do not currently own the components, so the engineer should provide a proposed BOM with component links and prices before anything is purchased.

The successful freelancer must be able to physically manufacture, assemble and test the prototype and ship the completed working unit to the UK, not simply provide drawings or software.

Final deliverables should include the working prototype, source code, wiring diagram, BOM, editable CAD files, STEP/STL files and a demonstration video.

Please quote labour, components, fabrication and shipping separately, and show examples of physical electromechanical prototypes you have personally built.

This is a lean proof-of-concept project, so cost-effective engineering is important. The wider prototype programme is being developed in stages with an overall target of approximately £500–£1,000.