Arcade Button Shelves for Fast Inventory Tracking

Not much specific detail about what’s going on in this intriguing tumblog image from British open-source kit-makers .:oomlout:., who simply write:

Getting more serious with our button shelves ( ) (shipping has never before felt so much like an 80s arcade game)

But unless I miss my guess, they’re tracking their part inventories in real time: pack or use a bit from bin 12? Just hit the corresponding button and the database is updated immediately. Very cool. [via adafruit]

Update:  Thanks to commenter Derrick Stableford for pointing out that this is, in fact, a pick-to-light system:  The computer knows what parts goes in what kits, and you pack a kit under its automatic instructions.  The bin lights up, you pack a part and slap the button, and the machine tells you where to go next!

button shelves