After the camera determines the color of the bead, the disc rotates again to position itself over one of the two sorting holes in the disc below, and the bead falls into the awaiting container.
You can throw a Raspberry Pi camera and OpenCV at the problem ... then you know the color of the object. Their sensor uses a four-lead RGB LED, but we suppose a Neopixel could be used as well.
This hidden camera detector also checks for audio bugs, GPS, and RF signals. You can order one for only $32.97 during Cyber Week (reg. $59.99)—sale ends December 8. Using the camera detector is ...