Factorio Forums

Info:

• This mod changes inserters in a way they never drop items on floor.
• Name: Smarter Inserter
• Latest Release: v0.1.7, August 17, 2017
• Factorio Version: 0.15
• Download: https://mods.factorio.com/mods/Ellomir/SmarterInserter
• License: MIT

Long Description:

This mod prevents inserters and mining-drills to drop items on the floor. See the picture, the inserter let iron-plate on the belt.
I didn't like to pick drop items so I've made this mod to change inserters and mining-drills behaviour.
An inserter (or mining-drill) without a proper target (chest, transport belt, assembling machine, furnace, ...) is deactivated. This happens when the inserter is built, rotated or when the existing target is removed.
An inserter (or mining-drill) with a proper target is activated when built, rotated or when a target is built.

Version history:

• Version 0.1.0: If an inserter is deactivated holding items, they are transfered to the player (if identified)
• Version 0.1.1: Now works on every surface, not only nauvis.
• Version 0.1.2: Deactivate chained inserters handeling try of the last version.
• Version 0.1.3: Fix problem with inserters used to fill-in locomotive. Inserters are now active when facing a rail
• Version 0.1.4: Fix problem with bob's adjustable inserters : no status changed when drop position was changed
• Version 0.1.5: Handle splitter and underground-belt
• Version 0.1.6: Pumpjack no longer deactivated
• Version 0.1.7: Burner inserters and chained burner mining-drills are handled
• Version 0.1.8: Fix: Removing chest destination of a burner inserter made a crash

Known bug/funny behaviour

When an inserter is deactivated, it stays in its position (like when power goes down). Same thing when the inserter is rotated, so it's difficult to understand the actual direction of the inserter.
When an inserter is deactivated and is holding items, items are lost. This happens when the target chest is destroyed by alien or when a robot picked up the chest.
An inserters that drops item where another inserter picks them is still deactivated (chained inserters). Consider placing a small chest at the place for small buffer.
Adding this mod to an existing saved game won't change anything. Only newly built or rotated inserters will be handled.
When an Uranium mining drill is deactivated, it will stop transfer acid to adjacent mining drill.

Unknown bug/funny behaviour

I tested this mod on my game only, so I have no clue about its behaviour when circuit network is involved.
I don't know if it works on a server with multiple players.
No idea of the behaviour with other inserter-related mod.