Yes, but what we are speculating about here is the actual need to count the exact number of items of unknown size dropped into a container through a tube-shaped opening.

Is it an attempt to actually know the number of items? Or an attemt to guestimate how full the container is? Because if it's the second alternative, then it would not work well at all to just count items.

The main question about a tram is obviously - where is it going. That really is the #1 factor to decide. Methods to control the track switches is just secondary. The goal must always to be what problem that needs to be solved - without that question answered, it's too hard to figure out a suitable solution.