Overview

To support my grandmother, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and often forgets to take her medication, I developed an innovative solution: an automatic pill dispenser. The device is designed to ensure that she takes her medication at the correct times without the need for constant supervision. This project combines my skills in mechatronics, 3D design, and programming, creating a practical solution to a common problem faced by patients with memory-related conditions.

Approach

The project began by designing a 3D CAD model using Fusion 360, which allowed me to visualize and refine the design for an automatic pill dispenser tailored to my grandmother’s needs. I then utilized a 3D printer to build dispenser.

The functionality of the device relies on an Arduino microcontroller programmed to dispense pills twice daily by monitoring time via a server. To assist my grandmother, I incorporated a user-friendly interface that uses both flashing lights and a song to notify her when it’s time to take her medication. The dispenser only completes the cycle once she presses a confirmation button.

Additionally, the system includes a monitoring feature that sends alerts via Slack if any issues arise, enabling me to remotely track and resolve problems quickly. This combination of hardware and software ensures a reliable, intuitive solution to manage daily medication for Alzheimer’s patients, minimizing the risks associated with missed doses.