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  1. Ideation

Ideation: Fish Feeder Machine (FFM)



I like to develop a fish feeder as my final project because I have a fish pond where I rear fish for commercial activities. This machine will be designed to provide automatic, precise, and scheduled feeding for my fish.

What will it do?

Dispense fish feed into a fish pond based on a scheduled time, some sensors etc.

Who will have done what beforehand?

Similar automated fish feeding systems will have been developed previously for aquariums. This project will build upon existing solutions like the one done by Neville Govender (Fab Academy 2018) and FFAZ Automatic Fish Feeder.

What will you design?

A programmable feeder unit equipped with sensors and actuator to feed my fish. The feeder unit will be controlled by a microcontroller, and users will be able to customize feeding schedules and portion sizes.

What materials and components will be used?

Materials and components will include:

  • Microcontroller
  • motors
  • Sensors
  • Hopper for fish food storage
  • Enclosure for the feeder unit
  • Power supply unit

Where will they come from?

The components can be sourced from various electronics suppliers and hobbyist stores both online and offline.

How much will they cost?

Costs will vary depending on the specific components and suppliers chosen.

What parts and systems will be made?

The feeder unit, including the enclosure and mechanisms for dispensing food, will be made, assembled and integrated into the system.

What processes will be used?

Processes involved will include:

  • Designing and prototyping the feeder unit
  • Programming the microcontroller for control and sensor integration
  • Testing and calibration of sensors and control mechanisms

What questions will be answered?

  • How can we automate fish feeding to ensure optimal nutrition and feeding schedules?
  • What sensors and control mechanisms are necessary for monitoring and adjusting feeding parameters?
  • How can we provide a user-friendly interface for customizing feeding schedules and portion sizes?

What will work? What won't?

Successful integration of sensors and control mechanisms for automated feeding is anticipated. Challenges may arise in calibrating sensors and ensuring accurate dispensing of food.

How will it be evaluated?

The system will be evaluated based on its ability to maintain optimal feeding schedules and provide a user-friendly interface for customization.