Final Project – Automated Pill Dispenser
A 31-day automated pill dispenser designed for my grandfather, who often forgets to take his medication. The device organizes pills by day and time, dispenses them automatically, and alerts the user with visual and sound reminders. A local web server (no internet required) lets family members track medication intake in real time.
At this stage I was still exploring different ideas. I wanted something meaningful, functional, and connected either to a real problem or to a personal interest. Below are the main ideas I considered before choosing the pill dispenser.
Other ideas considered
Pothole & Speed-Bump Detection
A sensor-based device to help drivers detect potholes and speed bumps, especially when they are hard to see because of poor lighting, weather conditions, or road deterioration. It could use sensors to warn the driver through visual or sound signals.
Smart Compost Box
A compost box that triturates organic waste and stores it while it turns into compost. The system would monitor pH, humidity, and temperature to support optimal composting conditions.
Electric Skateboard
A personal-interest project focused on designing the board, selecting motors, batteries, and controllers, and integrating all components into a functional and safe mobility product.
Chosen: Automated Pill Dispenser
One of my main ideas was continuing a project I worked on in high school: an automated pill dispenser. At that time, because of time and technical limitations, I designed a dispenser that worked for 7 days, with 3 pill schedules per day.
The idea now is to redesign and improve it into a dispenser that works for 31 days. This project is intended for my grandfather, who often forgets to take his medication. The device would help organize pills by day and time, remind the user when to take them, and reduce mistakes.
The approach focuses on organizing pills by day and time, automating the dispensing process, adding visual and/or sound reminders, and making the system simple, clear, and safe to use.
View Onshape Design
First Approach and Next Steps
At this point, I was comparing the ideas by sketching early concepts, evaluating feasibility, and identifying which project could become the strongest final direction.
The first sketches focused on defining the main components, user interaction, scale, and general form of each proposal before narrowing down to a single project.
First Sketches
In this phase, I started by creating rough sketches for each idea. These sketches did not focus on aesthetics, but on understanding scale, mechanisms, and how users would interact with the device.
