MediChain

What it does

MediChain is a modular, automated pill dispensing system with LCD screen that integrates seamlessly with a web application, allowing caregivers and users to monitor and adjust dispensing schedules remotely.

Your inspiration

Studies in Singapore showed that 25.7 %-38.9% of patients are having issues adhering to medication plans. The primary causes of nonadherence of medication includes forgetfulness, complex doing schedules and burden of managing multiple medications. To tackle this challenge, we decided to develop a smart medication dispensing system that streamlines medication management through manual input and automated sorting and dispensing of medications, at the same time, implementing reminder system to notify patients of their medications plan. This innovation aims to simplify medication dispensing process, reduce human error and improve adherence rate.

How it works

MediChain is a modular, automated pill dispensing system that integrates seamlessly with a web application, allowing caregivers and users to monitor and adjust dispensing schedules remotely. Equipped with an interactive touchscreen and LCD interface, the device offers a straightforward user experience that caters to both tech-savvy and non-tech-savvy users alike. Key Features including: A) Modular design to accommodate multiple prescriptions, allowing for scalability based on user needs. B) Automatic dispensing and tracking, ensuring that medications are delivered at the correct time and in the correct dosage. C) Web app integration for remote monitoring, schedule adjustments, and adherence reporting. D) Versatile medication management, compatible with various pill sizes and medication types.

Design process

MediChain positions itself in the growing elder care tech market with a modular pill dispensing system designed for seniors and those managing complex medication routines. Through user-centric design, affordability, and scalability, MediChain targets this high-growth sector with a solution that overcomes key limitations of current "smart" dispensers. Our research showed that existing products are often expensive, fixed in size, and difficult for elderly users to operate. MediChain addresses these issues by offering a plug-and-play module system, inspired by printer ink cartridges. When a module is attached, the system automatically reads its data and can update it if necessary—no setup required. To keep costs low, we developed a 3-pin connector—two for power, one for data—allowing each module to communicate its identity independently. This enables the system to support up to 255 unique modules in any order. While a universal module for all pill types was considered, it proved too costly. Instead, we designed pill-specific modules with a detachable upper (pill-holding) section and a reusable lower (electronic) section. This keeps production cost-efficient and allows easy swapping without affecting functionality.

How it is different

MediChain differentiates itself in the market by offering a dual product strategy: A) Premium Product Offering: A fully equipped modular dispensing system with advanced features, targeted at discerning customers seeking a comprehensive, multi-prescription solution. Positioned at a higher price point, this version includes premium build materials, advanced remote monitoring, and customizable modules. B) Cost-Effective Solution: A streamlined, lower-priced model tailored for cost-conscious customers seeking essential features without compromising on medication adherence. This version maintains the core dispensing functionalities while minimizing extraneous features to keep costs manageable. This dual-pronged approach ensures that MediChain can effectively serve both ends of the market, from budget-conscious users to those seeking comprehensive medication management solutions.

Future plans

One of our key future objectives is to upgrade our automatic pill dispenser to support a wider variety of pill shapes and sizes. While the current design already handles the most commonly used medications, we aim to make it fully compatible with all pill types. We also plan to launch a dedicated mobile app to improve accessibility, streamline medication management, and enhance the overall user experience. Additionally, we are working to incorporate advanced security features, including biometric verification, to ensure personalized and secure usage.

Awards

1st place in Engineering Innovation and Design competition held by School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University