What it does
The Intelligent Automatic Pill Dispenser helps users take their meds on time by auto-dispensing pills, sending app reminders, and allowing caregiver monitoring. It solves non-adherence issues, supporting independent living and better health outcomes.
Your inspiration
We decided to solve this problem after observing how many elderly individuals and patients with chronic illnesses struggle to take their medication on time, especially those living alone or far from caregivers. This issue became more serious during the COVID-19 lockdowns, where access to healthcare and supervision was limited. Inspired by these real-life challenges and feedback from healthcare professionals, we developed a solution that combines automatic pill dispensing with smart reminders and remote monitoring. Our goal is to support independent living, reduce hospital visits, and improve treatment consistency in a easy, user-friendly way.
How it works
Our design is a smart, user-friendly pill dispenser that automatically releases the correct dose of medication at scheduled times. The device uses a circular rotating base with multiple compartments to store pills for each dose throughout the day. At the programmed time, a small motor rotates the base to align the correct slot with the dispensing outlet. The user receives a notification through a connected mobile app, which also tracks whether the medication was taken. If a dose is skipped, the app alerts the caregiver or family member for follow-up. The device is powered by a rechargeable battery, making it usable during power outages. To make it easy for users to refill pills without confusion, the compartments are labelled with icons and colours for morning and night doses. All components are housed in a compact casing and the system is designed to operate reliably. This combination of automation, reminders and caregiver support improves medication adherence
Design process
We began our design process by identifying the real-world problem of medication non-adherence, especially among elderly individuals and those with chronic conditions. We conducted a user survey with 183 respondents and interviews with healthcare professionals to understand common challenges in managing daily medication. Based on this research, we brainstormed and sketched several design concepts. Our initial prototype was made from cardboard to test the physical layout, slot sizing, and dispensing mechanism. This helped us identify issues such as friction between rotating parts and pill slot misalignment. We then moved on to SolidWorks to create a detailed CAD model. The design was improved by making the base motor-compatible and optimizing the pill slot shape for smoother rotation. We 3D-printed the prototype using PLA for its strength and sustainability. We adjusted the slot-locking mechanism. The device was integrated with electronics using a Raspberry Pi and stepper motor. A mobile app built with React Native sends alerts, tracks doses, and allows caregiver monitoring. Through repeated testing and feedback, we refined the structure, fixed alignment issues, improved software response, and ensured reliable pill dispensing.
How it is different
Its combination of automation, user-friendly features, and caregiver connectivity tailored for daily use, especially during emergencies. Unlike other pill dispensers, our device provides a full system, it automatically rotates to dispense the right dose, sends real-time reminders through a mobile app, and tracks whether the user has taken the medication. If not, alerts can be sent to caregivers for follow-up. The pill compartments are colour-coded with icons for easy refilling, and the app uses friendly notifications inspired by Duolingo to motivate users, making it more engaging. The device also works offline with a rechargeable battery, ensuring it functions during power outages or disasters. It is designed with cost-effective and biodegradable materials like PLA, making it sustainable and affordable for wide adoption. This blend of smart automation, emotional motivation, and disaster-readiness sets it apart from standard dispensers.
Future plans
The next steps for our design include enhancing the prototype by adding pill detection sensors, improving slot alignment, and optimising the locking mechanism for smoother rotation. On the software side, we plan to refine the mobile app by improving the reminder system, adding multilingual support, and enhancing dose tracking accuracy. We also aim to improve the integration between the app and the hardware for better real-time performance. These updates will strengthen both physical and digital reliability, preparing the system for broader testing and future deployment.
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