Need help developing automatic pill dispenser prototype

Projects General Guidance
1

Hi, I'm developing a prototype for an automatic pill dispenser designed for people with ADHD and Alzheimer's.

I have a concept, and some example features (scheduled dispensing, reminder lights/sounds, safety lock), and I'm looking for someone to help build a working prototype using Arduino or a similar system. I'm open to collaboration and would love to co-create the device or get support through the electronics and coding parts.

If this sounds like a project that you would be able to assist in, I would love to chat!

2

What type of board do you want to use, and are you thinking of making the parts using a 3D printer?
Arduino boards I have:
Uno r4 Wi-Fi
Nano rp2040
Nano 33 IoT
Nicla vision
Mkr Wi-Fi 1010
Mkr IoT carrier
I also have a 3D printer.

3

I'm not too knowledgeable on all of this yet (why I'm reaching out for experienced guidance lol) but I was thinking Arduino Uno or ESP32?

4

You could gain useful insight by scrolling down to the bottom of this page and reading some of the "Related topics" on this very subject.

5

Have you purchased any boards yet? If not probably the best board would be a Uno r4 Wi-Fi.

6

I guess I'm more so looking for someone who is able to help create this prototype.

7

How would you want the pills to be dispensed?

8

A rotating tray or motor that is able to be programed on a timed schedule based on the medication dose.

9

Who keeps the program up to date? The person taking the medication? How to know the program matches the prescribed dosage?

10

Maybe you should explain to @trayne why you believe that would be the best board for the project.

11

It’s fairly low priced and beginner friendly also I have on so if we are doing some type of collaboration we would have the same board. It also has arduino cloud ability so you could control doses and things of that sort on your phone or computer.

12

Is it more beginner friendly than other, cheaper Arduino models?

Can you recommend a shield that would provide @trayne with all the features needed to complete their project?

If there is no such shield, @trayne will need to build a prototype on breadboard or protoboard/stripboard. In that case, other Arduino models would be more friendly than any board with Uno form-factor. Uno form-factor boards are not incompatible with breadboards, but they are certainly not breadboard friendly!

I agree that remote control of the project would be an interesting feature, but beyond beginner level.

Let's see what @trayne thinks about this.

13

how would i get started creating this or collaborating with you/someone? do i need to purchase the board first? sorry im new to all of this!

14

We could go with the Nano 33 IoT with headers and if we do end up getting this board make sure to get headers, a board with header does come with headers but than you would need to solder them on. That also is arduino cloud compatible and breadboard compatible.