This project involved designing and building an autonomous pet feeder to dispense food automatically based on sensor input. The feeder utilized sensors and actuators such as ultrasonic sensors, force-sensitive resistors, and stepper motors controlled by an Arduino and an LCD screen enclosed in a custom 3D printed design. This project allowed me to apply my skills in wiring, Arduino programming, sensor integration and CAD to create a functional and efficient solution for automated pet care.

The feeder's design features a multi-component assembly optimized for easy assembly and 3D printing. Using SolidWorks, I designed the parts to intuitively slide together, ensuring that the sensors and actuators were securely housed. Due to the size limitations of available 3D printers, some components were split for more efficient printing and assembly (as shown in the figures below).

The system's electronics (including the Arduino, breadboards, and wiring) were stored in the base section, with holes strategically placed for easy routing of cables to the ultrasonic sensor, LCD screen, and DC motor. The LCD screen on the side of the feeder allows users to set precise feeding schedules, such as dispensing 200g of food every 5 hours. The system was programmed to dispense food when the ultrasonic sensor detected the presence of a pet. Once the programmed portion of food was dispensed, the system would wait for the designated time interval before dispensing again, ensuring an automated and consistent feeding schedule.

In this project, I was responsible for the complete design of the feeder, sensor integration, and Arduino programming. I designed the entire feeder from scratch using SolidWorks, iterating on the parts and assembly to ensure ease of manufacturability and smooth assembly. I also integrated the sensors with the hardware, ensuring all components functioned as intended through iterative design and testing. Additionally, I programmed the Arduino to interface seamlessly with the sensors and actuators, enabling the feeder to perform its automated tasks reliably.

Overall the autonomous pet feeder functioned was a success! It was able to reliably dispense the food portions based on the set schedule. The design was successful, with the 3D-printed components fitting together smoothly and securely housing the electronics. The ultrasonic sensor accurately detected the pet’s presence, and the stepper motor dispensed the correct amount of food at each interval. The LCD interface allowed easy user control, and the Arduino program effectively managed sensor inputs and motor actions. This project demonstrated my ability to design, build, and program a functional, real-world solution using hardware and software integration.