This paper outlines a project idea for an Automated Pill Dispenser (APD) for home usage. It is developed using CAD software, 3D printed parts, Arduino Mega Microcontroller, continuous and non-continuous servos, microchips, optical sensors and a 5 inch LCD display interface to create a cost effective and reasonably priced alternative to the traditional medication dispensers. The design is modular and able to house up to four modules on one control unit. The basic housing for the module consists of three pieces which connect to the control unit which holds the LCD interface. The target users for this project are senior citizens. According to an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine, between 2007 and 2009, 99,628 emergency room visits were made by seniors. Two thirds of them were due to accidental overdoses. The design of the machine could be improved by adding a safety measure that would prevent an incorrect amount of pills being dispensed. Aside from this, the current design is effective in showing the potential safety benefits of a low cost at-home pill dispenser.
Christopher Chariah is a senior in the Mechatronics Engineering program at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology. He also has a Bachelor’s of Science in Respiratory Care. He hopes to merge his expertise in the medical field with his experience in engineering to develop innovative solutions to human problems. He has published a paper that takes a numerical approach to computing a one story structures response to an earthquake. He is also a member of the Vaughn College UAV Club and is volunteering in an NSF research project.
Senior in the Undergraduate Mechatronics Engineering Program at Vaughn College
He graduated high school at the age of 16 and has completed the 4-year Mechatronics Program in 3-years. Recently, He co-founded the UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) Club at Vaughn College and has been working as Lead Programmer. He plans to pursue a master's degree in Computer Science to supplement this expertise in Mechatronics Engineering.
Jonathan Zubarriain is a senior in the Mechatronics Engineering program at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology. He is co-founder of the Vaughn College UAV Club and has held the position of vice president for two years. He has worked full time as a bench technician while also attending school full time in pursuit of his bachelor’s degrees. As much as he loves acquiring knowledge, he also loves sharing this knowledge with other students by working as a student instructor and tutor. He hopes to one day utilize his experience in an impactful and meaningful way.
Dr. Shouling He is an associate professor of Engineering and Technology at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, where she is teaching the courses in Mechatronics Engineering and Electrical
Engineering Technology. Her research interests include modeling and simulation, microprocessors and
PLCs, control system designs and Robotics. She has published more than 45 journal and conference
papers in these research areas.
Dr. Hossein Rahemi is a professor and department chair of Engineering and Technology at Vaughn College of Aeronautics & Technology. He is the author of two books, Vaughn College Journal of Engineering and Technology (VCJET), numerous conference papers in
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