Automatic Pet Feeder

Project Overview

An automated pet feeder built for the SRA lab's cat to ensure regular feeding during off-hours and holidays. The project is expanding to help local animal welfare NGOs with more units.

How It Works

The automated pet feeder operates on a simple yet effective mechanism:

• Timer-based food dispensing at regular intervals
• Servo motor rotates to release controlled portions
• Food drops through dispensing chute into feeding bowl
• System operates continuously without human intervention

Design Philosophy

This project addresses a real need in our community. The SRA lab has a resident cat that needed regular feeding, especially during holidays and off-hours when students aren't around. The solution needed to be:

• Reliable and low-maintenance
• Easy to refill and operate
• Cost-effective using available materials
• Scalable for deployment to animal welfare NGOs

Technical Components

The feeder uses simple but effective components to ensure reliable operation:

• SRA Board: Main microcontroller for timing and control logic
• Servo Motor: Precise food dispensing mechanism
• 3D Printed Parts: Custom housing and dispensing components
• Storage Container: Large capacity food reservoir
• Power Supply: Reliable power system for continuous operation

Key Features

• Scheduled Feeding: Automatic food dispensing at preset intervals
• Portion Control: Consistent food portions every time
• Easy Maintenance: Simple refill and cleaning process
• Reliable Operation: Robust design for 24/7 operation
• Community Impact: Scalable solution for animal welfare

Community Impact

What started as a solution for our lab cat has grown into a broader initiative:

• Ensures regular feeding for animals during holidays and weekends
• Reduces dependency on human schedules for animal care
• Plans to donate units to local animal welfare NGOs
• Demonstrates how engineering can solve real-world problems