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DigiCommode: A low-cost smart self-cleaning commode chair improving hygiene, comfort, and dignity for patients.
Inspiration
Millions of bedridden, elderly, and fracture patients struggle with basic restroom needs and depend heavily on caregivers. We wanted to solve this dignity and hygiene problem using affordable smart technology.
What it does
DigiCommode is a low-cost smart self-cleaning commode chair that allows patients to use the toilet safely at home. It collects waste in a sealed container, provides IoT-based alerts, and supports automated cleaning features to improve hygiene and reduce caregiver effort.
How we built it
We designed the system using IoT concepts with a microcontroller (like Arduino/ESP32), sensors for detection and waste level monitoring, and a basic automated cleaning mechanism using a water pump system. A mobile alert system is used for notifications.
Challenges we ran into
Balancing low cost with smart features was difficult. Designing a safe and hygienic waste handling system without leaks or odor issues was also a major challenge. Integrating automation while keeping the system simple was another key difficulty.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We successfully designed a concept that combines healthcare, IoT, and affordability. We focused on real-world impact by targeting patients who need daily assistance, and created a solution that can potentially be built at low cost.
What we learned
We learned about IoT systems, real-world healthcare problems, product design thinking, and the importance of affordability and usability in assistive technology.
What's next for DigiCommode
We plan to build a working prototype, improve automation for self-cleaning, add odor control systems, and develop a mobile app for real-time monitoring. Future versions may include AI-based usage detection and smart health tracking.
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