Inspiration
A recent WISE study revealed a rise in dementia prevalence in Singapore compared to a decade ago. While the Ministry of Health has made significant strides in expanding elderly care facilities, incorporating the latest technological advancements—particularly Artificial Intelligence—into tools for addressing age-related health issues is crucial. Our product, LifeCapsule, draws inspiration from home management systems like Apple’s HomeKit and Amazon’s Alexa Smart Home. By incorporating innovative features developed by our team, LifeCapsule offers essential healthcare services, including medication dispensing and telemedicine, tailored for elderly individuals, especially those living alone without proper caregiving support, all from the comfort of their homes.
What it does
LifeCapsule is a comprehensive solution combining an automatic medicine dispenser with a synchronized website for enhanced functionality. The dispenser is equipped with features such as accurately dispensing the correct type and dosage of medication at the right time based on pre-set conditions, detecting whether the medicine has been taken, and recording the intake. It also includes a buzzer to remind elderly users to take their medication.
The website offers a range of features, including booking consultations with healthcare professionals such as pharmacists, social workers, and psychologists, to address the overall well-being of patients. Pharmacists can use the platform to input medication details, adjust dosage frequencies, and add supplementary information. The system also sends timely reminders to patients about expired medications in specific containers, the need to dispose of them, or when to restock their prescriptions. Additionally, patient information, including medical history and personal details, is securely uploaded to facilitate seamless care management.
How we built it
- Designing of software and website layout, as well as developing and refining its visual appeal
- Building of circuit, including soldering wires to establish connections and handling the Arduino coding necessary for the device to function properly.
- 3D Designing and printing
Challenges we ran into
One of the challenges we faced was deciding on the design of our product. We had to choose between making the medicine container portable or increasing its storage capacity with our automated dispensing system. Ultimately, we decided to prioritize automation over portability, considering that elderly individuals often stay at home. A larger storage capacity would reduce the frequency of refilling the container, minimizing the risk of missed or incorrect medication intake, which better serves our target audience.
Another challenge was related to 3D printing. Initially, we planned to store different types of medicine in a series of box-like containers, where each box would open separately for the elderly to access specific medicines. This design was simpler to execute for 3D printing. However, we realized that it still posed a risk of medicines not being taken correctly and had limited storage space. To address this, we designed a unique dispensing mechanism inspired by a bubble gum machine, which dispenses a specific amount of medicine when turned. While this design was more effective, it required significant effort to create the 3D model and assemble the parts properly.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We take immense pride in how a simple idea, sparked by an analysis of the current challenges in healthcare, evolved into a meaningful solution that can truly make a difference. What began as a discussion about the difficulties society faces with managing medication grew into a fully realized project, brought to life through 3D printing, Arduino coding with ESP32, and a synchronized website. Every step of the journey was a valuable learning experience, and it was incredibly rewarding to see our efforts transform a widespread issue into a practical, tangible solution.
The process wasn’t without its challenges, but our determination to create something impactful kept us moving forward. We were especially motivated by the thought of helping elderly individuals living alone, who are often at risk of forgetting critical tasks like taking their medication. Along the way, we gained a wealth of new skills, from coding and circuit design to mastering 3D printing and website development. Above all, we are proud that we created something meaningful—something that has the potential to improve lives. This project wasn’t just about building a device; it was about making a real impact, and that’s what makes it so special to us.
What we learned
Through this project, we gained valuable skills and knowledge in several areas. We deepened our understanding of coding with Arduino, which was essential for programming our device to function as intended. Additionally, we learned how to design and develop a website using Google Sites, allowing us to integrate user-friendly features into our system. We also gained hands-on experience with various tools and machinery, such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and soldering equipment, which were crucial for creating and assembling the physical components of our product. These experiences not only enhanced our technical skills but also broadened our understanding of how to combine hardware and software effectively.
What's next for LifeCapsule
Looking ahead, we plan to transform our website into a mobile application to improve accessibility and convenience for both elderly users and healthcare professionals. By integrating AI capabilities, such as utilizing smartphone cameras to scan prescriptions, we aim to automate the generation of instructions for caregivers or family members to assist with medication refills. We also envision incorporating a medicine delivery system, enabling prescriptions to be delivered directly to users’ doorsteps, as long as there are no changes in the prescription or new symptoms requiring medical attention. These advancements would minimize the need for frequent visits to doctors or pharmacists, making the process more efficient and user-friendly.
Log in or sign up for Devpost to join the conversation.