Project: Cat feeder
Solo

39.29% relative
Arduino
PostgreSQL
Autodesk Fusion 360
External API

Began in July 2021

I used a small microcontroller (ESP8266) to create an automatic cat feeder which dispenses food at set times of the day.

When plugged in, the chip connects to WiFi and posts to a database that it is online. It then gets the real time from an API I used and calculates when the cat will need to be fed next. Then, it waits until it is the time of day to feed the cat, and it dispenses a measured amount of food through an auger. Finally, it posts a success message to the database and waits until the next time to dispense.

It also notes any errors that occur in the database so that the user is aware of the problem.

Technologies used

  • ESP8266 microcontroller
  • ESP8266 WiFi interface
  • Transistor as relay
  • PostgreSQL
  • API endpoint with POST/GET
  • External API to get current time
  • A picture of the electronics driving the cat feeder housed in a cardboard box, featuring an auger connected to a gear connected to a motor, a relay controlling the motor with a 9V battery, and an ESP8266 microcontroller
  • A picture of the device opened with the wiring covered in cardboard. Two cardboard sheets are angled so that the food is guided to the auger which rotates to dispense it through a hole
  • A picture of the back of the box with a small cut in which a micro USB is attached
  • A view of the whole feeder box all sealed up. A flap at the top for adding food and instructions on the side can be seen.
  • A screenshot of the website UI requiring password authentication
  • A screenshot of the website UI after being logged in which lists various logs from different days including errors, status of online, and notices of cat being fed