Lifecare Robot: Smart Pill Dispenser for Patients

Abstract: Healthcare systems face significant challenges in ensuring that patients, especially the elderly, visually impaired, and those with chronic illnesses, take their prescribed medications correctly and on time. Forgetfulness, complex dosage schedules, and dependence on caregivers often result in missed doses, medication errors, or overdosing, leading to serious health risks. To address these issues, the proposed paper focuses on the design and development of a Lifecare Robot that combines electronic control, mechanical dispensing, mobility, and monitoring features to provide an efficient and user-friendly solution. The system uses a microcontroller to dispense medicines stored in separate compartments in precise dosages according to a preprogrammed schedule. Sensors detect pill movement, while alerts, alarms, and an LCD display notify patients and enable interaction. Optional voice assistance supports users with visual or reading difficulties. The robot moves autonomously on a wheeled platform to deliver medicine directly to the patient. A video module monitors and records the medication intake process, providing visual confirmation that the patient has received and consumed the medicine. This data can be shared with caregivers and medical professionals through IoT connectivity. Safety features, such as restricted access and fault detection, prevent misuse. By automating storage, dispensing, delivery, and monitoring, the system reduces human error, eases caregiver burden and enhances patient safety, independence, and overall quality of life.