Section outline

  • Building and Testing the Prototype

    Now that you have a well-defined idea and design plan, it's time to start building your prototype. In this section, we will take a step-by-step approach to constructing the Medicine Reminder Robot for the Elderly, test its basic functionality, and make improvements based on testing results.

    • 🔧 Step 1: Gather All Required Components

      Before building, ensure you have all materials ready. Here's a checklist for the medicine reminder prototype:

      • Microcontroller: Arduino Uno or ESP32
      • Output Devices: Buzzer, LED, Servo motor for opening lid
      • Input Devices: Real Time Clock (RTC) module, Push button (for manual dismiss)
      • Connectivity: Optional: Wi-Fi module or GSM module for alerts
      • Power: 5V USB power or battery pack
      • Chassis: Cardboard or plastic case for holding compartments

      🧱 Step 2: Assemble the Hardware

      Start connecting your components one by one. You can use a breadboard for the initial version.

      1. Connect RTC Module: Use I2C pins (SCL/SDA) to communicate with microcontroller
      2. Attach Buzzer & LED: These will signal the user when it's time for medicine
      3. Connect Servo: Servo will unlock the medicine compartment when alarm rings
      4. Push Button: User can press this to acknowledge the alert and stop the buzzer

      Hardware

      💻 Step 3: Write the Basic Code

      Write code to handle:

      • Reading time from the RTC module
      • Triggering buzzer and LED at scheduled times
      • Using the servo motor to unlock/open the lid
      • Resetting alert once user presses the button

      Example logic:

      If (current time == medicine time) {
    Activate buzzer;
    Blink LED;
    Rotate servo to open lid;
    Wait for button press;
    Stop buzzer, LED;
    Reset servo;
}

      🔍 Step 4: Test Individual Components

      Test each component separately before integrating:

      • RTC Module: Verify that the correct time is read
      • Buzzer/LED: Test that alerts trigger correctly
      • Servo: Rotate to open/close angles and ensure it works smoothly
      • Button: Confirm it stops the alert properly

      🔁 Step 5: Integration & Full Workflow Testing

      Now integrate all modules and test the complete cycle:

      • Set a test time 2 minutes in the future
      • Observe if the robot alerts correctly and opens the lid
      • Test user interaction by pressing the button
      • Check if system resets properly after each cycle

      Tip: Use Serial Monitor for debugging. Print logs like “Alarm triggered”, “Button pressed”, etc.

    • 🔁 Common Debugging Issues

      • RTC not updating: Check wiring, I2C address, and initialize RTC properly
      • Servo jittering: Add delay or capacitor for stable signal
      • Alerts not triggering: Make sure your time comparison logic is correct
      • Button unresponsive: Use internal pull-up resistor if needed

      🧪 Document Your Progress

      While testing, maintain the following documentation:

       

      Component Test Result Issues Faced Fix/Improvement
      RTC Module Working Wrong time initially Synced with serial input
      Servo Jerky motion Inconsistent angle Added delay + tested angles

      This helps in improving your final version and serves as proof of progress during presentations.

      ✅ Outcome of This Section

      By the end of this section, you will have a working physical prototype of your robot that meets the core requirements. It’s okay if it’s not perfect — the key is that you can now demonstrate your idea in action.

      In the next section, we will learn how to document and present your solution with clarity and confidence, especially if you're preparing for a showcase or evaluation.