MEDICAL.IOT
Smart Medical Box for Secure Pharmacy Deliveries
Project Overview
Designed and developed a smart medical delivery box system for secure, self-service pickup of prescribed medicines at designated supermarkets across the US. Customers could place orders via a web or mobile app, with medicines securely stored in the smart boxes until pickup, ensuring convenience and security.
HARDWARE | FIRMWARE | | EMS MANUFACTURING
Client Requirement & Objectives
Secure Delivery of Medicines
The system needed to ensure secure, tamper-proof delivery of medicines to public locations like supermarkets, allowing users to retrieve their orders using authentication.
User Flexibility in Pickup
Customers should be able to collect medicines at their convenience after receiving a notification that their order was delivered to a nearby smart box.
Web & Mobile Integration
A unified ordering platform via web and mobile apps was required to manage orders, delivery updates, and pickup confirmations.
Authentication & Access Control
Each smart box should include a secure mechanism to only allow authorized users to open the compartment using a PIN, QR code, or mobile verification.
System Design & Build
Smart Box Hardware Design
Designed a robust, lockable enclosure integrated with a solenoid-operated door controlled via microcontroller logic for secure access.
Battery-Powered with Power Optimization
Integrated a low-power microcontroller system with deep-sleep modes and triggered wake cycles to support battery operation while powering a 4.3-inch display and solenoid efficiently.
User Interface Display
A 4.3-inch display was incorporated to show status updates, pickup instructions, and authentication prompts directly on the box.
Connectivity and Backend Integration
Equipped with LTE/Wi-Fi for real-time sync with backend systems, enabling remote order updates, pickup logging, and access control.
Key Challenges & Solutions
Solenoid Integration in Compact Mechanical Design
Fitting the solenoid within the mechanical structure of the box without interfering with other components was challenging. This was solved by iterative prototyping and redesigning the enclosure to house the lock mechanism optimally.
Power Consumption Management
Operating both the solenoid and display on battery power required advanced power management techniques. Implemented wake-on-event logic and shut down the display when idle, with solenoid activation only during authenticated unlock events.
Battery Life Optimization
Careful selection of components with low standby power, and firmware-level scheduling of network updates helped achieve an extended battery life suitable for field deployment.
Reliable Door Lock Mechanism
Testing under multiple conditions was done to ensure the solenoid consistently locked and unlocked the door without mechanical failure or misfires, especially with heavy door use.
Project Tech Stack
Espressif
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi
KiCad
Client
MeFitVending delivers smart medical vending solutions that securely dispense prescribed medicines through connected kiosks at convenient retail locations.
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