💊 Smart Medication Reminder System (ESP32 + IoT)

An embedded IoT system that combines real-time scheduling, event-driven sensing, and automated dispensing to improve medication adherence.

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🎯 Problem Statement

Medication adherence failures are common due to:

• Missed reminders
• Manual tracking inefficiency
• Lack of real-time feedback

This system provides a low-cost, automated solution that handles:

• Scheduling
• Alerting
• Dispensing
• Logging

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🚀 System Overview

The system integrates multiple subsystems:

• ESP32 → control + WiFi interface
• RTC (DS3231) → precise time scheduling
• Servo Motor → pill dispensing mechanism
• IR Sensor → user interaction detection
• Keypad → runtime configuration
• LCD Display → real-time feedback
• Buzzer → alert system
• Web Interface → monitoring + logging

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🧠 System Architecture

User Input (Keypad / Web UI)
            ↓
        ESP32 Controller
   ┌────────┼────────┐
   ↓        ↓        ↓
 RTC     IR Sensor   Web Server (WiFi AP)
   ↓        ↓
Scheduler   Event Trigger
       ↓
   Control Logic
       ↓
 Servo Actuation → Tablet Dispense
       ↓
 LCD + Buzzer Feedback

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⚙️ Core System Logic

⏰ Time-Triggered Execution

• RTC continuously tracks real-time
• At scheduled time → automatic dispensing
• Daily reset of medication state

👋 Event-Driven Interaction

• IR sensor detects user presence
• Implements cooldown to prevent repeated triggers
• Enables manual override dispensing

🎛️ Runtime Configuration

• Keypad allows dynamic time setting
• No need to reprogram ESP32

🌐 Local Web Interface

• ESP32 hosts WiFi Access Point
• Browser-based logging interface
• No internet dependency

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🔄 System Workflow

1. User sets schedule via keypad

2. RTC monitors real-time clock

3. At scheduled time:

   • Buzzer alert triggered
   • LCD displays reminder
   • Servo dispenses tablet

4. IR sensor detects interaction:

   • Allows manual dispensing

5. System logs and updates status

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▶️ How to Run

1. Upload firmware (med_tracker.ino) to ESP32

2. Connect hardware components

3. Power system (external supply recommended)

4. Connect to WiFi:

   SSID: MedicationTracker
   Password: 123456789
   

5. Open browser → ESP32 IP (shown in serial monitor)

6. Use keypad + web UI

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⚙️ Hardware Components

Component	Qty	Cost (INR)
ESP32	1	₹400
RTC DS3231	1	₹120
LCD (I2C)	1	₹180
IR Sensor	1	₹60
Servo Motor	1	₹150
Keypad (4x4)	1	₹100
Buzzer	1	₹20
Misc	-	₹100

Total: ₹1200–₹1400

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🔑 Key Features

• Hybrid time-triggered + event-driven system
• Embedded real-time scheduling
• Local WiFi interface (no internet required)
• Automated dispensing mechanism
• Runtime configurable (no reflashing needed)
• Multi-modal feedback (LCD + buzzer)

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🧪 Results

• Accurate time-based dispensing achieved
• Reliable IR-based triggering with cooldown logic
• Stable ESP32 web server hosting
• Successful integration of hardware + UI

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⚠️ Limitations

• No cloud sync (local-only system)
• No user authentication
• Open-loop system (no confirmation of pill intake)

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🔮 Future Improvements

• Cloud integration (Firebase / MQTT)
• Mobile notifications
• Multi-user support
• Intake verification (weight sensor / camera)
• Data analytics dashboard

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📌 Note

This project demonstrates embedded systems integration, real-time control, and IoT-based human interaction design, combining hardware and software into a complete working system.