Week 12 – Final Project Proposal: PawPortion Smart Pet Feeding Assistant

For my final project, I am creating PawPortion, a smart pet feeding assistant that combines a physical feeding system with a digital interface. The goal of this project is not to fully automate feeding, but to support the user in a way that feels clear and intentional. Instead of the system doing everything on its own, it tracks feeding time, prompts the user when it is time to feed, and gives immediate feedback when the feeding happens. I wanted the interaction to feel simple but still meaningful, where the user understands exactly what is happening at every step.

The system uses both Arduino and p5.js, connected through serial communication. On the Arduino side, the program controls a servo motor, an LED, and an IR sensor. The IR sensor detects when something is placed in front of it, which acts as the trigger for feeding. When the sensor is activated, the servo rotates to open the container and allow the food to pour out into a bowl, and the LED turns on at the same time to make the action visible and obvious. The Arduino also receives a “FEED” command from p5.js, performs the same feeding action, and then sends back a “DONE” signal so the interface can update.

On the p5.js side, I designed a full-screen interface that works as a feeding dashboard. It shows the next feeding time, the last time the pet was fed, and the current system status. There is also a “Feed Now” button that allows the user to trigger the feeding manually. The interface tracks time and changes the pet’s mood depending on the situation. The pet appears neutral while waiting, hungry when it is time to feed, happy after feeding, and sad if the feeding is missed. This makes the system feel more interactive and easier to understand visually. The interface sends the “FEED” command to Arduino and waits for the “DONE” response before updating the state.

So far, I have completed a draft of both the Arduino code and the p5.js interface. The communication between them is set up, and the overall system logic is working. At this stage, my main focus is building the physical structure and refining the aesthetic design. I will be constructing the feeder using cardboard and assembling the Arduino setup based on the wiring I have already mapped out. I want the final result to look clean and intentional rather than just a collection of components, so I will focus on hiding wires and making the structure feel complete.

For materials, I used my stipend to buy items that mainly support the physical design and presentation of the project. I purchased cardboard sheets to build the main feeder structure, colored paper to add visual layers and make the design more cohesive, and a small pet bowl to clearly show where the food is dispensed. I also bought paw print stickers to match the theme and make the project feel more playful, along with wooden sticks and decorative tape to help with building and structuring the feeder. These materials will help me create a clean and visually engaging final product without overcomplicating the technical side. I will also purchase and IR sensor obviously.

Overall, PawPortion focuses on creating a clear interaction between the user, the interface, and the physical system. The sensor or user input triggers the feeding, the Arduino performs the action, and the interface reflects it in real time. By combining a simple mechanism with a responsive interface and thoughtful design, the project turns a basic task into a more engaging and understandable experience.