Design of Automatic Pet Feeder Using Arduino

ABSTRACT The modern lifestyle often limits pet owners from feeding their pets on time. To address this, an automatic pet feeder system is proposed using Arduino and image processing. The system is designed to detect the presence of a pet (dog/cat) using a PC equipped with an image processing program. Once a pet is detected, the PC sends a signal to the Arduino board, which then initiates the feeding mechanism.The Arduino is connected to a Real-Time Clock (RTC) module to keep track of time-based feeding schedules. A load sensor is placed beneath the food tray to monitor the quantity of food dispensed and ensure appropriate portions are served. A servo motor is used to control the food dispenser’s flap, which opens and closes as needed. An LCD display shows the feeding status and system updates. The buzzer is used to notify when food is being served or when any error is detected (e.g., tray empty or pet not detected).The image processing is carried out on a computer using OpenCV or similar libraries, which detects the pet’s presence in the camera frame and sends a command via serial communication to the Arduino. This hybrid system combines real-time pet detection with smart feeding based on time and weight control.This system not only ensures timely feeding but also prevents overfeeding, supports portion control, and keeps the pet healthy in the absence of the owner. It also provides a cost-effective and efficient solution for pet care automation. Keywords: Arduino, RTC Module, Load Sensor, Servo Motor, LCD, Buzzer, Image Processing