Russian Fifth Grader Builds Smart Feeder Using Sensors and Software
The student created an automated feeder equipped with motion sensors and custom control software.
A student from the city of Orekhovo-Zuyevo has developed an automatic feeder for birds and animals equipped with a motion sensor and its own control program.
Robotics for Birds
Fifth grader Evgeny Kukhtinov from Gymnasium No. 15 presented the project, called “Umnaya kormushka” (Smart Feeder). The student spent several months working on the device and completed the entire development cycle from scratch.
Evgeny prepared the technical specification and drawings, developed the software, and assembled the device himself. His computer science and technology teacher, Sergey Radzievsky, said the project required serious engineering preparation and careful work with electronics.
The student produced the feeder’s корпус using a laser cutter installed at the gymnasium. Inside the structure are several compartments designed to store and dispense feed.
Automatic Feed Dispensing
The device uses several electric motors. One mechanism opens the lid of the feed container, after which the feed is delivered into a bowl. A separate motor mixes the feed inside the container, preventing clumping and avoiding blockages in the mechanism. The container lid is secured with electromagnets.
The feeder reacts when animals or birds approach. An ultrasonic sensor detects movement near the bowl, after which the system automatically dispenses feed.
Control Program
The feeder is operated by a dedicated control program installed in a small smart hub inside the device.
Using the interface, the user selects the type of animals the feeder is intended for. The system includes modes for dogs, cats, birds, and rodents.
The young developer said the device can be configured to serve several animals at once.
Award for the Project
The student’s invention was presented at the annual Young Researcher competition held in the Orekhovo-Zuyevo district.
The jury praised the engineering component of the project and its practical application. Evgeny Kukhtinov won the competition in the “Smart World” category.
The project’s author has published all materials in open access. Anyone interested can find the drawings, design description, and software and build a similar device independently.
