DIY Protein Vending Machine
Solving the hassle of supplements with customized dispensing - right where you train.
2023
Related fields: Robotics, Controls, Mechatronics, Hardware prototyping
Awards
- - K-Startup MakerStar Competiton Bronze Prize (2023)
- - Strange Ideas at SNU Entrepreneurship Center Grand Prize (2023)
Funded
- Korea Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology (2023)
- Seoul Business Agency (2023)
- SNU Entrepreneurship Center: one-year office sponsorship (2023)
My Role
- - Founder & Team Lead: Guided the project's vision and managed team operations.
- - Lead Hardware Engineer: Oversaw the entire hardware lifecycle, from CAD design to hands-on fabrication, including welding and painting.
- - Mechatronics System Design: Engineered the control circuits and internal mechanical systems.
- - Fundraising & Pitching: Pitched to venture capitalists and successfully secured ~$20,000 in seed funding.
Credits
- - Jaehoon Kim
- - Minyeop Kim
- - Sejoon Park
Motivation
-
The motivation for developing a customized protein vending machine arises from the everyday challenges faced by fitness enthusiasts. While supplements such as protein powders, BCAAs, and pre-workouts are essential for muscle growth and recovery, they are often inconvenient to prepare, carry, and tailor to individual needs. Existing solutions, including ready-to-drink products or conventional vending machines, fail to provide true personalization, remain costly, and generate environmental concerns through single-use packaging. At the same time, gym-goers increasingly demand convenience, efficiency, and health-focused options that integrate seamlessly into their routines. Therefore, this work seeks to deliver an in-gym, automated dispensing system that provides personalized nutrition on demand—reducing preparation burdens, enhancing accessibility, and creating a foundation for broader smart healthcare applications.