How We Test New Smart Feeder Features 🧡 🐾

Why testing matters

Before we release a new feature for a smart feeder, we make sure it is safe for animals, reliable for caretakers, and robust in real-life conditions. Proper testing prevents issues like underfeeding, mechanical jams, or unexpected behavior in shelters and homes.

Our testing process: key stages

1. Planning and success criteria

• Define user scenarios: daily feeding, repeat feeding, multi-animal schedules.
• Set measurable success criteria: portion accuracy, timing reliability, connectivity stability, mechanical safety.

2. Bench testing (lab environment)

• Validate mechanics: dispensing consistency, jamming points, protective covers.
• Calibrate sensors such as weight or level detectors and record acceptable tolerances.
• Test firmware logic: scheduling, portion adjustments, and recovery after failures.

3. Power and battery testing

• Test operation on mains and battery power, simulate battery drain and restoration.
• Verify behavior during power loss: are settings preserved, does the feeder resume correctly.

Animal safety and real-world behavior

• Safety is paramount. We use test weights and controlled trials in shelters to observe interactions.
• Check for pinch points, sharp edges, and motor noise that could disturb animals.
• Test with different feed types where applicable: kibble sizes, mixtures, semi-moist food.

Pilot deployments in shelters

• After lab approval we run pilots in one or more shelters to observe actual conditions: staff shifts, dust, humidity, and varied diets.
• Collect qualitative feedback from staff on usability, cleaning, and animal responses.

Data analysis and iterations

• Device logs reveal common issues: network drops, schedule mismatches, dispensing errors.
• Based on logs and feedback, we update firmware, refine mechanical parts, and improve user guides.

Practical checklist for shelters

• Verify feed compatibility before installation.
• Run a few dry cycles (no animals present) to confirm operation.
• Monitor the feeder closely during the first days and keep a simple error log.

How you can help

• Join pilot programs in your shelter or offer volunteers for supervised testing.
• Share detailed feedback—small observations often lead to important fixes.

At TailsPal we design with empathy for animals and people. Thorough testing ensures new smart feeder features truly help caregivers and improve animal welfare.