NAARI- A Portable Sanitary Napkin Vending Machine

In an effort to address the challenges of menstrual hygiene management in developing countries, a portable sanitary pad vending machine was developed. The vending machine is powered by an Arduino Uno microcontroller and a power source that ranges between 5 to 12 volts. It features an liquid-crystal display (LCD) keypad, token acceptor with an Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) scanner for validation, and a L298d motor driver that powers two DC Servo motors to turn the spring coil system that delivers the sanitary pads or disposable bags to the user. The entire system is enclosed in a metal box for protection against damage. The LCD keypad serves as an input and output device, displaying information about the vending machine and providing instructions for its use. With the token acceptor and RFID scanner, only authorized users are granted access to the vending machine. The scanner reads the user’s RFID card, which has a unique identification number, to confirm their authorization. The portable vending machine is designed to be cost-effective and easy to use, providing an innovative solution to menstrual hygiene management challenges. It is also portable and can be relocated to various locations. Overall, the vending machine serves as a critical resource in promoting menstrual hygiene and addressing the challenges that come with it. Its use ensures that individuals have access to essential sanitary products that they need to live healthy lives.