The August Faller Group has developed a prototype of a tablet folding box that communicates with users. The model product, called the „Counting Device“, is equipped with a small e-paper display and electronic controls.
Each medication withdrawal can be displayed on the Medicine box quasi directly. If the tablets run out, a message appears indicating that a new prescription for the medicine must be requested. According to the specialist for secondary packaging in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, the new development takes account of the growing interest in interactive packaging solutions.
The centrepiece of the folding box with additional function is a small Microcontroller (memory-on-chip). It is powered by a battery integrated into the packaging. The flat design of the electronics was a key requirement for easy integration into drug packaging. Faller solved this problem with a circuit board with single-sided assembly on the rear and the integrated E-paper display on the front.
A total of three smart packaging prototypes
The „Counting Device“ is one of three newly developed Smart packaging prototypes, which together with MSC Technologies from Freiburg and the Pforzheim University were created. The intelligent „Level Indicators“ packaging was also designed. It records the fill level of a bottle of liquid medication. The „Medical Prescription“ prototype, on the other hand, offers patients the aforementioned reminder of necessary new prescriptions and can even send prescription orders to the packaging via Bluetooth using an app.
With the three prototypes, the Faller Group wants to give an impression of what is possible with Smart Packaging would be possible in the healthcare sector. Patients could benefit from detailed and customised information on the packaging. The safety of taking medication could be increased and taking medication could be made more convenient.
