Automated Dog Wash System
Every Innovation Starts With an Observation
Every innovation starts with someone noticing a problem others simply accept.
In this case, the observation came from a family-owned dog grooming business.
Different employees naturally used different amounts of shampoo during the washing process.
The result wasn't poor work. It was normal human variation.
Over time, that variation increased chemical costs, complicated training, and made it difficult to deliver a consistent operating process.
Rather than asking employees to simply "use less soap," a different question emerged.
"What if the wash process itself ensured consistency?"
That question became Bench-010.
The Challenge
- Variable shampoo usage
- Higher chemical costs
- Training inconsistency
- Lack of standardized wash cycles
- Need for repeatable quality
The Solution
An automated wash controller that provides consistent wash cycles, improving efficiency while delivering a better experience for employees, owners, and customers.
The objective was never to replace people.
The objective was to provide consistent wash cycles that improve efficiency while delivering a better experience for everyone involved.
Project Gallery
The photographs tell the story.
System Overview
Business Impact
This innovation was designed to improve operations—not replace people. Automation removes variation so employees can focus on what matters most: the animals in their care.
From the Bench
Notebook observations from the project.
"The best automation isn't about replacing people. It's about making the best process the easiest process."
"Consistency often delivers more value than speed."
"Engineering begins by carefully observing everyday problems."
"Sometimes innovation isn't adding complexity—it's removing variation."
Project Timeline
Original Business Observation
Noticed inconsistent chemical usage during daily operations at family grooming business
Initial Concept
Asked "What if the wash process itself ensured consistency?" instead of relying on individual habits
Process Mapping
Documented existing wash procedures and identified automation opportunities
Prototype Design
Designed ESP32-based controller with chemical dispensing and water control
Touchscreen Interface
Developed industrial touchscreen UI for wash cycle selection and monitoring
Pump Integration
Integrated precision chemical pumps with automated dispensing control
Chemical Testing
Calibrated dispensing rates and tested wash cycle effectiveness
Operational Prototype
Deployed working prototype in production environment for real-world testing
Future Enhancements
Planning cycle optimization, usage analytics, and remote monitoring capabilities
What We Learned
Business problems often hide engineering opportunities.
Small operational improvements compound over time.
Technology should support people—not replace them.
Real innovation starts by understanding the customer experience.
What's Next
More From This Project
Additional content will be added as the project evolves.
Ask Simon
Curious about this project? Try these prompts to learn more.
Innovation isn't always about inventing something entirely new.
Sometimes it's about looking at an everyday business process and asking...
"What if there was a better way?"
That question continues to drive every project at the North Star Innovation Lab.