It was our impression that this was a shipping error rather than anything specific to the product or manufacturer. While the Feeder-Robot has a more high-quality feel than many of the other feeders tested-with beefy, trustworthy components that slotted together intuitively-it's worth noting that the clear plastic food reservoir on our test model arrived cracked.

An easy-to-read blue indicator light highlights whether or not the unit is currently operating on a programmed schedule. Whether a schedule is established using the app or on the control panel keypad, the Feeder-Robot stores the schedule locally and will continue to maintain the schedule even if it's offline. Thankfully, the Feeder-Robot doesn't rely on the app. While we've yet to spend enough time with the Feeder-Robot to gauge the usefulness of the app's more in-depth features, they provide unrivaled insights for the cat-owning data nerd: tracking feedings over time, pulling out daily averages, and providing other insights that can be exported to a CSV file ready for Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel. In addition to notifying you with a push notification at feeding times, the app also allows you to check food levels, build schedules, and tap a button to remotely dispense a snack-size serving.

This same peace of mind is enhanced by the included backup battery, which can continue to run a feeder program even if the power goes out for up to 24 hours.

'The notifications provide peace of mind, so I can spend less time worrying about my cats while I'm away.' 'The app is great!' one tester said, noting their general disdain for having to download an app for every new connected product before describing the Feeder-Robot as an exception. It's designed to more effectively funnel food into the dispenser, but also reduces the total capacity to 25 cups-still a substantial amount of food. The Feeder-Robot's reservoir can hold up to 32 cups of dry food, though anything other than small, round kibble will likely need the included Hopper Insert. If your cat doesn't overeat and you don't closely monitor servings, this 'gravity mode' ensures that the feeder isn't dispensing an overflowing mound of food while you're away. There's also a setting that dispenses just enough food to keep the bowl full, with the Feeder-Robot checking its level every 6 hours. A dispenser that uses 1/4-cup increments is already installed in the Feeder-Robot, but you can swap it for an included 1/8-cup dispenser that provides more precise portion control (though this reduces the maximum single serving to 1/2 cup). It's easy to dial in precise meal times and serving increments with the Feeder-Robot's robust settings, through which you can dispense up to a full cup of food as frequently as eight times a day. Set up out of the box was easy, taking us about 15 minutes, including downloading and syncing the phone application (by scanning a QR code on the back of the feeder), which is available on iOS and Android.

This makes it feel a little top heavy, though not enough to be concerned about cats knocking it over-bashing it with a ten-pound sandbag didn't budge it, so neither will your cat. Despite it's bulky dimensions, the Feeder-Robot tapers to a 9 x 11.25 inch footprint. The design of the Feeder-Robot is simultaneously futuristic and friendly, though it's definitely on the larger side, so buyers should be ready for it to take up a fair amount of space. The feeder scored especially high marks for its features, effectiveness, timer accuracy, and portion control. Our testers appreciated that the Whisker Feeder-Robot had a variety of intuitive feeding options and the most useful app of any feeder tested.

Automatic chicken feeder