I have an automated feeder which will open when their collar is near, but is time limited. Each cat has a different allotment so that they don't get chonky.

They walk up to it and wait a few seconds. If it doesn't open, they go off and do something else and try again later. They don't sit there and try to pull the machine apart.

This could be explained by hunger levels, though, and knowing that they are used to eating whenever they feel like that.