Abstract: An electronically-controlled fluid dispenser which houses a replaceable self-venting, self-priming plump and fluid container and contains a rotary motor for automatically operating the pump in response to an optically-detected infrared signal. The infrared signal is generated with a predetermined waveform which is detectable by a receiver so as to avoid extraneous signals. The rotary motor operates the pump through an eccentric cam directly mounted upon the pump dispensing plunger to cause direct linear motion. The dispenser is designed for battery operation.