AH-LoanlyBot

Loanly Bot + Rental Locker
GIF
GIF of how our locker are encrypted

Inspiration

I have grown to love learning new things such as something domestic like baking or adventurous like mountaineering. However, constantly i am being held back by the thoughts of the cost and the worry whether i would truly commit towards it. There is a chinese saying which goes, “三分鐘熱度” which means the passion to learn something new only last for only three minutes.

When i meet some of my school club members from school, i realized that they have the same sentiments as me. In addition, the club that we came from requires a lot of logistical cost and that would deter people from learning and explore new skills. As such, this gave birth to the idea of Loanly Bot.

What it does

To address our issue effectively, our team developed a platform called Loanly Bot which allow active Singaporeans to be able to loan for equipment without incurring high cost such as trekking bag, badminton set.

As we recognize that the number of apps that runs the similar functions are getting more common, we understand the first-world-problem that everyone is facing. As such, we intentionally crafted in a way that user do not need to login or download additional app via Telegram.

Loanly will be able to allow users to loan and borrow any equipment such as high cost item like Mountaineering Bags or simple sports equipment, Basketball. It will facilitate users to be able to safely do their rental transaction in a safe manner as it is coupled with our password-encrypted locker to minimize contact with strangers. Our product seek to reach out to common sports enthusiasts that would like to try new sports at a low cost.

How we built it

Telegram bot connected with [module]
Box with in-built Arduino UNO connected with servo motor

Challenges we ran into

Implementation of In-line keyboard into Telegram Bot
Ambiguity in matching the closest loaner to borrower vice versa

Accomplishments that we're proud of

To be resourceful in terms of crafting out our smart locker
Members coming from different faculties to complete the project by capitalizing on one another’s strength.
Utilizing our python knowledge and a successful collaboration on GitHub

What we learned

Python-telegram-bot module
Gspread module

What's next for AH-LoanlyBot

Actual implementation in our own University, SUTD for trail test and acquire feedback
Build the database using SQL database, for faster more efficient program
Create a webpage to display the inventory, with ability to query and without compromising on user’s confidential data