Company
Date Published
Author
Ankur Kumar
Word count
1739
Language
English
Hacker News points
None

Summary

To build a socially distant Halloween candy dispenser, one can combine Twilio's programmable communication channels with Electric Imp's internet-connected devices platform. The robot should release candy without physical human interaction, be modular for various triggers, and simple to implement. It requires hardware such as an impExplorer Kit, Grove 2-channel SPDT Relay, DC Linear Actuator, and power supply, along with software like Electric Imp accounts and Twilio accounts. The dispenser consists of a straight PVC pipe hopper, a toilet paper roll pusher, and an Electric Imp impExplorer Kit controlling the actuator. Software involves defining device code for hardware behavior, agent code for internet connectivity, and using Twilio Functions to trigger dispensing via SMS or Voice requests. A web-based portal can also be used to activate the dispenser and play soundbites for trick-or-treaters. The project is extensible and encourages users to try it themselves.