A Raspberry PI, 8-channel relay, and a couple of solenoid locks are what makes our lockers special. The Raspberry PI is what allows the lockers to communicate with the database and through to the app. With the 8-channel relay, our Raspberry PI is able to signal specific solenoid locks to disengage, allowing the locker to be opened. From the 8-channel relay to our locks are a set of diodes that "steer" the current towards the locks and not back, preventing damage to our components promptly after locks reengage.
What Allows the App and Locker to communicate?
The Locker Project utilizes Firebase, a cloud computing solution by Google. Firebase tracks packages and login information and is able to update in real time to provide customers with reliable service and accurate data on their packages.
Our app is designed around Google's Flutter UI software kit, which allows for the streamlined development of our locker app with the addition of intuitive icons to better help customers navigate and use the app. The app is further powered by DART, an optimized programming language for fast apps.