Slack

The Lion Bot

Slack integration for Hackspace automation. Norwich Hackspace's very own bot. The name Lion is a reference to our current Lion House premises. It also makes an initialism of Lion house Integration Online Network, if you like that sort of thing.

Unlike the standard Slackbot which depends on direct forward-slash commands, The Lion Bot is designed to use natural language commands to control various aspects of the Hackspace. While the commands given here are specific, you can try variations such that...

• In
• I'm in
• I am now here
• I just got in

will all result in updating The Lion Bot with the information that you are now in the Hackspace.

The bot has been started by member Alan Percy Childs but is shared on our Github group page for member code contributions -> https://github.com/NorwichHackSpace/TheLionBot

It currently runs on a server controlled by Alan, but we plan on making it more accessible for members soon.

Commands

You can currently ask these in a Direct Message, in #general, #wiki, #who-is-in-the-space, #doorbot, or #home-automation The bot will also post numerous updates, of various importance, in the #lion-status channel, where a few special commands can be given.

Who is In?

Returns the name of the user last recorded as being "in" or tells you Lion House is empty.

I am in/out

Tell the Lion you are inside or have left the Hackspace. The bot will only remember your name until you say you are out and doesn't worry about how long you are in for.

You can also use "Percy is in" if you want to assign someone else as being in the space; for example, if you are leaving but want to record that someone else is still inside the space instead.

Lastly, "Everyone out" will register the hackspace as being empty.

Is the door locked?

Using the #door-status room, the bot will keep an eye on the door being locked or unlocked and allow you to check without joinng that channel. You can also use a few variations like "is the hackspace open." Later, we shall program the Lion to check if the door is left unlocked for more than a few minutes and ping the last "in" user to check it.

Who am I?

If you are facing an identity crisis, this may be useful. It's mostly a way for members to have a go at adding a few of their own responses.

lion:reconnect

Only works in the #lion-status channel. If the Lion starts playing up this is a special 'turn it off and on again' command.

Feature Requests

• Voice Alert when you enter the hackspace without checking into Slack. ~Alan Scrase
• Multiple users can be in at once and listed when asked Who is in. ~
• Message in Slack when a Wiki page is changed or created. ~Alan Childs
  • Only post in #Wiki if detected strange activity or multiple new users or edits are detected in a short period.
• Check who was last in ~Alan Childs
• Interact with Booking System
  • Create, change, delete a booking
  • Check when someone next in