Developing Touchless Dispenser System Based on IoT to Support Hydration Needs for University Students in New Normal Phase in Indonesia

Following the global pandemic of COVID-19, in August 2021, Indonesia achieved a total of 3.930.300 cases, the highest in Southeast Asia. However, the government is keen on promoting the new normal phase and planning to open schools and permit face-to-face learning, from elementary up to universities. This means that public facilities and infrastructures will be used and can be the medium for virus transmission, as it will require 48 to 72 hours for the virus to be inactive on those surfaces. This will make people reluctant to touch surfaces, especially when it comes to public facilities that can provide for their needs. One of the most important is the need for hydration which is often overlooked. About 25% of college students were found dehydrated, and 37,5% showed signs of it. Dehydration could prove a serious threat to health had it been overlooked and could affect physical and cognitive performance, having more effects on students and lectures, requiring both in their activities. To support the needs of hydration amidst the pandemic, this research developed a touchless water dispenser system using the waterfall model, utilizing a cloud database with ESP32, controlled by users through an android application. The design is easy and cheap to install, even on regular dispensers, making it an effective and efficient alternative public facility providing hydration service to support the new normal phase.