AI Lending Station
Why buy when you can borrow?
Many tools are purchased and rarely used. Our mission: Make tools accessible in a simple, flexible, and sustainable way. If you want to build or repair something, you should be able to get started right away – without high costs or limited opening hours.
The AI Lending Station is a pilot project by the Erfindergarden Foundation. We’re developing an open-source, AI-powered lending system that offers tools 24/7 via smart lockers and supports users with intelligent recommendations.
What does the AI do?
Our AI assistant makes tool selection as easy as talking to an experienced craftsperson:
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Users describe their project in natural language
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The AI recommends the right tools (and smart alternatives)
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It prevents common usage mistakes and suggests helpful combinations
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It calculates CO₂ and cost savings from borrowing vs. buying
The assistant is intuitive, multilingual, and built to integrate with existing systems.
Our Goals
In the next 12 months, we aim to:
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Build a working AI Lending Station prototype (open source)
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Develop a hardware kit for 24/7 smart locker stations
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Publish full documentation to enable replication worldwide
Long-term vision:
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A growing network of community-led lending stations across Europe
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Equipping libraries, municipalities and repair hubs with plug & play systems
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Strengthening a local, connected sharing and repair culture
Want to bring this to your city?
We’re looking for partners at FAB25:
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Cities & libraries interested in piloting AI-powered tool sharing
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Universities & makerspaces open to co-develop or research
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Collaborators for EU projects (e.g. Horizon Europe, Erasmus+)
Contact: foundation@erfindergarden.de
Learn more:
Supported by:
This pilot project is supported by the KI-Ideenwerkstatt 2025 and the Prototyp Fund, funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment.
Stay in the Loop
Want to follow the development of the AI Lending Station?
Be the first to hear about our open-source launch, partner opportunities, and pilot programs.
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