As the preeminent tool for makers, Arduino is a versatile platform that covers almost every type of creative making. With its simple-to-use coding language and fun programming concepts, Arduino enables users to create modern electronics with ease. From beginner level projects like flashing LED lights to more advanced builds such as interactive robots, there are an endless number of possibilities when it comes to building projects with Arduino. Whether you are new or an experienced builder in search of fresh ideas, these posts will provide interesting Arduino tutorials and unique ideas that may spark your creativity and motivate you take on any type of maker project!
If you’re interested in how Arduino assembles their boards, be sure to check out Phil & Limor’s shots of their recent tour of Arduino’s Torino, Italy, operation. I love seeing all of the heavy equipment like the pick & place machines the organization uses.
It’s hard not to get excited when you see assistive technology like the sign language interpreting Show and Tell Glove from Tel Aviv area makers Oleg Imanilov, Zvika Markfield, and Tomer Daniel. The glove uses a LillyPad Arduino to sample flex sensors, an accelerometer, and gyro into an ADK board that then talks to an Android app that translates sign language and gestures into written text. To improve performance, a neural network is fed gestures manually to compensate for varying hand sizes directly on the handset. They’re still working out the bugs, but the current results are more than encouraging.
Are you interested in starting out with Arduino but don’t know which kit to get? Check out the Microcontroller Quick Launch Pack from the Maker Shed! It’s the perfect “in between” kit for Arduino.
Phil asks: “A geek friend of mine suffered a stroke last week and will be in a rehabilitation hospital for a few weeks. His room has WiFi in it. I’d like to make him a device with a single rocker switch (or slider switch) where he can indicate whether he is up for having visitors.”
Not something you’ll see at CES :) This is really cool, lots of people will be able to quickly crank out shields on site for the Arduinos at workshops and/or at home.
If you’re planning to build a robot with an Arduino, you’ll likely need a motor shield to drive your motors! The Official Arduino Motor Shield, now available in the Maker Shed fits right on top of your Arduino Uno (or compatible) microcontroller and uses a full-bridge L298 driver to provide 2 channels with 5-12V at 2 amps per channel.
Want to get started with e-textiles? The new Lilypad Beginner’s Kit, available in the Maker Shed, includes everything you need – right down to needles and thread. Your e-textile creations will be able to sense and react to light and temperature with LEDs, buzzers, and vibrating motors.
