Massimo Banzi, once said that a person does not need anyone’s permission to create something great.
Holding on to this belief, Banzi co-founded Arduino. Right from the inception of Arduino, this tiny and easy to use microcontroller has inspired many to do the coolest projects from baby toys to LED cubes.
What is Arduino?
Arduino is a prototyping platform for open-source electronics based on an easy-to-use and flexible software and hardware. It is like a computer that you can simply program to perform different things. Arduino uses lights, electronic sensors, and motors to interact with the world and to make some hardcore electronic gadgets accessible to many people. It can be used for sending and receiving serial commands, store data in a flash, and much more.
Arduino has been popular amongst designers, artists, and people who are interested in creating unique and interactive projects. However, one of the most intimidating things to conquer is the fact that you are going to have to program the Arduino before you can utilize it in a project. Once you overcome this hurdle, you are set to create all kinds of software and operational scenarios. Here are some of the best creations using Arduino hardware
Garage Door Opener
This project is an excellent example of Arduino’s strength to communicate with the surrounding world. An Arduino is creatively used in this project and lets you contact it by using your mobile phone to open your garage door.
The Magic Dragon
The use of this little magical hardware is not limited to the younger generation, but many toys have also been transformed into some really cool gadgets for kids.
Arduino can be used to design a magic dragon, along with some other robots, that find a heat source, move towards it and eventually put the fire out.
Tweet the Coffee Pot
If you are returning home after a hectic day at the office and want some freshly brewed coffee prepared, simply tweet your coffee pot.
With just eight easy steps and a little hardware, this project gives you a unique use for Arduino and is an impressive way to pose your DIY knowledge to your Twitter followers.
Laser Harp
Have you always been amazed by dancing lasers? Now you can easily create one of your own by using Arduino hardware.
With this little hardware, you can make use of your favorite music along with laser display in an amazing way to immensely impress your friends.
Arduino Thermostat
If you are facing a lot of trouble in dealing with your thermostat at home, then try an Arduino powered thermostat. The project sends a query to your PC which then seeks the advice of Google calendar and determines the best temperature for your home.
LED Cubes
This is one of the more colourful creations that has utlized Arduino hardware. The 8x8x8 LED Cube is controlled by the Arduino and makes around 512 LEDs. This is a project that has been tried out by many people all around the world to create beautiful glowing LED cubes.
Pollutant Sensor
How about saving hundreds of dollars by not buying a pollutant detector? Well now you can easily save yourself from some bugs by replacing your pollutant detector with this Arduino made the sensor.
This makes it easier for you to monitor the air quality. With the use of a gas sensor, it allows the Arduino to attain the sense of smell.
Telephone Ringer
This project was designed to a particular client with hearing loss as an elderly. With this project, the device is only connected to a wireline ordinary telephone circuit which produces a ring bell on the speaker. This design, however, is customizable for different hearing loss needs.