What is an Arduino?
It consists of two parts: the hardware and the software, and with these you can build almost anything. I am not kidding when I say almost anything; the sheer number of projects is astounding! Check out instructables.com for a short list of projects https://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Projects/ and they’re just the best of!
The Arduino microcontroller has a nearly limitless array of innovative applications for everything from robotics and lighting to games and gardening! From the ridiculous to the downright amazing we’re going to go through a list of some of our favorites.
Lets start with a funny one:
The Useless Machine
Exactly what it says on the tin, you flick a switch and a hand (depending on your theme) will come out and turn the switch off.
You can make your own here
Now for something I’d like to say is a little tamer, but I’d be lying –
An Animatronic Iron Man Mk 3 Suit
No, I haven’t lost my mind and yes, somebody did indeed make this complete with shoulder rocket pods, hip pods, forearm missile, back flaps and helmet. The helmet has wireless control via XBee radios. The boots light up and make sound while walking by using an infrared distance sensor in the boot to trigger the effect. I nearly expect Jervis to start talking when I see this thing; it’s as if it is stepping right out of the movie screen. Though certainly not an easy thing to make, this suit would fascinate me for days, looking at the little intricacies and difficulties faced when building.
You don’t need Tony Starks’ fortune to build one, just follow the instructions here
Aqua Feeder
If you’re like me and you are constantly busy but, oh no you forgot to feed your sea creature, look no further than the Aqua Feeder (that almost rhymed – I’m so proud!).
The Aqua Feeder is exactly what it sounds like, a fish feeder. It’s a relatively easy project but gosh has it saved lives; fish lives but lives nonetheless.
As you can see in the video, one of the servomotors opens the aquarium lid. Then, another servo rotates the fish food container so as to drop it into the water. It then closes the lid. The feeder does this twice a day, at times that can be set using Bluetooth!
That is practical.
Find the instructions here
Now for something I cant wait to build!
Charliexplexed LED Clock
This clock is so pretty; I want one for every room in my apartment. It is gorgeous; who needs a clock face anymore when you can have lights.They are not the cheapest things to build, but you can style it however you want using the LEDs and some lines of code.
Instructions to build this can be found here
Sigh Collector
Back to the strange a Sigh Collector – yes you are correct, it collects sighs, but why?
Well, because you can program this device to measure your sighs per day. This is really one of those things that you put down to being a piece of art than having a practical use.
Not sure why you would want to but the instructions to build this can be found here. Maybe you can find a proper use for this invention.
In Conclusion
The possibilities are endless with an Arduino. If you want the weird, wacky and wild or just want something practical, there’s something there for everyone. From making a Sigh Collector to a fully functioning Animatronic Iron Man Suit or inventing something yourself, you really can’t go wrong. Buy one for Christmas, your birthday, your half birthday or whatever have you coming up. You need to at least give it a go.
Have you any inventions you wish to share with us.
Let us know your ideas!
Mint Tek is building a platform and a network of PCB manufacturing and hardware prototype assembly partners to make this process simple, cost-effective and easy for busy hardware developers.
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