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This episode of Coders dives into hardware as well as software by taking a look at the open-source hardware platform known as Arduino.
RCR Wireless contributor and Executive Producer for Superpixel Studios, Victor Agreda, Jr. is joined by Chris Martin, Executive Producer at RCRtv.
Arduino began in 2005 as a project in Italy, designed for students. In the past 10 years the user base has grown considerably, and as a totally free open source project, many variants of the basic Arduino hardware have been implemented. Also, the basic configuration can be extended by using “shields,” such as a WiFi shield to provide WLAN capabilities, or a GSM shield to tap into GPRS networks.
Most often Arduino is used to make sense of the outside world. Sensors connected to the in/out ports can relay information or be used to actuate nearly anything via Arduino’s built in CPU and I/O port. Programming the Arduino using basic C/C+ syntax, developers can quickly prototype interfaces or test ideas. This is a particular boon to the Internet of Things.
While Arduino has a significant hobbyist and educational following, industrial uses abound for the microcontroller. The only issue is that of shielding, but due to the nature of the open source project, anyone can add custom shielding and deviate from the basic format Arduino may use. By sticking to the foundations of the Arduino specification, anyone who implements a custom variation can still tap into the open source community around the device for help.
As a simple microcontroller, Arduino has made noise due to its low cost, open nature and reliable performance. As a tool for industry, Arduino has only just begun.