Kit to challenge engineering students

ARDUINO, THE open- source electronics platform based on easy-to- use hardware and software, has team up with mathematical computing software provider, MathWorks, to produce the Arduino Engineering Kit.

The product, powered by MATLAB and Simulink software, is aimed at reinforcing the importance of Arduino at the university level in the fields of engineering, Internet of Things, and robotics. The Arduino Engineering Kit consists of three cutting- edge, Arduino- based projects that teach students how to build modern electronic devices – challenging them intellectually and helping them develop physical engineering skills that will better prepare them to enter the commercial market following graduation.

“Our goal is to have a significant impact on the next generation of engineers. To do that, we have been working hard to develop educational products that can inspire students around the world with a strong emphasis on a project- based educational approach,” said Fabio Violante, Arduino CEO. “We designed the Arduino Engineering Kit the way we would have liked to have learned mechatronics, control algorithms, state machines, and complex sensing when we were in our first years of engineering school: in a fun and challenging way,” said his Arduino co-founder David Cuartielles.

The kit contains an easy-to-use Arduino MKR1000 board, several customised parts, and a complete set of electrical and mechanical components needed to assemble all three projects:

• Self- balancing motorcycle: This motorcycle will maneuver on its own on various terrains and remain upright using a flywheel for balance.

• Mobile rover: This vehicle can navigate between given reference points, move objects with a forklift, and much more.

• Whiteboard drawing robot: This amazing robot can take a drawing it’s given and replicate it on a whiteboard.

In addition to the hardware included, after registering online, the student will have access to a dedicated e- learning platform and other learning materials. Additionally, they are granted a one-year individual licence for MATLAB and Simulink, which provides them with hands- on experience in system modeling and embedded algorithm development.

“Today’s engineers are being asked to build increasingly smart, autonomous and connected systems,” said Roy Lurie, vice president of engineering, MATLAB products at MathWorks. “The Arduino Engineering Kit with MATLAB and Simulink gives students a unique, hands- on experience with the tools that are used to build these systems by engineers around the world.”

Over the years Arduino has been the brain of thousands of projects, from everyday objects to complex scientific instruments, says the developer. A worldwide community of makers – students, hobbyists, artists, programmers, and professionals – has gathered around this open- source platform, their contributions have added up to an incredible amount of accessible knowledge that can be of great help to novices and experts alike.