At Arduino, we believe coding should be accessible to everyone – including the youngest learners. With this in mind, we’re thrilled to announce that the Arduino Alvik robot now officially supports block-based coding!

Coding has never been easier thanks to Alvik’s seamless integration with mBlock, one of the most widely used platforms for educational hardware, available in both desktop and web-based versions compatible with Chromebook, MacBook, and Windows PC. With mBlock’s intuitive block-based coding and Alvik as a tangible, interactive robot companion, elementary students and teachers can explore robotics, mathematics, astronomy, and other engaging projects. 

With the release of the public beta version of the integration in mBlock, Alvik’s new features and improvements will be implemented over time based on feedback from educators.

Beyond coding: bringing all areas of learning to life

Alvik provides a unique, hands-on learning experience. This makes it the ideal tool for elementary-aged students who benefit from interacting with something they can see, touch, and control. They can get immediate feedback on their commands and see the robot’s reactions and movements in real time. 

But Alvik is more than just a gateway to coding; it’s a multidisciplinary tool that can enrich learning across all subjects. This classroom companion truly reflects the spirit of STEAM education, enabling teachers to bring learning to life in creative and often unexpected ways. 

Teaching abstract concepts to elementary-aged students can be tough. However, young children grasp abstract concepts and problem-solving skills more effectively when “learning becomes more hands-on, tangible and interactive”. This is where physical tools like Alvik can make a significant difference.

Through Arduino’s engaging Block-Based Coding and Robotics lesson, children can program their Alvik to perform an array of exciting tasks. These step-by-step project-based activities cover a diverse range of subjects, allowing students to convert abstract concepts into concrete, relatable experiences. This immersive approach is a great way to nurture kids’ natural curiosity and deepen their understanding of challenging topics and ideas.

And it doesn’t stop there. With LEGO^® Technic compatibility and M3 screw connectors, Alvik becomes a canvas for creativity. Students can customize and decorate their robot for special occasions like Halloween and Christmas, blending art design with engineering and making the learning process even more personal and engaging.

With Alvik, kids aren’t just learning to code – they’re learning to think creatively and critically, and explore a wide range of subjects in a way of solving real-life tasks.

Why choose Alvik with block-based coding for primary school?

1. Enhances engagement with a child-friendly interface – Based on the popular Scratch platform created by MIT, mBlock is crafted specifically for elementary-aged students. With its game-like elements, vibrant colors, and instant visual feedback, block-based coding lowers the entry barrier and makes programming fun and engaging for learners of all ages.

2. Builds confidence at an early age – Block-based coding helps eliminate common frustrations like syntax errors, which can hinder young learners in text-based programming. Instead, students experience early success as they watch the Alvik robot follow their commands – boosting their confidence and love for creating more.

3. Makes interdisciplinary learning easy – Following the lessons available in Arduino’s dedicated online platform, elementary-aged teachers could enhance the students’ knowledge of various subject matters through playing and hands-on creative projects.

4. Simplifies abstract concepts – Abstract coding concepts such as loops, conditionals, and variables can be difficult for young students to grasp. Block-based coding provides a visual and interactive way to understand these concepts. Blocks represent specific functions and operations, making abstract ideas more concrete.

5. Supports the transition to text-based coding – Block-based coding with Alvik isn’t just a fun starting point – it’s a bridge to more advanced learning. As students advance, they can easily transition from blocks to text-based coding languages like MicroPython with a simple click of a button. This seamless shift lets students build on their skills and dive deeper into the world of programming at their own pace. And you won’t have to worry about purchasing separate hardware either, as students can program their Alvik robot by following the lessons in Arduino’s Explore Robotics in MicroPython course.

6. Supports Chromebook – The mBlock web platform works across Chromebooks, Windows PCs, and MacBooks, so students and teachers can jump into their projects on any device, anytime.

A wealth of support at your fingertips

We know that stepping into the world of coding can feel like a challenge, especially for elementary teachers without a computer science background. That’s why Alvik comes with free access to dedicated learning resources with project-based lesson plans, step-by-step tutorials, and engaging activities. These are currently available in English, Italian and Spanish, with more lessons coming soon. Utilizing both Alvik and mBlock means teachers can lead their students into the world of coding and robotics (and beyond!) with confidence.

Ready to get started?

With Arduino’s strong reputation for innovation and mBlock’s child-friendly platform, we’re combining our strengths to make learning robotics and coding more engaging and enjoyable than ever before. 

Are you ready to inspire the next generation of innovators? Bring the joy of coding into your classroom with Alvik! 

Visit our online store to buy your Arduino Alvik robot today.

You can also visit our list of education partners to contact a local distributor for more information or to make a purchase.

The post Easy and fun block-based coding with the Alvik robot is here, now Chromebook compatible! appeared first on Arduino Blog.

Arduino and Microchip are excited to open electronica – the “world’s leading trade fair and conference for electronics” – by introducing the Arduino UNO SPE Shield, a powerful ally to bring advanced connectivity to new and existing projects, with Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE) and RS485. 

SPE is a new Ethernet communication standard that enables power and data to coexist on a single pair of wires, referred to as Power over Data Line (PoDL). This allows for faster data transfer and reduced wiring complexity and costs, leading to more streamlined and rapid deployment of integrated strategies for the automation of buildings, factories, and processes, in the context of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). 

By incorporating RS485 connectivity, the Arduino UNO SPE Shield becomes a versatile tool for upgrading RS485 legacy systems or integrating modern technologies with current infrastructures, creating a seamless bridge between the old and the new.

As a valuable new addition to the Arduino ecosystem, the Arduino UNO SPE Shield offers plug-and-play compatibility with Arduino UNO R4 – catering to a broad spectrum of innovators, from DIY enthusiasts to engineers developing cutting-edge solutions for industrial applications.

A powerful partnership

The SPE Shield was created in collaboration with Microchip, a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control and processing solutions, by using its LAN8651B1T-E/LMX Single Pair Ethernet MAC-PHY.

In recognition of this joint effort, Martin Miller, Director of Automotive Information Systems at Microchip remarked: “Our collaboration with Arduino in launching the new SPE Shield aims to empower the maker and engineering communities by providing them with advanced tools to drive new breakthroughs. This solution represents our commitment to developing and delivering flexible, connected and scalable solutions for the future.”

Indeed, the partnership has allowed for a product that delivers both cutting-edge, reliable technology as well as versatility and a user-friendly experience. 

Fabio Violante, CEO of Arduino, commented: “The Arduino UNO SPE Shield represents a pivotal step in accelerating the adoption of 10BASE-T1S technology across industry and maker communities alike. By bringing single-pair Ethernet to our globally trusted platform, we’re making this game-changing standard accessible to millions of innovators worldwide. What sets our implementation apart is our unique addition of Power over Data Lines capabilities – an industry-first feature that extends beyond the standard specifications to unlock entirely new possibilities for powered, single-cable solutions. This powerful combination of standardized communication and innovative power delivery empowers developers to create more elegant, cost-effective connected systems that bridge today’s industrial requirements with tomorrow’s possibilities. Whether you’re retrofitting legacy equipment or prototyping next-generation IoT devices, the UNO SPE Shield delivers the essential building blocks for modern industrial communication in our signature easy-to-use Arduino format.”

Key benefits of the Arduino UNO SPE Shield

• Fast and reliable data transfer with Single-Pair Ethernet.
• Reduced wiring complexity and lower project costs.
• Versatile use across industries from smart factories to energy monitoring.
• Seamless integration with the widest range of technologies, ensuring a quick start with minimal setup.
• Plug-and-play compatibility with Arduino’s major maker platform for makers at all levels.
• Open-source support with a dedicated Arduino library to streamline programming and development.

Revolutionizing connectivity across industries

The Arduino UNO SPE Shield enables enhanced innovation across a wide array of fields, solving real-world challenges from smart buildings to prototyping IoT devices. 

For instance, with the Arduino UNO SPE Shield interconnected building management solutions can easily combine smart lighting, HVAC, and security devices with energy monitoring systems – all integrated via a central control system powered by SPE and RS485.

In general, the new SPE standard is considered a game changer for the connection of field devices and sensors. For example, in smart-grid monitoring the SPE Shield provides seamless connectivity between energy meters, solar inverters, and battery storage systems, delivering real-time data to the cloud. 

In factory automation, adopting SPE can reduce wiring costs, node costs, and power consumption, while enabling data communications via a single pair of wires. Being able to effortlessly retrofit legacy RS485 equipment with this technology only adds to the benefits of the Arduino UNO SPE Shield.

In the automotive industry, combining SPE and RS485 allows for solutions that bridge advanced systems with legacy components, enabling comprehensive monitoring of engine health and fuel efficiency in connected vehicles. 

Last but not least, the SPE Shield’s unique combination of ultra-fast data transfer, real-time connectivity and seamless integration with legacy components facilitates quick testing and refinement of prototypes, accelerating the development of new ideas.

Connect to your next innovation, with Arduino UNO SPE Shield. Sign up for the waiting list to be the first to know when it’s available for purchase!

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We’re thrilled to announce that Arduino Education has been shortlisted for the Bett Awards 2025, this time in the AV, VR/AR, Robotics, or Digital Device category with our Alvik robot! This recognition highlights our dedication to innovation, inclusivity, and the advancement of practical STEM education.

The Bett Awards celebrate leading-edge technology in education, with entries evaluated on key criteria such as innovation, curriculum suitability, online safety, research evidence, customer support and more.

About the Alvik robot

Alvik is an adaptable, lifelong learning robot that supports educators and students as they transition from block-based programming to text-based coding using MicroPython and Arduino language. It enables them to explore robotics and tackle real-life challenges with comprehensive learning content. However, Alvik isn’t just designed to teach programming and robotics; it can also enhance students’ understanding of topics like mathematics and astronomy, along with other engaging projects. Alvik’s curriculum-aligned course makes it an ideal fit for today’s classrooms, empowering students with hands-on skills and a strong foundation in STEAM.

But what truly sets Alvik apart from other educational robots is its limitless potential for customization. Students and teachers can easily add external sensors using the I2C Grove and Qwiic plug-and-play connectors, eliminating the need for soldering or complex wiring. Additionally, the LEGO® Technic and M3 screw connectors encourage hands-on creativity, allowing users to build custom components and further expand Alvik’s capabilities.

We’re honored to be recognized once again, and we can’t wait to attend Bett in just a couple of months. The winners will be announced at the Bett Awards 2025 Ceremony on January 22nd at The Brewery, London. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Good designers prioritize the user experience — particularly the experience of users with disabilities that affect their perception and fine motor skills. A young person without disabilities, for example, may feel that jars are easy to open, while an elderly person with reduced hand strength may have the complete opposite experience. To help designers better understand the experience of people living with disabilities related to hand dexterity, a team of graduate students from Keio University and the University of Maryland developed DexteriSync.

DexteriSync is an exoskeleton-like device worn on the hand. But unlike most exoskeletons, DexteriSync reduces the user’s ability instead of expanding it. It does so via thermal manipulation. If you’ve ever had numb hands following a snowball fight, you know how much the cold can affect your dexterity. In fact, skin temperature is one of the biggest factors related to hand and finger dexterity. By controlling the user’s skin temperature, DexteriSync is able to induce a reduction in dexterity and that could be useful to designers that want to make their products accessible to those living with disabilities.

DexteriSync is able to cool the wearer’s skin by pumping cold water through tubes attached to the 3D-printed exoskeleton frame. Copper contacts on the tubes help to make the thermal transfer more efficient. Peltier coolers remove heat from the pumped water, with an Arduino UNO Rev3 board controlling that process and monitoring the water temperature with a K-type thermocouple paired with a MAX6675 amplifier.

The team performed two user studies to evaluate DexteriSync. The first was intended to test the dexterity of users. The goal of the second was to determine if DexteriSync could affect user thermal perception. Both studies found that DexteriSync did have a noticeable effect.

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Wouldn’t it be great if, while playing a virtual reality game, you could feel the heat of a fire on your arm? Or the cold of chilly water? Engineers around the world have been trying to make that happen, but there is a big problem: temperature changes are slow. The immersive effect diminishes when the thermal feedback lags behind the virtual cause. That’s why a team from South Korea’s Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology turned to motors to dramatically speed up the process.

The Flip-Pelt wearable device relies on Peltier elements to create heating and cooling effects, which is a common strategy for thermal feedback. Peltier elements use electricity to produce thermal transfer, heating one side of the element while simultaneously cooling the other side. By placing a Peltier element against the skin, it is possible to create a cooling or heating sensation on demand.

But it takes a long time to reverse the thermal transfer — changing a side of the Peltier element from hot to cold is too slow to be useful for VR thermal feedback. So, the Flip-Pelt prototype doesn’t even bother. Instead, it keeps the Peltier elements going in just one direction and physically swaps the side of the elements that touch the user’s skin.

The prototype Flip-Pelt device contains eight Peltier elements arranged in two rows along the inside of the user’s forearm. Eight servo motors, controlled by an Arduino Nano 33 IoT board, can flip the elements from the cool side to the hot side in response to events in the VR world. The Arduino also controls the Peltier elements themselves through H-bridges, so it can adjust the power going to each.

While this is relatively complex, it does create almost instant changes in perceived temperature.

You can read more about the project in the team’s published paper here.

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OPC Unified Architecture – OPC UA in short – is a cross-platform, open-source machine-to-machine communication protocol for industrial automation. It was developed by the Open Platform Communications (OPC) Foundation and is defined in detail in the IEC 62541 standard.

With the release of the Arduino_OPC_UA library we enable users to convert any product from our Arduino Opta range into an OPC UA-enabled device. 

Step-by-step guide to setting up OPC UA on Arduino Opta

It’s as simple as uploading a single sketch onto your Opta and connecting it to an Ethernet network. Once uploaded, the OPC UA firmware exposes the Arduino Opta’s analog and digital inputs, the user button and LED (only Arduino Opta WiFi), as well as its relay outputs as properties that can be read from or written to using OPC UA. OPC UA communication is performed using OPC UA binary encoding via TCP sockets.

Arduino_OPC_UA is a port of the Fraunhofer open62541 library implementing IEC 62541 in highly portable C99 for both Windows and Linux targets. One serious challenge during the porting of open62541 was to decide on sensible tradeoffs concerning RAM consumption, as using OPC UAs full namespace zero (NS0) requires up to 8 MB of RAM while the STM32H747 powering the Arduino Opta has a total of 1 MB of SRAM to offer – some of which already allocated by the the Arduino framework for the Arduino Opta.

Expand functionality with Arduino Opta Modules and OPC UA integration

Additionally, Arduino_OPC_UA supports the automatic discovery, configuration and exposure as OPC UA objects of the recently released Arduino Opta expansion modules. Currently three different expansion modules exist: Arduino Opta Analog Expansion (A0602), Arduino Opta Digital Expansion with electro-mechanical relay outputs (D1608E), and with solid-state relay outputs (DS1608S). During system start-up, the Arduino Opta’s expansion bus is queried for connected expansion modules and automatically configures them and brings them online for interfacing via OPC UA.

You can extend the default OPC UA server to add additional OPC UA properties such as data collected from a sensor device connected to the Arduino Opta. As a demonstration, we’ve created an example showing how to collect temperature and humidity data from a Modbus RTU device (connected to the Opta’s RS485 port) and subsequently expose this data via OPC UA properties.

How will you use the new Arduino_OPC_UA library? Let us know in the comments below or share your newest projects on Project Hub! 

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Arduino is excited to announce a strategic new partnership with RS/OKdo, a prominent leader in the distribution of industrial and electronic equipment. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in bringing Arduino’s technology closer to China’s thriving maker community and enterprise sector, offering enhanced local support and access to original Arduino boards and resources.

Empowering a growing community in China

With over 2.7 million  active users of the Arduino IDE in China, one of our top priorities is to deliver an even better experience for the Arduino Community. This partnership with RS/OKdo means users will enjoy more local language content, technical support, competitive pricing, and most importantly, easier access to official Arduino products.

Official Arduino boards, certified for China

As part of this initiative, a range of classic and most popular Arduino boards has been specifically manufactured for the Chinese market. These boards are exactly the same as Arduino’s global versions of the same products, produced in Italy to Arduino’s highest standards, tested rigorously for quality and performance. Each product , although certified exclusively for the Chinese market, matches the same technical specifications and high-quality benchmarks as those sold worldwide. The boards are available only through RS/OKdo and Arduino/OKdo’s authorized sub-distributors. They have unique Arduino MPNs but with a _CN suffix:

• Arduino UNO R4 Wifi (ABX00087_CN)
• Arduino UNO R4 Minima (ABX00080_CN)
• Arduino UNO R3 (A000066_CN)
• Arduino Nano ESP32  with (ABX00083_CN)  and without (ABX00092_CN) headers
• Arduino Nano R3 (A000005_CN)
• Arduino Mega 2560 (A000067_CN)
• Arduino DUE (A000062_CN)

^{Front & back of official UNO R4 WiFi – SKU ABX00087_CN}

^{Front & back of official UNO R3 – SKU A000066_CN}

Expanding local support for enterprise transformation

In addition to supporting makers, RS/OKdo  will provide enhanced technical support to enterprise customers, empowering companies to transform their business operations with Arduino Pro solutions. This deeper level of assistance will help bridge the gap between local businesses and advanced IoT and industrial automation tools.

A stronger connection to China’s maker community

Fabio Violante, CEO of Arduino, commented: “This partnership with RS/OKdo is a strategic step to bring Arduino closer to China’s vibrant maker community and local enterprises,” said Fabio Violante, CEO of Arduino. “Through this collaboration, we’re able to make our technology more accessible, offering Chinese users an authentic Arduino experience with localized technical support, certified products, and our renowned quality. We’re excited to see how this synergy will foster innovation and support digital transformation in such a dynamic market.”

David Shen, Vice President – Asia Pacific of RS/OKdo added, “This partnership opens up new & exciting opportunities for both companies in the dynamic markets of China and, most importantly, for our customers to access genuine Arduino products and technical support through a network of authorized sub-distributors. Arduino and RS/OKdo are working together to bring even better customer experience to purchase genuine Arduino products backed by an iron-clad product warranty in China. We’re excited to see the amazing possibilities that Arduino and RS/OKdo can bring to the local market together.”

Join us on this journey!

Our partnership with RS/OKdo is a commitment to fostering innovation and expanding access to Arduino’s world-class technology in China. Whether you’re an individual maker or a company ready to transform with IoT, Arduino and RS/OKdo  are here to support your journey. Keep an eye out for official Arduino boards at RS/OKdo, and get ready to create, innovate, and inspire!

The post Arduino partners with RS/OKdo strategically to further expand the China Market appeared first on Arduino Blog.

Halloween is popular for a lot of reasons and it is safe to say that “creative expression” is near the top of the list. That extends beyond store-bought costumes and decorations to DIY projects. If you want an excuse to make something impractical, Halloween can provide that. And if you want that thing to move, an Arduino and Bottango software are there to help, as proven by this disturbing animatronic Halloween doll built by Cameron Coward.

Coward started with a creepy doll procured at a thrift store, putting its porcelain head, hands, and feet onto a 3D-printed skeleton. The skeleton’s arms and legs are four-bar linkages, which produce the unnerving motion that falls into the uncanny valley. In total, there are five servo motors: one for rotating the head and four for actuating the limbs. 

An Arduino UNO Rev3 board controls the servo motors through an Adafruit 16-channel PWM servo driver board. That Arduino acts as a hardware driver for Bottango, which is software that was developed specifically for animatronics projects like this one. 

Using Bottango, Coward was able to create complex animations that involve all of the servo motors moving simultaneously. A child-size onesie (another thrift store find) covers the skeleton and electronics, completing the illusion of a doll come to life. 

The post This disturbing Halloween doll was brought to life with Bottango appeared first on Arduino Blog.

Want to upgrade your skills and become a certified Arduino engineer? Welcome to the Arduino Academy, the go-to platform for hands-on, interactive learning designed to prepare you for the future of technology. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance your career, the Academy offers cutting-edge courses that will give you a competitive edge leveraging the leading open-source ecosystem in the world.

Arduino Education Goes Pro

Capitalizing on Arduino’s extensive experience in the education space and the success of the industrial-grade professional products in the Arduino Pro range, the Arduino Academy offers self-paced courses that facilitate deep learning with hands-on labs. 

Designed for all skill levels, it provides certifications and badges for LinkedIn integration and allows progress tracking, flexible navigation, and personalized learning paths. 

Each course includes built-in quizzes, discussions, and multimedia content and is mobile-friendly for learning on the go. Like all Arduino initiatives, it comes with the support of a dynamic global community of 33+ million active users, always ready to help and contribute!

Master PLC Programming Basics with ACE-100 

The first course in the Arduino Academy is Opta Essentials (ACE-100), where you’ll jump right into industrial automation, gaining essential PLC programming skills using Ladder Diagram and Arduino Language (based on C++).

Designed to engage you in hands-on projects, ACE-100 gives you practical experience for real-world applications – like designing a bottle-filling conveyor system. You’ll learn to connect the Arduino Opta with Arduino Cloud, enhancing your automation capabilities, and unlock your creativity with the cost-effective Opta Trainer Kit, available through authorized partners, PLC Cables and DigiKey.

This self-paced, 16-hour course is perfect for those eager to learn PLC programming using Arduino IDE and PLC IDE. It covers the five languages in the IEC 61131-3 standard. ACE-100 is the ideal starting point for diving into Industrial IoT (IIoT) and was designed by the Arduino team for a broad audience, including students, professional embedded engineers, and companies looking to train their employees or provide them with valuable self-training. 

Last but not least, ACE-100 is free! Enroll now to take advantage of this transformative learning experience.

Stay tuned; more courses are in the works and will be released soon! Ready to take the plunge? Head to the Arduino Academy and begin your journey toward becoming an expert in the fields of embedded and automation technologies, with Arduino.

The post Introducing Arduino Academy: your path to becoming an Arduino-certified engineer begins! appeared first on Arduino Blog.

We are excited to announce our latest partnership with Truesense, a leader in ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, known for its innovative software and hardware solutions.

This collaboration enhances our ecosystem of hardware products, software solutions, and cloud services, providing developers worldwide with professional-grade tools. Our focus is on delivering highly accurate real-time location systems and tracking solutions.

Compared to other wireless connectivity options like Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi®, UWB offers superior accuracy for ranging and positioning, operates within a less congested radio spectrum, and coexists with technologies like Wi-Fi® and NFC without interference. Additionally, UWB’s enhanced physical layer (PHY) supports advanced security features such as cryptography and random number generation, making it ideal for applications requiring secure communication.

Through our partnership with Truesense, we envision a future where seamless applications gather precise, real-time information from the environment, allowing machines to make quick, accurate decisions without human intervention.

Collaborating with Truesense empowers us to enrich our offerings with advanced technology that meets the needs of the growing number of users who rely on Arduino’s open-source solutions for innovation. Partnerships like these are essential to expanding possibilities within the Arduino community.

Armando Caltabiano, CEO of Truesense, commented, “We are excited to partner with Arduino to bring innovative UWB solutions to the market. We are combining the accuracy and secure ranging of our UWB technology with the leading open-source ecosystem, to provide developers with powerful tools to quickly build robust smart IoT and Industrial real-time tracking systems. This partnership showcases our commitment to making UWB technology widely accessible for developers and innovators.”

Fabio Violante, CEO of Arduino, added, “This partnership with Truesense is crucial for the Arduino community as it provides access to advanced UWB technology through open and accessible Arduino libraries. By integrating cutting-edge hardware into our ecosystem, we’re empowering developers to create sophisticated applications without barriers. These tools will enable our users to push the boundaries of innovation, bringing highly accurate, real-time tracking and secure communication to a wider audience.”

Together, Arduino and Truesense are committed to delivering high-performance, accessible solutions that enable the development of next-generation projects, from industrial applications to consumer electronics, empowering developers to create cutting-edge UWB applications.

The post Arduino and Truesense partner to bring UWB technology to millions appeared first on Arduino Blog.

Raising chickens can be a very rewarding endeavor, as they can provide fresh daily eggs and help get rid of pests in the yard. But, like all animals, they require care. Most importantly, you’ll need to ensure that they have regular food and water, and you’ll need to protect them from predators like coyotes, foxes, and cats. To ease the workload, you may want to consider building Coders Cafe’s DIY smart chicken coop that features AI-based predator detection.

The purpose of a coop, aside from being a comfy place for chickens to roost, is to provide protection from weather and predators. This design is pretty small and is probably only suitable for one or two chickens, but the concepts can be applied to larger coops. It provides a few very useful features: remote or automated feeding, remote or automated door operation, and predator detection with remote notifications. You’ll never have to worry that you forgot to feed the chickens or that you left the door open, and you can respond immediately if you get a notification about a predator.

An Arduino UNO R4 WiFi board oversees those features, operating the door and dispensing food using simple motor-driven mechanisms. A companion app lets the user set an automated door and food schedule, or perform those actions with the tap of the button. A Twilio app integration enables SMS alerts.

The predator-detecting magic works thanks to DFRobot’s HuskyLens AI camera sensor. Users can train that to recognize specific predators and then it will tell the Arduino if it sees one. That communication occurs over I2C and is easy to setup, removing all of the difficulty of implementing AI. 

The post This DIY smart chicken coop features AI-based predator detection appeared first on Arduino Blog.

We’re excited to announce the release of the web-based version of the Arduino Lab for MicroPython Editor. This lightweight platform makes it even easier to code with MicroPython using Arduino hardware such as Alvik, Nano ESP32, Nano RP2040 Connect, Nano 33 BLE Sense – and more! You can check the full list of MicroPython-compatible Arduino hardware at this link.

What’s more, if you are a Chromebook user, now you can simply edit, run, and save MicroPython code on your board, as well as upload your files (assets or code), directly in the browser (Chrome, Opera, and Edge are supported). 

Please note that the editor is still in its “lab” phase, so expect ongoing changes, improvements, and bug fixes of course. 

Program Alvik robot with your Chromebook!

The web-based Arduino Lab for MicroPython Editor allows students and teachers using Chromebook to easily program Arduino Alvik in the classroom, expanding the possibilities for them to create more robotics projects. Check out our free online course to start your adventure with Alvik, MicroPython and more! 

What is MicroPython?

MicroPython is a lightweight version of Python^® designed to run on microcontrollers, allowing you to control hardware like sensors and motors with just a few lines of code. It’s great for beginners because Python^® is known for being simple and readable, making it easier to dive into electronics without needing deep programming knowledge. 

Plus, since MicroPython works well with Arduino boards, you can take advantage of our incredible open-source community, tutorials, and tools. It’s a perfect fit for exploring hardware projects in a friendly and accessible way!

Ready to give it a try? Test it out now! The web-based Arduino Lab for MicroPython Editor can be accessed from the Resources section in our app.arduino.cc or directly from https://lab-micropython.arduino.cc.

The post The web-based Arduino Lab for MicroPython Editor is out! With Chromebook support to code Alvik and more appeared first on Arduino Blog.

The Arduino Cloud has long been a trusted platform for makers, engineers, and developers to manage their IoT projects with ease. From tracking sensor data to automating smart devices, the cloud enables seamless connectivity. Complementing this, the Arduino IoT Remote mobile app gives users the power to monitor and interact with their dashboards from anywhere. Now, we’re excited to announce a new feature that enhances your experience even further: the ability to change dashboard layouts directly through the mobile app!

Let’s dive into this exciting new update, along with some other minor features recently added to improve your experience.

Change your dashboard layouts from the IoT Remote App

Previously, modifying or rearranging the layout of your IoT dashboards was only possible through the browser on a PC. While this worked well for desktop users, it wasn’t convenient for those who needed to make changes on the go. With the latest update, you can now modify the “mobile view” of your dashboard directly through the Arduino IoT Remote app.

It’s important to note that Arduino Cloud dashboards have two distinct views: mobile and desktop. This new feature allows you to customize the layout specifically for your mobile devices, without affecting the desktop version. So whether you’re monitoring your projects on your phone or tablet, you can now optimize the layout for a mobile-friendly experience.

By customizing the mobile view, you gain more control over how your data is displayed and interacted with on your phone—perfect for users who need a quick overview and control of their IoT systems while away from their desktops.

How to use the new layout feature

Using this new feature is simple. Here’s how you can rearrange your dashboard layout in the IoT Remote mobile app:

• Open the Arduino IoT Remote app and log into your account.
• Navigate to the dashboard you want to modify.
• On the Settings menu of the dashboard, tap the  Rearrange button.
• Select a widget by clicking on it, and move it around the dashboard to the new location or change its size.
• Click on CANCEL to discard your changes or on SAVE to save your changes, and your updated layout will be visible across all your mobile devices.

What else is new on the IoT Remote app? 

In addition to the layout customization feature, during the past months we’ve introduced several minor updates to make your app experience even smoother:

• Sync dashboard cover image: Now, you can set a cover image for your dashboard, and it will automatically sync across all your devices. Whether for branding, personalization, or easy recognition, this feature ensures visual consistency on every device you use.
• Disable trigger from Notification Detail: You can now enable or disable a trigger directly from the Notification Detail screen. This feature provides quick control over automated actions, helping you fine-tune your project with minimal hassle.
• Clear notifications via the Activity Manage Panel: Keep your notifications organized by clearing them all from the new Activity Manage Panel. This helps you stay focused by removing unnecessary clutter from your feed.

Install the Arduino IoT Remote on your mobile phone

These new features make it easier than ever to stay on top of your IoT projects from anywhere with your mobile phone. Whether you’re monitoring, controlling, or tweaking your dashboard, the Arduino IoT Remote app is the perfect tool for the job, and it’s free!

Ready to experience these new updates? Download the Arduino IoT Remote app today from the App Store or Google Play and take full control of your IoT projects from the convenience of your mobile device.

The post How to customize your Arduino Cloud IoT dashboards on the go appeared first on Arduino Blog.

It’s not surprising that the Arduino community is packed to the brim with examples of gaming-related projects. Both activities tend to attract people with a love for problem-solving, technology, and getting immersed in one challenging activity for hours at a time.

The result is that there are tons of fascinating Arduino projects that revolve around video games. If you enjoy sitting back in your favorite gaming chair and plunging into a world of virtual recreation, you’ll love what we’re sharing here — and maybe you’ll find some inspiration for your next project.

Let’s dive into a few of the best examples of Arduino-driven gaming creations.

Arduino project ideas for gamers

A tiny gaming mouse

The right mouse can make a world of difference in the world of PC gaming — there’s a reason high-end gaming mouses (mice?) can sell for eye-watering amounts of money.

If you want the most finely-tuned, customized mouse possible, though, you’ll have to make it yourself. That’s exactly what Science Shack did with this project — an ultra-light gaming mouse made using Arduino.

Driven by an urge to learn just how tiny a mouse could get, Science Shack embarked on his mission. The result? A mouse that is only 18 cubic centimeters in volume and less than 10 grams in weight.

Check out the full video where Science Shack walks through the process, materials, and the end result.

Handheld toggle switches game

When it comes to gaming, more complex isn’t always better. In fact, the old retro-style, ultra-simple games like Space Invaders are still popular decades on.

In keeping with this philosophy, Redditor ToggleBoss decided to create a handheld gaming device operated by nothing more than a small set of toggles. The device features a simple yet satisfying game on a small LED screen.

ToggleBoss’s project was built with just a handful of components — Arduino code running on a NodeMCU, together with a pull-up resistor for switches and an SSD1306 OLED display..

An LED gaming platform for people with special needs

One of the great things about gaming is that it’s an activity that almost anyone can enjoy.

This is now even more true thanks to Alain Mauer, who constructed this LED gaming platform specifically for people with special needs.

Mauer was inspired to create the project to help his son, Scott, who is non-verbal autistic. Later, he realized it could be enjoyed by many more people, including those with movement restrictions.

The game is a simple, LED-based puzzle operated by easy-to-press buttons on the device. There is no time pressure, and the device is extremely robust and durable.

Best of all, the project is designed to be as easy to replicate as possible. It uses affordable and easily obtained components with the code developed using the Arduino IDE 2. 

Arcade stacker game

Arcades may be associated with a bygone era, but that doesn’t mean we can’t replicate the same excitement and fun in our own homes.

Reddit user enlightened-creature built this arcade-esque stacker game with a 3D-printed case to capture the arcade vibe from anywhere. It’s built using a simple LED screen and some code and is easy to emulate — as proven here by another Arduino fan.

Exercise bike

In our busy, hustle-filled world, riding a stationary bike at home is one of the most convenient ways to get some exercise — saving the time and effort of hitting a gym or sports club.

But there’s one big problem… it’s boring. Programs like Peloton have evolved to help alleviate the tedium, but they’re expensive and not for everyone.

To solve the problem, Arduino user issaom decided to connect their exercise bike to the PC, transforming it as a controller for various driving simulator games. The pedals are, unsurprisingly, used to move forward, and a steering wheel is attached to the handlebars to change direction.

The project employs several components including an Arduino Nano and an Arduino Micro.

Take your gaming projects to the next level

With Arduino, it’s entirely possible to build projects just like these at home, with nothing more than a few easy-to-find components and some basic code.

The Arduino Project Hub is filled with similar examples, in any category you can think of and for all levels of experience. You can filter by project type and difficulty level, and even search for specific projects — plus there’s a specific section for interactive games. Check it out for inspiration and guidance.

The post Using Arduino with gaming appeared first on Arduino Blog.

Common research methods to study the visual system in the laboratory include recording and monitoring neural activity in the presence of sensory stimuli, to help scientists study how neurons encode and respond, for example, to specific visual inputs. 

One of the biggest technical problems in the neural recording setups used in such experiments, is achieving precise synchronization of multiple devices communicating with each other, including microscopes and screens displaying the stimuli, to accurately map neural responses to the visual events.

For example, in the Rompani Lab, a visual neuroscience laboratory at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Rome, the recording system (a two-photon microscope) needs to communicate with the visual stimulation system (composed of two screens) that are used to show visual stimuli while recording neural activity. To synchronize these systems efficiently, they turned to an Arduino UNO Rev3. “Its simplicity, reliability, and ease of integration made it an ideal tool for handling the timing and communication between different devices in the lab,” says Pietro Micheli, PhD student at EMBL Rome. 

How the setups works

The Arduino UNO Rev3 is used to signal to the microscope when the stimulus (which is basically just a short video) starts and when it ends. While the microscope is recording and acquiring frames, a simple firmware tells the UNO to listen to the data stream on a COM port of the computer used to control the visual stimulation. 

Within the Python® script used for controlling the screens, every time a new stimulus starts a command is written on the serial port. The microcontroller reads the command, which can be either ‘H’ or ‘L’, and sets the voltage of the output TTL at pin 9 to 5V or 0V, respectively. This TTL signal goes to the microscope controller, which generates time stamps for the microscope status. These timestamps contain the exact frame numbers of the microscope recording at which the stimulus started (rising edge of the TTL) and ended (falling edge of the TTL).

All this information is essential for the analysis of the recording, as it allows the researchers at EMBL Rome to align the neural responses recorded to the stimulation protocol presented. Once the neural activity is aligned, the downstream analysis can begin, focusing on understanding the deeper brain activity. 

Ever wonder what neurons that are firing look like? 

Micheli shared with us an example of the type of neural activity acquired during an experimental session with the setup described above. 

The small blinking dots are individual neurons recorded from the visual cortex of an awake, behaving mouse. The signal being monitored is the fluorescence of a particular protein produced by neurons, which indicates their activity level. After the light emitted by the neurons has been recorded and digitised, researchers extract fluorescence traces for each neuron. At this point, they can proceed with the analysis of the neural activity, to try to understand how the visual stimuli shown are actually encoded by the recorded neural population.

The post Using Arduino UNO to sync a visual neuroscience lab appeared first on Arduino Blog.

Since the inception of Arduino, the Arduino IDE has been a go-to tool for people learning to code and creating projects ranging from remote-controlled cars to soil moisture monitoring. No wonder it’s been downloaded over 24 million times this year, so far! 

Now if you’ve ever wondered whether you can use Arduino IDE online, you’re not alone. Many Arduino enthusiasts, from hobbyists to professionals, have been asking the same question. The good news? Yes, there is an online Arduino IDE, and it’s called the Arduino Cloud Editor! Available through Arduino Cloud, the Cloud Editor (previously known as the Arduino Web Editor), offers a seamless, free way to code from anywhere without the hassle of traditional software. It gives you peace of mind knowing that there is no risk of losing your valuable sketches – or all the hours you spent developing them.  

Both the traditional Arduino IDE and the Cloud Editor have their strengths, but choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and project requirements. So, in this post, we’ll dive into the details so you can make an informed choice and pick the editor that is most suitable for you.

Arduino IDE: greater control, offline use, and stability

^{Screenshot of the Arduino IDE 2.3.2}

The traditional Arduino IDE is installed on your computer, allowing you to write and upload code directly to your Arduino board via a USB cable. Once installed, the IDE can be used offline, making it a reliable choice for projects in areas with limited or no internet access, for example while camping or in remote work locations.

It gives you complete control over updates, letting you maintain a stable environment by choosing when (or if) to install the latest changes. Plus, it’s equipped with a robust debugger, a serial monitor, and access to thousands of libraries contributed by the Arduino community.

Key features of the desktop IDE include:

• Serial Monitor & Serial Plotter: Essential tools for debugging and visualizing data.
• Library Manager: Access to over 5,000 libraries created by the Arduino community.
• Autocompletion: The easiest way to speed up your coding process.

In short, the traditional IDE offers more control, such as the option to manually update or freeze the version you’re using, and requires only occasional internet connection for updates. 

Who can benefit from the Arduino IDE? Teachers and users who prefer a stable environment without frequent changes may find it particularly valuable.

Arduino Cloud Editor: a convenient Arduino IDE online experience

The Arduino Cloud Editor offers a similar experience to the traditional version but adds the convenience of cloud storage and extra features.

One of its most appealing benefits is accessibility: you can access your projects from any computer, whether you’re at school, at home, or at work. Actually, you can even have them in your backpocket on your smartphone when you’re on the go! Cloud auto saving also ensures you never lose progress due to technical issues, providing a safeguard for your projects.

The Cloud Editor automatically updates itself as well as pre-installed libraries, saving you from manual maintenance. Real-time collaborative coding is another standout feature, enabling teams and students to work together on sketches seamlessly.

The Cloud Editor is available through Arduino Cloud, a full integrated development experience. In other words, it’s part of a bigger ecosystem. You can build IoT projects faster with pre-built templates, customize dashboards to monitor and control your devices remotely, and even integrate voice commands via Alexa or Google Home without writing a single line of code.

^{Screenshot of the templates section in Arduino Cloud}

Who can benefit from the Cloud Editor? Anyone who needs real-time collaboration and easy access to their projects from anywhere.

Which editor should you choose?

The traditional Arduino IDE is ideal for users who need offline access and greater control over updates. It’s faster when compiling and uploading code, and offers advanced debugging tools that the Cloud Editor lacks.

On the other hand, if you need flexibility to work from multiple locations or collaborate in real-time, the Arduino Cloud Editor’s seamless integration with cloud storage and automatic updates make it a more convenient option, especially for beginners. Features like OTA updates are particularly useful for projects requiring frequent, remote updates.

As a quick summary:

Choose the traditional Arduino IDE if:

• You prefer working offline or in remote locations without internet access.
• You want full control over when updates are installed.
• You’re using non-Arduino hardware that requires specific libraries or configurations.

Choose the Arduino Cloud Editor if:

• You want to access and edit your projects from anywhere, on any device.
• You appreciate automatic updates and zero maintenance.
• You’re working on collaborative projects or need to share your work easily.
• You want to build your own IoT dashboards.
• You want to explore over-the-air (OTA) updates.

We’ve summarized the features available in the two editors in the detailed comparison table below, to help you decide which option best suits your project needs.

Ultimately, your choice should reflect your project’s complexity, collaboration needs, and hardware requirements.

How to get started with the IDE of your choice

Having decided which IDE is best for you, are you now ready to dive in? 

To get started with the traditional Arduino IDE, download the software and check out the Arduino Docs guide that shows you how to program using the IDE.

For the Cloud Editor, simply create an Arduino account and explore the detailed Cloud documentation to help you bring your dream project ideas to life!

The post Is there an online Arduino IDE? appeared first on Arduino Blog.

We’re excited to introduce #Virgil, an innovative project that combines the power of Arduino technology with a passion for history, creating a groundbreaking interactive experience for museums. 

Using Arduino’s versatile and scalable ecosystem, #Virgil operates completely offline, allowing visitors to interact with 3D avatars in a seamless and immersive way. The project brings the past to life, offering dialogue-driven encounters with key historical figures thanks to voice recognition and edge AI – with the option to choose among many different languages.

“#Virgil is meant to celebrate the past and, more importantly, open new avenues for education and inspiration. We want to prove how technology, when guided by ethical values, can amplify and perpetuate our cultural heritage in ways that used to be unimaginable,” comments Enrico Benevenuta, coordinator of the Territori Svelati project and AI expert.

Matteo Olivetti, great-grandson of Olivetti’s founder Camillo, drew inspiration from the iconic Divisumma to design a dedicated hardware setup, Olivox. 

Powered by the Portenta X8 and Max Carrier, the device connects via HDMI to any screen, engaging visitors in a rich, interactive experience without the need for smartphones or a stable internet connection. This approach allows the project to adapt easily to different exhibitions and contexts, while offering full control over the visitor experience.

Internationally renowned 3D artist Elvis Morelli was entrusted with creating the first avatar of the project – and it’s no coincidence that Camillo Olivetti was chosen. 

The story of Olivetti resonates deeply with Arduino’s own mission of pushing the boundaries of technology, and #Virgil represents a continuation of that legacy by bridging the gap between the past and future through cutting-edge tools.

To find out more about the project and perhaps have a chat with your favorite pioneer of technology and innovation, visit #Virgil’s booth at the upcoming Maker Faire Rome 2024, booth E.09. Don’t forget to stop by Arduino’s booth N.07 to find out more about our products, and let us know what you asked Camillo!

The post Discover #Virgil: history comes to life with Arduino appeared first on Arduino Blog.

Art and engineering are not separate concepts. There is a great deal of overlap between the two and many modern disciplines increasingly blur those lines. Mónica Rikic is an “electronic artist and creative coder” who embodies that idea: you might remember her and her incredible Arduino UNO R4-powered installations from our blog post last year. In addition to her artistic practice, her technology-forward approach inspires her work as an educator, as she helps her master’s students develop hybrid concepts that use microcontrollers, sensors, lights and a variety of different technologies to create interactive art pieces. The level of creativity that technology is able to unleash is readily apparent in two of her students’ projects: Flora and Simbioceno.

Flora, created by College of Arts & Design of Barcelona students Judit Castells, Paula Jaime, Daniela Guevara, and Mariana Pachón, is a board game in the form of an interactive art installation. It was inspired by nature, with gameplay occurring throughout a simulated ecosystem. An Arduino UNO R4 WiFi board handles the interactive elements, with additional hardware including NFC readers, motors and accompanying drivers, sensors, pumps, LEDs, and more. 

Simbioceno, by Ander Vallejo Larre, Andrea Galano Toro, Pierantonio Mangia, and Rocío Gomez, also uses an UNO R4 WiFi. It consists of two ecosystems: one aquatic and one aerial-terrestrial. They exist in symbiosis, communicating and sharing resources as necessary. Hardware includes LEDs, pumps, and biofeedback sensors. The students put particular thought into the construction materials, many of which are recycled or biomaterials. 

Both projects are interactive art and expressions of creativity. While they do integrate technology, that technology isn’t the focal point. Instead, the technology helps to bring the two experiences to life.Feeling inspired by this creative use of the Arduino platform? We hope you’ll develop your own projects and share them with us and the entire community: contact creators@arduino.cc or upload directly to Project Hub! You could be our next Arduino Star.

The post Technology meets creativity in two interactive art student projects appeared first on Arduino Blog.

In the world of photography, the exposure triangle is immutable. To get a properly exposed photo (not too bright or too dark), you need a balance of aperture size (how much light gets in), shutter speed (how long the light gets in), and ISO (sensitivity to light at the expense of noise). But the shooting situation often limits how the photographer can adjust each parameter. To freeze action, for example, you need a very fast shutter — reducing the light you let in and therefore exposure. To compensate, you might need to use a flash and this DIY device can help with the timing.

There is a reason that photography flash units only come on for a split second (about 1/10,000th of second is normal): they’re incredibly bright and would burn out if left on for any length of time. To freeze action, such as a balloon popping, you need a fast shutter speed. Too slow and the photo will be all blurry. Exact numbers vary, but 1/8,000th of a second isn’t unusual for the mechanical shutter on a modern mirrorless camera. To get proper exposure, you need to time the shutter to open at the exact same time that the flash is illuminating your subject and that is something you could never achieve through manual control.

That’s hardly a new problem and so cameras are capable of releasing the shutter at the proper time in relation to the flash, but how do you sync those two events with whatever action you want to freeze? If that action happens to make a noise, this device is the solution.

This device, based on an Arduino UNO Rev3 board, uses a microphone to listen for loud noises. If a noise exceeds a set threshold, the Arduino triggers the flash. An isolation circuit made with a Reed switch protects the Arduino from the high voltage of the flash. Reed switches are relatively slow, but they’re affordable. For better performance, an opto-isolator could be used instead.

To demonstrate this, students at Rochester Institute of Technology froze the action on some balloon pops and the results look great.

The post Use sound to trigger your camera’s flash with this DIY device appeared first on Arduino Blog.

As climate change continues to worsen, events such as heavy rains, hurricanes, and atmospheric rivers have only intensified, and with them, large amounts of flooding that pose serious risks to life and property. Jude Pullen and Pete Milne, therefore, have responded by creating a “physical app” that can show the potential for flood dangers in real-time with sound, lights, and an ePaper display.

The Arduino Nano 33 IoT powering the Flood Alert device sources its data from the UK Environmental Agency’s API to get statistics on an area’s latest risk level along with an extended description of what to expect. Initially, the electronics were mounted to a breadboard and housed within a cardboard enclosure, but a later revision moved everything to soldered protoboard, a 3D-printed case, and even added a piezoelectric buzzer to generate audible alerts.

For now, the Flood Alert’s sole source of data is the aforementioned API, but Pullen hopes to expand his potential data sources to include “hyper-local” sensors that can all be aggregated and analyzed to give a much more precise view of flooding in a smaller area.

To learn more about Flood Alert and its myriad applications to local communities and beyond, check out the original long read article’ is available at DesignSpark.

The post Get notified of impending floods with this Arduino Nano 33 IoT-based display appeared first on Arduino Blog.