RS sensor development kit gets OSHWA thumbs-up

13th April 2023

Mick Elliott

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RS Group says its DesignSpark Environmental Sensor Development Kit (ESDK) has been certified by the Open-Source Hardware Association (OSHWA).

The aims of the OSHWA are to foster technological knowledge and encourage research that is accessible, collaborative and respects user freedom. The OSHWA certification awarded to RS DesignSpark’s ESDK recognises that the kit meets a uniform and well-defined standard for open-source compliance.

The certification provides users with the knowledge that the definition of ‘open-source hardware’ used by a specific project matches the community definition of open-source hardware. It also creates a legally binding and unique logo that can only be used by projects that comply with the community definition.

Developed as part of RS Design Spark’s #ActivistEngineeringcampaign, the ESDK is an advanced open-source and cloud-connected platform that makes it easy to prototype custom sensor-based solutions.

Use of the DesignSpark ESDK has supported DesignSpark members in designing projects such as the ‘Breathe Better Bear’ and ‘The Good Air Canary’, two typical projects that have been developed based on the capabilities of the ESDK for air quality measurement. The ESDK can also be deployed in many scenarios including a host of IoT applications that have a need for a small Linux computer with an integrated touchscreen and GPS capability.

“RS and the DesignSpark team are delighted to have gained this certification from the OSHWA,” said Mike Bray, vice-president of DesignSpark at RS. “Our newly certified open-source ESDK has energised the DesignSpark community to develop many innovative projects based on measurement of air quality around the globe. These projects are free to everyone and are designed to help deliver affordable solutions and make the planet more sustainable.”

Open-source hardware is a term for physical objects whose design has been released to allow anyone to make, modify, distribute and use.

DesignSpark is RS’ fast-growing online community for engineers, which offers a suite of design tools, development kits such as the ESDK, comprehensive 2D/3D and electronics part libraries, and a host of design resources including technical articles, projects, and community forums.