Arduino users challenged to build solutions for robotics contest

Contestants are required to tap into the extensive range of boards, libraries and online platform available within the Arduino ecosystem. Project ideas for use in industrial automation could target remote control, energy management or predictive maintenance, for example, using the Arduino Create Cloud platform to set up, control and connect Arduino-, Intel- and Arm-based devices.

Robotics projects could include designs for surveillance drones, robotic arms, rovers, or self-drive transportation, using boards such as the Arduino MKR1000 or Arduino Due to read sensors and control motors and actuators for prototyping advanced robotics systems.

Prizes will be awarded based on originality, quality, creativity and the social impact of project entries. During the first 'ideas' phase of the contest, which involves concept creation, bill of materials, schematics and code, there will be a series of micro contests, with weekly prizes handed out from supporting companies RND Group and Seeed Studio.

Contestants selected to proceed to the second 'build' phase will each be awarded a Distrelec voucher to the value of €75 to spend on Distrelec online store. Phase 2 contestants will compete to execute their concepts and present a working solution.

The final winning entries will receive:
1st place: Trip to Rome Maker Faire on 12th October 2018, plus a Keithley Tabletop Multimeter

2nd place: Weller Soldering Station and accessories

3rd -10th place: Seeed Studio Grove Starter Kit

Arduino Co-founder, Massimo Banzi said: "Innovation is key to the development of industrial automation, data exchange and robotics in today's manufacturing technologies. By setting this challenge to Arduino users our aim is to engage our community to take advantage of the Arduino ecosystem to bring faster, cheaper and more effective solutions to Industry 4.0."

"Developing the next generation of industry IoT solutions - what could be more important for our future? Innovation allowing greater automation is transforming how we live our lives." said Neil Harrison, Distrelec CEO.

"At Distrelec the products we supply go into everything from automated production lines to sophisticated robotics - applications driving human progress. One way we can help is to identify and nurture aspiring engineers and offer them the tools they need. That's why we're joining Arduino in the search for tomorrow's IoT solutions."