Line Following Robot
Kaizer85 built this Line Following Robot as a project at SDU, is looks quite well done. It can navigate around small objects and wait for larger objects to be removed from the way. Via: Geeks Inside
Complex Hacks
Knock to Open Door
Sprite Mods sent in a fantastic Knock to Open Door hack that they have just come up with. It is a door that will unlock when the correct knock pattern is performed. Funny thing is I had a similar idea a few years ago except my idea was to use the door bell as an input device and use bi-color LEDs mounted inside the door bell as indicators to allow
DIY Open Source MIDI Keyboard
If you are musically inclined this Open Source MIDI Keyboard hack might be something that you would be interested in. Using this system you could start with an inexpensive keyboard as demonstrated or use anything else that you see fit. “This project details the steps to build your own Open Source (musical) keyboard which connects to a computer via USB and sends MIDI signals. This is achieved using an AN2131
New Computer Interface Devices
Above is a video of what could be the next generation of computer interface. It is obviously very raw but if it were mounted in a mouse shaped device and made wireless it could be a winner. Actually it would be very similar to the Wiimote since the Wiimote uses accelerometers to read controller movement and Bluetooth to transmit that data to the controller. Popular Science gave an invention
DIY Pick and Place Machine
I wouldn’t have thought that I would ever see a home made surface mount pick and place machine. But if someone can pull it off it would be the creator of the worlds fastest electric motorcycle! “The below video clip is of my CNC Taig mill setup as a surface mount Pick and Place machine. It’s slow, but it’s more fun watching it do the work then it is
PIC Microcontroller Spud Gun
This PIC Microcontroller Spud Gun looks to be well built and constructed. The PIC controller allows for lots of safety features such as only allowing a single charge of fuel and ensuring that there is a projectile in place before fuel can be introduced. Watch the video to the end to see a ball get fired. “This project is definitely not small potatoes — three barrels loaded with spuds
Gesture Controlled Lamps using the Arduino Microcontroller
These Gesture Controlled Lamps use the Arduino Microcontroller to detect movement and adjust the lights accordingly. If you want to get your hands on a free Arduino microcontroller have a look at the latest uC Hobby giveaway. “Gestures in front of any lamp affect all the lamps. The lamps all show the same display, but it depends on which lamp generated the triggering event. For those of you new to