Brampton’s MakerSpace Creative Hub, hosted at the downtown Brampton Library branch, has added Arduino kits to its impressive array of hands-on technology fun.
Arduinois a tool for making computers that can sense and control more of the physical world than average desktop computers. It’s an open-source physical computing platform based on a simple microcontroller board and a development environment for writing software for the board. Arduino can be used to develop interactive objects, taking inputs from a variety of switches or sensors and controlling a variety of lights, motors and other physical outputs.
Brampton City Councillor Jeff Bowman, Chair, Economic Development Committee, is excited about the ever-expanding potential of the MakerSpace Creative Hub: “Now there’s even more opportunity for the next generation of creative professionals to get interactive with technology, develop new skills, and be inspired with new entrepreneurial ideas. We’re very pleased to be involved in this great project to support the creative economy in Brampton.”
The basic coding and microcontrollers will allow users to experiment with and develop a wide range of fun and useful projects. Some examples include a smart phone garage door opener, home automation, a talking clock, and robots that perform a wide variety of functions.
All programs at the MakerSpace, including the Arduino program, are run by technical experts from the Sheridan College Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Design Technologies (CAMDT). With expert guidance available on-site, multiple online project resources and a global community of Arduino aficionados, imagination is the only limit to what can be done.
The MakerSpace Creative Hub is a place where innovation happens with hands-on access to technology tools and resources, and collaborative problem-solving. Users can experiment with 3D printing, play with robotics and design a renovation project – or the next CN Tower – with architectural modelling software. With Arduino added to the mix, there are now virtually endless outlets for creative energy.
The MakerSpace Creative Hub is the product of a partnership between Sheridan College, Brampton Library and the City of Brampton. Its goal is to support the creative economy in Brampton by engaging community groups, attracting entrepreneurship and introducing technology resources to a wider audience, thereby helping to foster the development of 21st century job skills.
The Arduino kits will be available for a 4 pm Tuesday, January 13 drop-in at the MakerSpace at the Brampton Library – Four Corners Branch (65 Queen St E).