The final week at the CU Fab Lab we learned how to use arduinos. We also learned how to read, write, and edit basic computer programs. Arduinos are ideal for prototyping devices. They utilize affordable open source hardware and software. They also sell kits which include all the parts you need to achieve your goal. Arduino was first introduced in 2005 and it has blown up into a multimillion dollar company.

In the lab we experimented with tuning a LED light, directing a motor, and making conductive fabric touch sensitive. The most interesting experiment was exploring the conductive fabric capabilities. This essentially created a resistance biosensor. When the resistance greatly increased once the fabric was touched which could be registered by a computer as “being touched.” It was fun to combine my knowledge from biosensors into an actual sensor. Arduinos are ideal for future device development.