The first release is the Seeed Studio hardware innovation platform, specializing in open-source electronic modules and embedded devices for designers and makers. The platform includes the Grove series of modules and starter kits, such as the GrovePi+ Starter Kit for Raspberry Pi and the BeagleBone Green, among others.
The Grove series is a collection of single-function modules with standard connectors. The system offers a simple, building-block approach that simplifies circuit creation without the need for soldering or breadboards. Each module includes documentation and sample code. Grove starter kits also include expansion boards for microcontrollers, such as the Arduino Uno, and a selection of Grove modules.
The BeagleBone Green is a Linux-based development board designed for fast interaction, with general-purpose I/O, and is based on the open-source hardware design of the BeagleBone Black. It includes two Grove connectors that allow the board to be connected to sensors without the need for a daughterboard. Additionally, the Grove Starter Kit for the BeagleBone Green contains 10 modules and three detailed guides to help users quickly create their projects.
The second product now available from RS is the Arduino Engineering Kit, designed for various users such as engineering students at colleges or universities, engineering teachers who need practical resources to demonstrate engineering concepts, and makers with an interest in or prior knowledge of engineering, whether professionally or as hobbyists.
Along with the Arduino online platform, the kit includes three Arduino-based projects for students to learn fundamental engineering concepts, key aspects of mechatronics, and MATLAB and Simulink programming for systems modeling and embedded algorithm development. Among the projects that can be built with the kit are a self-balancing motorcycle, an all-terrain vehicle, and a robot that draws on a whiteboard. The kit includes an easy-to-use Arduino MKR1000 board, several custom parts, and a complete set of components needed to assemble all three projects.
Finally, RS also offers three educational kits that use Bare Conductive conductive paint: the "printed sensors" kit includes three A5 printed sensors and allows users to integrate touch sensors into any project; the Lamp Kit enables the creation of touch, dimmable, and proximity lamps; and the Pro Kit includes all the necessary tools and resources for prototyping electrical paint projects and touch boards.
Lance Hemmings, Senior Category Manager Semiconductors and Optoelectronics at RS, commented: "The launch of these educational products and technologies is a testament to our ongoing commitment to educators and students, and our belief that it is essential to support young engineering talent, whether they are in high school or university.".
