The Arduino Open Source Platform

Arduino is an open source physical computing platform based on a simple microcontroller and a free user friendly software development environment that implements a simple programming language based on Processing (processing.org). Since its release in 2006 the Arduino has become a widespread sensation. Beginner and intermediate electronics hobbyists have taken advantage of Arduino's easy interface and programming language to create the most unique and fun interactive objects.

Sensors (light, sound, temperature, etc...) are used to collect data from the environment and actuators (motors, lights, buzzers, displays, etc...) react according to the information gathered, resulting in objects that can interact with their environment and with each other. To make things even more exciting, these objects can be connected to the Internet and interact with computers and other objects around the world. This rising trend dubbed "The Internet of Things" can be explored at Pachube.com, where a large community of users collect and/or share information about their remote environments on what is known as a real-time data brokerage platform.