Created by Dutch startup Avionics Control Systems, Plug ‘N’ IoT is an extremely easy way for Makers of all levels to design connected gizmos and gadgets. Whether it’s a securing a home with motion sensors or tracking a cat through GPS, anything is possible with four clicks of the mouse on a PC.
The aim of Plug ‘N’ IoT is to make easy and accessible for everyone to create their own Internet of Things projects, whether it is for security purposes such as setting up a proximity sensor next to their front doors, or just for fun – track your pets’ whereabouts in the neighbourhood via GPS, for example.
How it works is pretty straightforward: A user plugs a sensor into the unit, drags and drops the suitable libraries on the interface, and uploads the code to the board. That’s it.
What makes Plug ‘N’ IoT different from other microprocessors in the market is that the core processor used in it is the most powerful one out of all Arduino boards and has 16 times more memory. Plug ’N’ IoT comes in two versions: basic and premium. Both models are comprised of an Atmel | SMART SAM3X8E processor, a GSM module and connectors, with the latter also including a shield. The Cortex-M3-based MCU boasts 512 KB of memory, operates at 84Mhz and features a maximum of 103 I/O pins. What’s more, the unit is compatible with just about every sensor and Arduino shield available today.
The device is meant for everyone – no programming experience required. Of course, people with knowledge on programming and coding can also develop their own libraries and sketches and use them on the device, as Plug ‘N’ IoT is totally open source.
Have an idea for an Internet of Things project that you’d like to bring to life? Head over to Plug ‘N’ IoT’s official Kickstarter page, where the Avionics Control Systems crew is currently seeking 35,000€.
