Arduino and Arduino-compatible microcontrollers are essentially simple computers that we can easily embed in our projects. They enable us to sense input and create output in a huge number of ways. Buttons, touchsensitive areas, environmental sensors, and more can feed into these computers. Lights, sound movements, and more can feed out. Controlling these with a little bit of programmable logic allows us to create devices with a huge range of interactions.

This all sounds very computer-y, but Arduinos are designed to be embedded, so are often hidden away in things that don't look like computers. We look at some fantastic projects that showcase the range of things you can make with these microcontrollers. It's become a cliché to say that the only limit is your imagination, but these boards are sufficiently powerful and flexible to mean that it's very nearly true. You can add interactions, simple or complex, to almost any project. What's even better is that they're designed to be easy to use.

Projects include:

• Build a four-legged walking robot


• Create a Tetris-inspired clock


• Grow your own veg with hydroponics


• Make music with a DIY synthesizer


• And much more!

Now that you've picked up this book, it's time to get started and create your own amazing Arduino project.