Arduino has set its microcontroller-enabled sights on solving the challenge of cumbersome wiring during the initial phases of project development. Announced today, the new Plug and Make kit combines the power of the recently-released UNO R4 controller with the easy interconnections enabled by the Qwiic wiring harness system to accelerate novices and devs to the more important tasks of programming.

The Importance of Accelerated Prototyping

As any robotics or automation student can relate, the process of building breakout circuits and connecting wires can be very cumbersome in the early stages of project development. Many years ago, steps were taken to reduce this complexity with the introduction of specific protocols like SPI (the serial peripheral interface) or iic (inter-integrated circuit, also called I2C or I2C).

Prototyping and programming are faster processes once the wiring is removed from the equation with Arduino’s new kit.

Prototyping and programming are faster processes once the wiring is removed from the equation with Arduino’s new kit. Image used courtesy of Arduino

While these protocols can be very useful for complex projects, they can be difficult to integrate into early projects. Users must understand addresses, libraries, pin layouts on controller boards, and various other parameters. Maker company Sparkfun introduced the ‘Qwiic’ connection system, using a standard JST connector arrangement that daisy chains many modules onto the I2C pins.

Arduino’s New Plug and Make

The new Plug and Make kit from Arduino is built on the foundation of the UNO version R4, now over a year old. This controller features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, an integrated 12×8 LED matrix array, the Qwiic header, and (great for us industrial hardware folks) tolerance to 24 V DC power supply inputs.

The kit expands the basic processor with the new Modulino system which, as the name implies, consists of modular I/O devices. In this kit, there are 7 I/O modules included:

  • Tactile push buttons: a set of three momentary inputs for digital controls.
  • Rotary knob: a more analog type of control for variable inputs or selections.
  • Buzzer: purely output, but great for audio indication and remote monitoring of conditions.
  • LED strip: visual outputs for bar graphs or dynamic, colorful displays.
  • 6-axis IMU: inertial measurements for orientation and acceleration algorithms.
  • Temp/humidity sensor: basic environmental monitoring with analog values.
  • TOF sensor: distance sensing for proximity calculations and tracking.

To make the entire system even easier to use, the kit includes a base with mounting brackets for a nearly endless combination of sensors and the controller base. 

The Plug and Make kit features the UNO R4, 7 I/O modules, and a convenient base unit.

The Plug and Make kit features the UNO R4, 7 I/O modules, and a convenient base unit. Image used courtesy of Arduino

Ease of Programming

Simplifying the hardware connections is a great first step, but many new learners also encounter challenges when getting started with programming, “How do I make my first project?”

The Plug and Make kit includes 7 projects that guide users through the construction, programming, and even Arduino Cloud connection for real-world solutions to everyday challenges.

  • Weather report: measure and display the temp and humidity at your home
  • Hourglass: digital timekeeping for cooking, chores, or to help the kids share toys!
  • Eco monitor: keep those houseplants in perfect operating condition 
  • Game controller: custom control with the Bluetooth HID command library
  • Sonic synthesizer: keep the tunes rocking (or at least buzzing), DJ-style
  • Smart lights: remote control for lights and accessories with cloud access
  • Touchless lamp: control light brightness without the work of actually touching anything

What Can You Do With Arduino?

The Arduino community is one of the largest that can be found anywhere online, with projects spanning from simple push-button lights up to massive industrial networking interfaces, and everything in between. All About Circuits and Control Automation host a number of awesome projects to get started with the Arduino hardware and IDE.

How To Control a DC Motor with an Arduino

Shake It Off! A Digital Drawing Pad Inspired by the Iconic Etch A Sketch

Creating a DCO-based Audio Synthesizer With an Arduino Nano

Recreating PLC Ladder Logic in an Arduino C/C++ IDE

PLC Ladder Logic on an Arduino: Introduction to OpenPLC

With Arduino, it’s not a matter of asking what can you make, but rather, what will you make?

Let’s us know down below in the comments if you’re working on any cool Arduino projects.