The Forget Me Not Design Challenge is focused on the IoT using the new Raspberry Pi B+. Contestants are using the SBC in their projects with a centralized theme on home-automation.
Raspberry Pi B+ releases, it was only a matter of time before it would be used for IoT (Internet of Things). Now, it seems 20 people are already using it for home automation!
As we all know, the IoT is on the rise with more devices and appliances being connected every year. The same can be said for open-sourced hardware and software, which opens up doors for the maker community to design their own projects leveraging those resources. Combine the two and you have an almost unlimited platform to build on, which is instrumental for the Forget Me Not Design Challenge (ending on October 21). 20 contestants entered the fray to answer unique questions such as ‘did I leave the stove on when I left the house,’ ‘Did I lock the front door as I was leaving,’ and perhaps more importantly ‘did I remember to feed the pets while I’m away?’ As you can imagine, those are just a few of the questions that can be answered with IoT-based devices and home automation plays a huge roll in this area. Home automation allows users to control and interact with appliances, lighting and security systems (to name a few) remotely or through a centralized control system. Sure, there are kits on the market that can automate just about everything from TVs to washing machines, but they are limited in scope and aren’t as versatile as DIY systems based on the new Raspberry Pi B+, which is what this contest is all about.
Some highlights I have liked so far...
The contestants in this contest are using the Pi along with an EnOcean EDA 350 sensor kit (and other hardware/software) to design some interesting home automation projects that range in scope from automatic pet feeding to smart security systems. Most revolve around easy-to-use home automation and monitoring using a series of sensors, switches and actuators, such as Abhijit Bose’s SCHO project, which uses the hardware to provide security, monitor moisture levels in gardens and to control electrical outlets. His design will also be able to monitor and feed pets using a time-based feeder.
Contestant Todd Cowley is doing something similar with his IoT for Everyone project, which will provide security, automate a fish tank (lighting, water levels and feeding) and adjust lighting when using the entertainment center. (HEY! Don’t copy my Goldie project!!!!)
Some contestants are focusing primarily on one IoT solution rather than the ‘encompass everything’ approach, such as Jeremy Kuek’s Modern Security System. His project will use the Pi as the brains of the system, which will use self-powered wireless sensors for monitoring the home and will fire-off an email if an alert is triggered. It will also provide a web user interface that can be accessed through the user’s browser of choice.
Frederick Vandenbosh's concept. Potentially a winner, if he includes cat videos. You know how the internet loves cats.
Frederick Vandenbosh’s project on the other hand, is designed to take care of our pets while we are away. His IoT Pet Care System will monitor food and water levels and dispense them when needed. This would allow users to garner real-time information on the health of their pets based on their food/water intake. Are they eating and drinking regularly and why if they are not? Those could be signs of a problem and would allow the users to contact friends or family members who live nearby to check on them. Some great 3D printed components makes this project look pretty pro.
The Forget Me Not Design Challenge is currently in mid-throes of the competition with several weeks left to go for the contestants to complete their projects. While all the projects are great in their own right, there can be only one winner. Actually, the runner up and community choice winner will also receive awards as well.
So, what’s on tap for the winners as far as prizes go? The Grand Prize winner will receive a Tektronix MDO3104 Oscilloscope, a full license for EnOcean Link Middleware, an EnOcean EDK 350 sensor kit and an all-expenses paid trip to eLectronica 2014. That’s over $20,000 in prizes! The runner up will receive a Rapiro DIY robot kit and an EnOcean kit, with the community choice winner receiving their own EnOcean sensor kit, both being great prize packages in their own right. Those interested can follow the progress of each contestant as they update their build blogs with information as it becomes available- http://www.element14.com/community/docs/DOC-68629?ICID=FMN-topban-links.
It will be interesting to see who will grab the top prize, as of now, it’s anyone’s game and the competition is just getting started!
C
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