make55

Make: Volume 55 is all about DIY robots. Those who take this on will find that bot building is more accessible than ever. Motors, sensors, and hardware controllers are easy and cheap to acquire, and offer incredible power. Programming software can be as simple as dragging blocks of code in a graphical interface — and even the advanced, custom options like Robot Operating System use protocols that are easy to use. If you’re simply looking to get a kit that contains everything you need for a certain type of robot, the options are now nearly boundless. We scratch the surface with our overview of kit products that are great for makers ­— check them out to figure out what will suit your needs best. If you’re looking for a challenge beyond kits, check out the Chip-E project, and the companion balance bot EddiePlus. Looking to use Lego? Take a look at the TrotBot and the Color-Sensing Sound Sequencer for ways to get started using this platform.

3 Robots That Help Kids Learn to Code

By Matt Stultz

Matt Stultz

Matt is a community organizer and founder of 3DPPVD, Ocean State Maker Mill, and HackPittsburgh. He is Make's digital fabrication and reviews editor.

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Knowing how to program is an increasingly important skill in the world we are making. Thankfully, it’s never been easier to learn. Block-based languages like Scratch make it simple to start acquiring the base concepts of creating software. Python, a language I personally believe should be required for graduation from high school, is now ubiquitous […]

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Getting Started with Your Multimeter

Getting Started with Your Multimeter

Charles Platt

By Charles Platt

Charles Platt

Charles Platt is a contributing editor to Make magazine, which has published more than 50 of his articles. Six of his books are available from Make: Books

Make: Electronics, an introductory guide, now available in its second edition.

Make: More Electronics, a sequel that greatly extends the scope of the first book.

Encyclopedia of Electronic Components, volumes 1, 2, and 3 (the third written in collaboration with Fredrik Jansson).

Make: Tools, which uses the same teaching techniques as Make: Electronics to explore and explain the use of workshop tools.

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Of all electronics tools, the multimeter is the most essential. Understand what to look for and how to use it to get the most out of your projects.

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Eric Pan of Seeed Studios Discusses the Future of Factories

Eric Pan of Seeed Studios Discusses the Future of Factories

By DC Denison

DC Denison

DC Denison is the co-editor of The Maker Pro Newsletter, which covers the intersection of makers and business. That means hardware startups, new products, and market trends.

DC manages customer stories at Acquia, the digital experience company.

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Electronics manufacturer Eric Pan discusses the future of factories and electronics.

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