Arduino | open source programming and micro-controller

"Arduino is an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software. It's intended for artists, designers, hobbyists and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments. Arduino can sense the environment by receiving input from a variety of sensors and can affect its surroundings by controlling lights, motors, and other actuators. The microcontroller on the board is programmed using the Arduino programming language (based on Wiring) and the Arduino development environment (based on Processing). Arduino projects can be stand-alone or they can communicate with software running on a computer (e.g. Flash, Processing, MaxMSP)."

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Your imagination + Arduino = Anything

Here's Massimo Banzi's TED talk on Arduinos. It's a wonderful talk for anyone who has an imagination and a desire to do cool things with technology.

Some of the projects he mentions are:

• An RFID-powered cat feeder to make sure Fido doesn't eat Felix's food.
• A quadcopter powered by Arduino
• A TV that mutes itself when Kim Kardasian comes on.
• New musical instruments
• A glove that interprets sign-language and prints the message the signer is signing.
• A PS3 interface that allows children with limited movement to play games
• Plants that tweet, and even...
• A chair that tweet when someone farts.

Description:
"Massimo Banzi helped invent the Arduino, a tiny, easy-to-use open-source microcontroller that's inspired thousands of people around the world to make the coolest things they can imagine -- from toys to satellite gear. Because, as he says, "You don't need anyone's permission to make something great." "