Microduino

Thanks for your questions, I'll do my best to answer them here:

A1: We didn’t want to build something like another Raspberry Pi – we wanted something more flexible that could be easily customized in hardware as well as software to fit the projects people wanted to build. We also wanted to move away from the notion that working with electronics meant being good at wiring things to other things, being good at soldering and good at repairing connections.

Instead, mCookie was designed as a way of leveling the playing field so that novice and expert inventors and builders alike could create electronics projects without specialist tools and without advanced programming skills being essential – though still useful if you have them. mCookie appeals to advanced users and beginners and can be used by both to learn about and create advanced, highly customizable creations. That's our selling point.

A2: We have already developed more integrated, more advanced modules that we will announce in the near future. But, I do think stackable is a good feature, it's much easier for one to make the connection.

A3: What we like about our product is that it's small, powerful, stackable and LEGO-compatible. We believe our modules are much more expansive than Arduino, but at a much smaller size (about the size of a quarter).

Our modules have other advantages - they connect magnetically, they are LEGO-compatible, you can use scratch programming or the Arduino IDE - we have a variety of good differentiators that set us apart from Arduino.

Thanks again!

My favorite project someone came up with was the Smart Egg project. Essentially, they used Microduino and a sensor, hidden inside a fake egg, to get information on an endangered species of vulture. You can read more about the project here: http://www.eggduino.org/wp/

And here: https://www.microduino.cc/project/view?id=5401ebb538b1150000adf2e3

I think the essence of maker culture is taking something from an idea to realization. We are trying to encourage kids to go beyond coming up with an idea - we're giving them the tools to create. We are providing them with the perfect tool/toy to easily build something in their mind and build confidence in their heart.

Hi Chris, thanks for your question.

Our modules are small, stackable and powerful (and, they are compatible with Arduino). Our modules ultimately provide more expandability in a much, much smaller size, about the size of a quarter.

Our modules are much easier to connect as they are magnetic and support LEGO. We also use scratch programming, which makes it easier for people who do not know how to code (those that do can still use the Arduino IDE). Overall, our goal was to make this the easiest tool possible, and to help everyone, including novices, bring their ideas to life.

I know Microduino can certainly help. We have been doing Microduino creative classes in many schools and universities. All teachers and students loved it.

We also believe it is important to support maker spaces at schools. I understand your point about awkwardly sticking something into an already packed curriculum, which is why maker spaces and clubs are a great way to bring maker culture into the education system.

With Microduino modules, students can easily build something themselves, without long development cycles, messy wires or dangerous soldering. It is an ideal way to help students be creative and learn critical technical skills.