This shield could be a good alternative to hobby RC controllers for robots that need a customizable open-source motor controller. The PCB design and source code are available on GitHub.

The shield uses HV5812 drivers to handle the high-voltage side of things, a part more typically used to drive vacuum fluorescent displays. There’s also a DHT22 for temperature and humidity ...

OMC has launched a fibre optic transceiver shield for Arduino Uno, designed to work with PMMA (polymer) optical cables up to 25m long, plus demonstration software.

Arduino devices have had the option of a GSM linkup for awhile, but getting that cellular link to truly strut its stuff hasn't always been easy, even for those of us who'd be inclined to program ...

The shield is also compatible with PMMA cables, at up to 25 meters in length, with options for longer distances using high-power emitters or glass fiber.