Arduino is an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software. Anyone interested in creating interactive objects can “play” with Arduino! Described ...

The board also has direct control for a servo motor. Other features include a RGB LED strip driver circuit supporting over 1A per channel and an Ethernet controller.

In recent episodes, she taught her audience how to build squishy circuits with LEDs and a heartbeat-sensor pendant using LilyPad, an Arduino microcontroller board designed for textiles.

Two new development kits that require Arduino programming skills could make it easier for the do-it-yourself set to build electronics and wearable devices.

For $30, Intel's Arduino 101 board provides an easy path for makers to build a wearable computer, a mini-robot or a smart appliance for the home.