Comparisons are sometimes unbecoming. In the case of BoardX, however, it’s absolutely needed. Turns out an inventive DIY enthusiast needed a platform with more oomph than your average Arduino chip. What he came up with was BoardX. The BoardX is currently being developed by entrepreneur Kevin Green and a bunch of like-minded roboticists over at Virginia Tech. There is a problem though: BoardX needs funding.
What is BoardX?
According to the official BoardX:
BoardX is a collection of electronic circuit boards that stack on top of one another to share resources, communicate, and extend the functionality of one another. This system is built on the motherboard that acts as both an electrical and structural foundation. All functionality, including processors, come as add-ons.
True to the Arduino spirit, the 97 x 87.66mm BoardX is being marketed as an open-source platform to stimulate the creativity of its users. Once Kevin Green gets enough funding (a generous $20,000) from interested backers, the BoardX goes live for $59. There’s a whole shopping list at the BoardX HQ, check it out.
Why BoardX Stands Out
BoardX stands out in the crowded field of DIY electronics for several reasons. Firstly, its modular design allows users to customize their setups extensively. Unlike traditional single-board microcontrollers, BoardX’s stackable nature means that users can add or remove functionalities as needed. This flexibility is particularly appealing for advanced projects that require more than what a standard Arduino can offer.
For example, if you are working on a robotics project that requires multiple sensors and actuators, you can stack the necessary modules on the BoardX motherboard. This eliminates the need for complex wiring and makes the entire setup more manageable. Additionally, the open-source nature of BoardX means that users can develop and share their own modules, further expanding the platform’s capabilities.
Another significant advantage is the processing power. While Arduino boards are excellent for simple tasks, they can struggle with more demanding applications. BoardX addresses this by allowing users to choose from a range of processors, depending on their needs. This makes it suitable for a broader range of applications, from simple hobby projects to more complex industrial tasks.
Potential Applications
The potential applications for BoardX are vast. In the field of education, for instance, it can serve as a versatile teaching tool. Educators can use it to demonstrate basic electronic principles and then gradually introduce more complex concepts as students become more comfortable with the platform. Its modularity makes it easy to adapt to different learning levels.
In the realm of home automation, BoardX can be used to create custom smart home solutions. Whether it’s controlling lighting, monitoring security systems, or managing energy consumption, the platform’s flexibility allows for tailored solutions that meet specific needs.
For hobbyists and makers, BoardX offers a playground for creativity. Imagine building a custom drone with advanced navigation capabilities or a weather station that collects and analyzes environmental data. The possibilities are limited only by the user’s imagination and technical skills.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite its promising features, BoardX faces several challenges. The most immediate is funding. Kevin Green and his team need to raise $20,000 to bring the project to life. While this may seem like a modest amount in the world of tech startups, securing funding can be a significant hurdle. However, the growing interest in DIY electronics and the maker movement could work in their favor.
Another challenge is competition. The market for DIY electronics platforms is already crowded, with established players like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and BeagleBone. To succeed, BoardX will need to carve out a niche and demonstrate clear advantages over these existing solutions.
Looking ahead, the future prospects for BoardX are bright. If it can secure the necessary funding and build a strong community of users and developers, it has the potential to become a staple in the DIY electronics world. Its unique combination of modularity, flexibility, and open-source ethos makes it a compelling option for anyone interested in electronics, from beginners to seasoned professionals.
Source Gizmag
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