RS Components has launched its DesignSpark #ActivistEngineering program, further reinforcing the company's commitment to attracting and inspiring design engineers worldwide to "make wonders for a better world."
The plan launched a pilot project to address the growing problem of air pollution, especially indoor pollution caused by particulates in the air, household odors and gases, carbon dioxide and others.
The Air Quality project urges the engineering community's more than 1 million registered members to help design, build and deploy a global network of portable indoor air quality monitors for use in homes, workplaces or other public indoor Spaces, and to share the collected data back into the community.
The DesignSpark environment sensor development platform is built on Raspberry Pi SBC with wireless connectivity to the cloud. The kit includes an array of air quality sensor modules that plug into a Raspberry Pi compatible board with a touch screen. The platform and 3D-printed casing are optimized for the Raspberry Pi model 3B+, but any model can be used. It is also compatible with PMOD and can be connected to a large number of PMOD add-on boards.
Also in support of the project, the company released a new cloud-enabled open source prototype platform, which includes open source hardware and code created in collaboration with partners.
The project will take place in three phases over six months starting in November 2021, with a small group of participants in the first phase selected to Alpha the sensor development platform. These users will create and share inspiring projects with the community in preparation for the second phase of the project, which will be extended to all members with a chance to win one of 50 sensor kits. Commercial supply will follow in the final stages.
Mike Bray, Head of Electrocomponents innovation & Design Spark Group said："Sustainability is critical to the future of our planet, which is why we are calling on engineers around the world to harness their skills and take action," "Through programs like this, we hope engineers will work together to create sustainable designs that will positively impact people and communities."
