element14 Community launches “Upcycle IoT” design challenge | IoT Now News & Reports

element14, an Avnet Community, in collaboration with Microchip, launched “Upcycle IoT” (internet of things) design challenge, an initiative aimed at inspiring the element14 Community to repurpose electronic waste into new IoT-connected projects. The challenge invites community members to breathe new life into old or malfunctioning electronic devices by integrating them into their IoT creations.

Among the community, 20 selected participants will receive a Microchip SAM E51 Curiosity Nano and a selection of MikroE click boards. They will have opportunity to utilise these components to give new life to old hardware through an IoT upgrade or revive a failed control board. Throughout this process, participants will also gain insights into the art of upcycling and have the chance to compete for prizes

“With more than 50 million metric tons of e-waste generated globally, we’re excited to launch a challenge that educates our community about upcycling while reducing some of the e-waste for the year,” says Dianne Kibbey, global head of community and social media for element14. “We’re looking forward to seeing the creative ways our members bring new life to a project and generate great results.”

Designers participating in challenge can let their imaginations run potentially creating projects such as:

• Upgrading a malfunctioning washing machine with IoT capabilities to notify users when the laundry is complete
• Adding a remote notification system to a child’s electric scooter to remind them when it’s time to head home
• Repairing broken laboratory equipment and enabling it to report findings to an IoT data platform
• Modernising an outdated air conditioning unit into a smart, IoT-connected device controllable via a smartphone app

For more details about the “Upcycle IoT” challenge and to register for the competition, please visit here.

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