You know how in sci-fi stories, children of the future or alien races always seem to be building complex electronics with their toys (and sometimes even C-3PO. Grumble grumble)? Ayah Bdeir wants to make that a reality with modular, snap-together electronics parts called littleBits that allow anyone to easily construct electronics prototypes.
The goal of littleBits is to allow people with little electronics experience to build prototypes of ideas they might have themselves. The components are divided into easy to understand, color coded types like power sources, input devices, outputs like speakers and lights, or extender wires, and they snap together with magnets to form some pretty complex designs.
The littleBits have been called “LEGOs for the iPad generation” a whole lot, and you can see why when you look at how easy it is to mix and match them and create some really neat devices, which we absolutely would’ve sunk as much childhood time into as we did with our LEGOs. Take a look:
The best part is that this isn’t just a great Kickstarter like a lot of fun elecronics toys we see. This is a real product that you can buy right now, and then you or your kids (recommended 8 and up) can experiment and bring your own ideas to life.
You can also check out Bdeir’s TED talk on why it’s important for electronics, which are quickly becoming the basic building block of our society, to be accessible for all people and not just “experts.”
(MITNews via Phys.org, image via littleBits)
- These are way more useful than the Force toy
- There’s also a kit that lets you build a portable game system
- GoldieBlox had a similar idea about engineering
