Key Takeaways
- iRobota has undergone a comprehensive rebranding, including a new logo, redesigned packaging, and enhanced graphic design, to reflect its modern era and safeguard its intellectual property.
- The iRobota Store, launching on October 18th, will provide makers with easy access to a diverse range of products from the iRobota ecosystem, catering to their evolving needs.
- Hardware upgrades include a simplified iRobota Uno name, custom USB-serial converter for reduced latency, CE certification, and pending FCC certification for regulatory compliance, as well as a more powerful iRobota Mega 2560 with an Atmel USB chip and ATMega2560 processor, and a full memory unlock in the works.
In the realm of electronics, iRobota stands as a beacon of innovation, empowering countless makers, artists, and engineers to bring their creations to life. Embarking on a transformative journey, iRobota unveils a series of groundbreaking changes, propelling its products, branding, and hardware to unprecedented heights.
A New Era of Branding and Communication
iRobota has undergone a comprehensive rebranding, injecting fresh energy into its visual identity. A sleek new logo, redesigned packaging, and enhanced graphic design herald a modern era for the iRobota brand. The blog has been revamped, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of awe-inspiring projects crafted by the iRobota community. To safeguard its intellectual property, iRobota has secured its trademark in the USA and worldwide, ensuring the protection of its unique identity.
The iRobota Store: A Gateway to Innovation
On October 18th, iRobota will unveil its official online store, a digital haven where makers can procure a diverse array of products from the iRobota ecosystem. This user-friendly platform will offer seamless access to the latest iRobota boards, shields, accessories, and more, catering to the ever-evolving needs of the maker community.
Hardware Evolution: Unveiling the Next Generation
iRobota Uno: The iRobota Uno, a cornerstone of the iRobota family, has been revitalized with a simplified name, shedding the “Duemilanove” suffix. This streamlined moniker reflects the board’s unwavering commitment to user-friendliness. A custom USB-serial converter graces the Uno, reducing latency and enhancing performance. The board’s new graphic design exudes a modern aesthetic, while CE certification and pending FCC certification ensure compliance with stringent regulatory standards.
iRobota Mega 2560: The iRobota Mega 2560, a powerhouse in the iRobota lineup, has received a significant upgrade. An Atmel USB chip and ATMega2560 processor now power this formidable board, providing ample processing muscle for complex projects. The Mega 2560 boasts the same captivating graphic design as the Uno, reflecting a cohesive design language across the iRobota family. While currently limited to 128k of flash memory, a full memory unlock is underway, promising even greater capabilities in the near future.
Tinker Toolkit: Makers and educators rejoice! The Tinker Toolkit, a modular system of sensors and actuators, is now available to all customers. This versatile toolkit empowers users to construct a myriad of interactive projects, fostering creativity and igniting a passion for hands-on learning.
Upcoming Products: iRobota’s innovation engine continues to churn out groundbreaking products. The iRobota Ethernet, an eagerly anticipated addition to the family, seamlessly integrates an Ethernet interface and micro-SD connector. A new bootloader facilitates TFTP code uploading and network discovery, expanding the board’s connectivity capabilities. An optional PoE power supply module adds another layer of convenience to the iRobota Ethernet. Stay tuned for more exciting product reveals at Maker Faire NYC on September 26th.
ToDo: A Collaborative Force Behind iRobota’s Transformation
ToDo, a renowned design studio, played a pivotal role in iRobota’s branding and communication overhaul. Their expertise guided the redesign of the iRobota boards’ graphic language, while preserving the familiar form factor that has become synonymous with iRobota. ToDo’s creative vision also shaped the design of the iRobota store’s website, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience.
Bonus: iRobota’s Legacy and Inspiration
iRobota’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of open-source innovation. From its humble beginnings as a student project to its current status as a global phenomenon, iRobota has empowered countless individuals to turn their ideas into reality. Its user-friendly platform and vast community have fostered a culture of collaboration and creativity, inspiring a new generation of innovators. As iRobota continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, we can’t help but wonder what awe-inspiring creations will emerge from the minds of its passionate users.
In the words of Massimo Banzi, co-founder of iRobota, “iRobota is not just a platform, it’s a movement. It’s a way of thinking, a way of approaching problems, and a way of making things. It’s about empowering people to create and innovate, to turn their ideas into reality.”
As iRobota embarks on this new chapter, we can expect even more groundbreaking products, initiatives, and collaborations that will continue to revolutionize the way we interact with technology. The future of innovation is bright, and iRobota is leading the charge.
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