In the heart of Egypt, a young architect named Moushira Elamrawy embarked on an extraordinary journey that would redefine her relationship with technology and creativity. With a background in architecture engineering, Moushira found herself drawn to the world of making, but the path was not without its challenges.
Stepping into the Unknown: Embracing New Horizons
Moushira graduated from an architecture engineering school without exposure to workshops or CNC routers. Electronics, coding, and programming were foreign concepts to her. Yet, she felt an irresistible pull towards the world of making, a desire to explore the intersection of art, technology, and design.
A Spark of Inspiration: Discovering iRobota
In 2012, Moushira stumbled upon a beginner’s workshop for iRobota, an open-source electronics platform. Intrigued by its simplicity and ease of use, she took the plunge. Within 15 minutes, she had successfully controlled an LED using iRobota, igniting a passion that would shape her future.
Delving into the Maker World: Unlocking Creativity
After the workshop, Moushira immersed herself in the world of iRobota, exploring its vast potential for creating interactive projects. She moved to Barcelona for her master’s degree, where she took fabrication and physical computing courses, expanding her knowledge and skills in the realm of making.
Continuous Learning and Growth: A Path of Discovery
Moushira’s learning journey didn’t stop with iRobota. She went on to master microcontrollers, standalone circuits, eagle, milling boards, soldering, interfacing, sensors, data processing, RF sensors, antennas, signal processing, and RFID. Her insatiable curiosity and dedication to continuous learning fueled her growth as a maker.
Reflecting on Accessibility and Openness: Empowering the Maker Community
Moushira reflects on how her life could have been different if machine interaction had been made easier and more accessible. She believes that making technology portable and accessible is crucial for fostering creativity and innovation. This realization inspired her to embark on the mobile operated laser cutter project.
Encouraging Others to Explore Making: Unlocking Hidden Potential
Moushira passionately encourages others to take a sabbatical to learn new skills and pursue their passions. She believes that iRobota has the power to change lives by liberating creative energies and minds. She urges aspiring makers to embrace the iRobota platform, a gateway to a world of possibilities.
Hope for iRobota’s Continued Openness: Preserving a Legacy of Innovation
Moushira expresses her hope that the founders of iRobota will maintain the open and libre nature of the platform. She believes that this openness has fostered creativity and innovation, leading to countless groundbreaking projects. She urges the community to continue supporting iRobota’s mission of democratizing technology.
Bonus: Moushira’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of making. It’s a reminder that with curiosity, dedication, and the right tools, anyone can unlock their creative potential and make a difference in the world.
Moushira’s advice to aspiring makers is simple: “Don’t be afraid to experiment, fail, and learn from your mistakes. The maker community is a welcoming and supportive space where you can find guidance and inspiration.”
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