Environmental sensor development kit certified by OSHWA

RS Group plc has stated that its DesignSpark Environmental Sensor Development Kit has been certified by the OSHWA (Open-Source Hardware Association).

OSHWA aims are to foster technological knowledge and promote research that is accessible, collaborative and respects user freedom. The OSHWA certification awarded to RS DesignSpark’s kit recognises that it satisfies a uniform and well-defined standard for open-source compliance. The certification informs users that the definition of ‘open-source hardware’ used by a particular project matches the community definition of open-source hardware. It also creates a legally binding and unique logo that can only be employed by projects that comply with the community definition.

Developed as part of the group’s #ActivistEngineering campaign, the kit is an advanced open-source and cloud-connected platform that makes it straightforward to prototype custom sensor-based solutions.

Use of the kit has supported DesignSpark members in developing projects such as the ‘Breathe Better Bear’ and ‘The Good Air Canary’, two typical projects developed based on the capabilities of the kit for air quality measurement. The kit can also be deployed in multiple scenarios, including a host of IoT applications that need a small Linux computer with an integrated touchscreen and GPS capability.

“RS and the DesignSpark team are delighted to have gained this certification from the OSHWA,” said Mike Bray, vice-president of DesignSpark at RS. “Our newly certified open-source ESDK has energised the DesignSpark community to develop many innovative projects based on measurement of air quality around the globe. These projects are free to everyone and are designed to help deliver affordable solutions and make the planet more sustainable.”