17 smart crowdfunding campaigns you may want to back this week

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Every Friday, we’re taking a look at some of the smartest, most innovative projects that caught our attention on Kickstarter and Indiegogo over the last seven days. 

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Robin

This “cloud-first,” beautifully-designed Android smartphone will never run out of storage. Nextbit has already well surpassed its goal of $500,000 on Kickstarter.

HAIKU

This connected device puts all the information you need from your smartphone on your bike’s handlebar. ASPHALT Lab is currently seeking $61,820 on Kickstarter.

Qball

This wireless mic comes in the form of a dodgeball so that you can pass, drop, throw and roll it around — whether that’s at home, work or school. Qball is currently seeking $30,000 on Indiegogo.

PetBot

This treat-dispensing, selfie-taking, live-streaming gadget lets you engage with your dog or cat remotely. PetBot is currently seeking $80,000 on Indiegogo.

BOLDR Voyage

This sleek watch combines a stylish, aviator analog dial with Bluetooth 4.0, a vibration motor, an accelerometer and LEDs. TRAVISLEON Watch Company has already well surpassed its $22,856 goal on Kickstarter.

Bruno SmartCan

This Wi-Fi-enabled, hands-free trash can features a built-in vacuum for dirt and debris. Bruno is currently seeking $25,000 on Indiegogo.

DOTT

This tag pairs Bluetooth Smart technology with a mobile app to provide a community of people who can help you find your lost pets. DOTT is currently seeking $10,000 on Kickstarter.

Kinsa Smart Thermometer

This wireless thermometer takes accurate, instantaneous temperature readings from the ear without the hassles of an attached smartphone or keeping a probe under the tongue. Kinsa is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

Smart Pee-Pee

This smart sensor monitors the wetness and temperature of a baby’s diaper and syncs with your smartphone to deliver real-time updates. Tom Wang is currently seeking $20,000 on Indiegogo.

Fusion Guitar

This smart electric guitar boasts built-in speakers, an amp, recording capabilities and iPhone integration. Fusion Guitar is currently seeking $35,000 on Indiegogo.

SNOOZ

This ultra-portable sound conditioner turns your bedroom into a haven for sleep. SNOOZ is currently seeking $100,000 on Kickstarter.

TreeRover

This robot does one thing and one thing only: it plants trees for you. Iota Enterprises is currently seeking $5,000 on Indiegogo.

Kavenir

This wearable piece puts a personal assistant in your ear for safer driving, activity tracking and schedule management.  Kavenir is currently seeking $10,000 on Indiegogo.

SUNNY

This solar battery case for the iPhone allows you to be completely independent from power outlets. SUNNY is currently seeking $10,000 on Kickstarter.

RIPPO

This Bluetooth speaker lets you play music while visualizing it through water. Pocodoro is currently seeking $10,000 on Kickstarter.

Pingbell

This smart bell makes it easier than ever to find your bicycle. FROLIC Studio is currently seeking $44,960 on Kickstarter.

GoBox

This DIY robotics kit is a fun and simple way for young Makers to learn programming with new missions delivered to their door monthly. Dexter Industries is currently seeking $30,000 on Kickstarter.

Did you happen to miss last week’s notable campaigns? If so, you can check them out here. Also, if your project is powered by Atmel MCUs and you’ve been featured on our blog, be sure to download the respective badges here for use in your ongoing marketing efforts. 

VGADuino is an Arduino VGA graphic shield

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This small graphic card shield lets you connect your Arduino boards to any kind of TV or monitor with RGB or AV ports. 

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If you’re like Masih Vahida, the thought of having a large color display connected to your Arduino to show values, text and other information on the screen has certainly passed through your mind. With hopes of making this a reality for developers and hobbyists alike, the electronics engineer has created what he calls VGADuino. It’s a small graphic card shield that enables you to expand your Arduino project to any TV and monitor with RGB or AV ports. 

The shield fits nicely on an Uno (ATmega328) and is compatible with the Arduino IDE as well as any Arduino boards using pins VCC, GND, RX and TX. Moreover, it offers Arduino VGA (DB15) and AV composite ports to link to the display.

“The screen resolution is 640×480 VGA. It has 17 text lines and one text scrolling line. Each line can show up to 27 characters and the scroller line can show up to 60 characters,” Vahida explains.

“You can change the colors from your code and easily can show your text where ever you want on screen. The device support standard ASCII codes for English, Persian and Arabic fonts.”

Interested? Head over to its official Kickstarter campaign, where Vahida has already surpassed his $1,000 goal. With a price tag of only $29, the units are expected to begin shipping in October 2015.

HAIKU is a connected dashboard device for your bike

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HAIKU is a tiny device that puts important information on your handlebar, and keeps your smartphone in your pocket.

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A few weeks ago, smart water bottles had taken crowdfunding sites by storm. As of late, it seems like several startups are launching innovative ways to make bikes intelligent and improve cyclist safety. The latest product on that list: HAIKU, a small device that sits on your handlebar and provides you with a simple and convenient way to access information while riding. However, unlike others before it that have relied solely on illuminated lights, this gadget actually spells everything out in text, numbers and arrows.

Like a smartwatch optimized for your bike, the HAIKU boasts a touch-free user interface that enables you to monitor your speed, check the time, follow turn-by-turn directions from Google Maps, and receive notifications without ever having to stop and reach into your pocket. Just take it out of the box, pair it with your smartphone over Bluetooth, install the mount on your handlebar and you’re good to go!

In standby mode, HAIKU will remain off until you wave your hand above its screen. This will turn on the display, revealing a set of LEDs that represent each category of information available: yellow for navigation, green for the bike’s dashboard, and blue for incoming calls or text messages. You can easily switch between function by simply swiping over the device.

“You keep the control to access information when you are safe (at red traffic lights, in a cycle lane, etc.) so that you can enjoy your smooth and safe ride. Of course, it works with your winter gloves and under the rain,” the team writes.

Upon arriving at your destination, unplug your docked unit and your ride data will be uploaded seamlessly to the cloud, where it can be reviewed later. In terms of hardware, the team has worked relentlessly over the past two years to finalize their circuitry — beginning with various Arduino boards and migrating to their own custom PCB. HAIKU’s battery can last for about a week with normal use (roughly 12 hours) and recharged via USB.

Ready for a bike assistant? Head over to its Kickstarter campaign, where the ASPHALT Lab crew is currently seeking $61,820. HAIKU is compatible with a vast majority of today’s most popular smartphones and bicycles, and delivery is expected to begin in May 2016.

OrbMi is reinventing the answering machine

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OrbMi lets you stay in touch with those that matter to you the most.

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Take a look around you. Whether you’re in a coffee shop, at work or even sitting in class, chances are nearly everyone has a smartphone in hand. Instead of actually conversing with their voice, more times than not their excitement, emotion and words are being replaced by an “LOL,” “<3” or some sort of emoji. Sad but true, gone are the days when people would use landlines. As the number of ditched landlines and social IM services continue to rise, so does the number of meaningful messages. Well aware of this change, Florida-based startup Retropreneur Labs has set to reverse this trend by reinventing the age-old answering machine for today’s mobile-centric world.

However, unlike the antiquated answering machine, OrbMi is not for missed calls — it’s for the voice messages people aren’t getting or sending, but should. The personal voice messaging system is designed to provide your closest friends and family a more convenient way to both send and receive comments, so your daily routine isn’t disrupted by unwanted texts and emails, nor will you have to scroll through hundreds of phone contacts. Plus, this should prove to be useful for those living in different time zones or find themselves working opposite schedules. 

“At its heart, it’s about better communication at the perfect time, every time. It allows us to share more freely and openly with our loved ones without inconvenience or disruption. With OrbMi, it’s ALWAYS a good time to call,” its co-founders Kelly Dyer and Andrew Ruppar explain. The duo had conceived the idea after challenging themselves to conceptualize a smart gadget that would change how people interact through technology.

Not only does its companion app make voice messaging relevant again, the OrbMi is different from other voice messaging alternatives, as it allows you to control your network of people who you can “Orb” or who can “Orb” you — also known as your “Orbit.”

With an ATmega168 at its core, the hardware device features a single button interface that enables you to play your messages. From the mobile app, just send a color and voice message to anyone in your Orbit. This message is received on the Orb and illuminates a soft color glow to indicate a new message is available. Once the receiver is at their Orb and ready to listen, they simply tap the top and the new memo is emitted through a built-in speaker. Not unlike the answering machines of yesterday, you can skip and repeat through your saved messages as well. What’s more, the Orb works by connecting to your home or office Wi-Fi network and doubles as a multi-port USB charging hub for your smartphones and tablets.

“Mobile devices allow us to communicate efficiently, but not sometimes not effectively. No matter how convenient our mobile lifestyles, we can’t lose our ability to communicate through voice, especially when sending meaningful messages.” Dyer adds.

So whether you’re a grandparent, a spouse, a college student, or a soldier overseas, OrbMi is ideal for anyone —  regardless of age, location and technical proficiency. Intrigued? Head over to its official Kickstarter page, where the Retropreneur Labs team is currently seeking $75,000. The app is available for both iOS and Android, with one for the Apple Watch app in the works. The first batch of units is expected to begin shipping in March 2016.

3DSimo Mini is like a Makerspace crammed into a pen

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The 3DSimo Mini is a next-gen pen that not only draws in 3D, but solders, burns and cuts as well. 

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Although they may not have taken off as quickly as its desktop counterparts, 3D printing pens have certainly attracted quite the attention in recent years. Since 3Doodler first launched back in February of 2013, several other startups have emerged with hopes of pioneering the space. The gadgets, which feature a hotend that is capable of extruding filament like the heads found on any FDM machine, are used to add a third dimension to drawings in thin air.

Among the first of those looking to take 3D pens mainstream was 3DSimo, who some of you may recall from its Indiegogo debut two years ago. Now, the Czech startup has returned with a new and improved, and much smaller, model of its handheld device that not only prints but can offer a plethora of other tools as well. The aptly named 3DSimo Mini incorporates an LED display that shines through a minimalist case, while boasting a much lighter and more compact design than its predecessor — without compromising speed or strength of the feed mechanism. With its ergonomic shape, Makers can easily handle the pen as they doodle.

What’s nice is that, unlike some of the others available today, the Mini is not limited to materials thanks to adjustable temperature and speed. Meaning, users can draw with a variety of 1.75mm filaments ranging from the typical ABS and PLA, to FLEXI and fluorescent, to Laywood and Thermochrome.

And proving that it’s more than merely a 3D printer, the all-in-one device can expand its capabilities through a set of convertible tips, including soldering metal, burning wood and cutting foam. For instance, Makers can easily throw on an extension piece to transform the Mini into a soldering iron by setting the temperature up to 490°C, depending on the melting point of the metal, or etch designs on wood and leather. Not to mention, it can even cut any sort of thin material whether it’s Balsa wood or rubber.

Though it is equipped with an LED screen, the Mini also connects over Bluetooth to an accompanying mobile app that allows users to control the temperature, speed and various material profiles. Based on an ATmega32 MCU, the pen is rechargeable via microUSB and packs a clip-on 2000mAh battery that can last for roughly an hour.

Interested? Head over to 3DSimo’s Kickstarter campaign, where the team is currently seeking $35,000. The Maker-friendly instrument, which will come with all four of its interchangeable extensions, is expected to begin shipping in March 2016.

uStepper is an Arduino-compatible board with an integrated stepper driver

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Tired of the messiness? uStepper combines an ATmega328P MCU, a stepper driver and an absolute encoder in one ultra-compact design.

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The brainchild of Mogens Nicolaisen and Thomas Olsen, who together make up Danish startup ON Development IVS, uStepper is an ultra-compact, Arduino-compatible board with an integrated stepper driver and 12-bit rotary encoder.

Since it can be mounted directly on the back of your NEMA 17, uStepper makes it possible to develop applications using a stepper motor, without the need for long and messy wiring to an external Arduino or stepper shield. Aside from that, the 12-bit rotary encoder ensures that the absolute position of the motor shaft can be tracked, enabling the uStepper to detect any loss of steps.

The uStepper can be programmed with the Arduino IDE, giving you access to a wide range of easy-to-use libraries. With an ATmega328P at its core, key specs of the board include:

• Clock speed: 16MHz
• Input voltage: 8V – 30V
• I/O voltage: 5V
• Digital I/O pins: 12 (6 of which provide PWM capability)
• Analog I/O pins: 4
• Up to 2A stepper drive current (adjustable)
• Up to 16x microstepping (user selectable)
• 12-bit encoder resolution

The position of the shaft is tracked using a neodymium magnet and a magnetic encoder chip. This chip is able to sense the position of the north and south pole of the magnet, and use this information to determine the angle of the motor shaft. The encoder has a 12-bit resolution, meaning that the shaft position can be tracked in steps of 1/4096, corresponding to a resolution of 0.088 degrees. What’s more, since the location of both the magnet and the encoder chip is fixed, the measured shaft angle will not be reset between power cycles.

Communication between the MCU and the encoder is done through the I2C serial protocol. The uStepper is completely expandable, thanks to the vast number of I/O pins available, which include SPI, UART and I2C interfaces. The I2C bus is equipped with the required pull-up resistors, eliminating the need to mount these externally. Additionally, the encoder enables the uStepper to perform closed loop regulation of the stepper motor position, with a sample frequency as high as 6.6 kHz.

“On our first prototype a linear regulator, regulating supply voltage down to the 5V I/O voltage, was implemented. During normal operation the linear regulator, regulating 12V down to 5V, will have a temperature rise of approximately 50 C° — that is above ambient temperature! This is because of the low efficiency, which is only 42% — supplying the uStepper with more than 12V would not be a wise thing to do with this type of regulator,” the ON Development IVS crew writes.

To increase efficiency, reduce temperature and at the same time allow supply voltages of up to 30V, the final version of the uStepper will include a switch mode regulator. The team adds, “Besides the benefits of increased efficiency and thereby lower temperature, the possibility of increasing the supply voltage to the stepper, will also increase the possible operating speed and torque!”

The uStepper stepper driver chip has a selectable microstepping level from full-step to 1/16 microstepping (using jumper configuration), giving a resolution of up to 3,200 steps/revolution with a 1.8-degree stepper motor and up to 6,400 steps/revolution if choosing a 0.9-degree stepper motor. The output current is adjustable using the on-board potentiometer, making smooth adjustment up to a maximum of approximately 2A possible.

For ideal operating conditions, a large ground plane is connected to the thermal pad of the stepper driver chip. This makes certain that the large amount of heat is spread out and away from the stepper driver. For applications requiring high current (above 1.5A), its creators recommend a heatsink, and note that under very intense use (currents approaching 2A and/or high ambient temperatures), active cooling may be necessary.

On the bottom of the uStepper, a NTC resistor is embedded as close to the stepper driver thermal pad as possible. This lets you monitor the stepper driver temperature and take action if the temperature drastically rises. The stepper driver chip has an internal safety circuit shutting down operation should the temperature reach too high of a level, preventing damage to the board.

For its crowdfunding debut, the uStepper comes in two forms: a base and premium kit. The base set includes the board, four standoffs, along with a a magnet and bracket for the encoder. Meanwhile, the premium kit features all of that plus a NEMA 17 stepper motor. The open source kits are super simple to assemble, requiring nothing more than a Philips screwdriver, a wrench and five minutes of your time.

Sound like something you’d like to have? Head over to the uStepper’s Kickstarter page, where ON Development IVS is currently seeing $8,882. Delivery is expected to get underway in March 2016.

LightBug is a solar-powered GPS tracker

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LightBug takes the best features of a Bluetooth tag and combines them with the functionality of a full GPS/GPRS tracker.

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While there are plenty of trackers available today, a vast majority of them rely on Bluetooth to detect the whereabouts of the device. However, once out of range, these trackers essentially serve very little purpose. That’s where LightBug is looking to come in handy.

No larger than a stick of gum, the LightBug is small enough to discreetly clip onto a keychain, bag, clothes, pets or anything else you don’t want to lose, and unlike others on the market, packs GPS capabilities. Meaning, in the event a Bluetooth connection is broken, you’ll still be able to pinpoint an object with an accuracy of 50cm. The gadget works by sending its location over any available mobile phone network via a roaming SIM. What’s more, the LightBug is solar powered, and can be charged through its microUSB port should it need a quick boost of juice.

Aside from everyday items, LightBug can also help parents keep tabs on wandering children or caregivers to monitor the elderly, particularly those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s. It can even be employed for fitness-related activities as it can be worn on your shoe and used to track your runs.

How it works is pretty simple. GPS satellites tell LightBug where it is. The GPRS network sends the location to the cloud, where the information is securely stored. This data is then relayed to LightBug’s accompanying app. The app allows you to manage push notifications, establish geofences, retrieve historical data, sound a buzzer and launch navigation.

Additionally, alerts can be setup for a wide range of things, such as proximity to your phone. Proximity alerts will detect if the unit is no longer nearby using Bluetooth and will trigger automatic position updates. Alternatively, you can draw areas on a map that are either “safe zones” or “danger zones” and receive notifications when boundaries are crossed. Other notification triggers include time of day, detection of a falls and speed.

“LightBug is like a Bluetooth proximity tag on steroids because it’s still useful when you’re not near it. Unlike other tags, it doesn’t rely on loads of people having the same app installed because it can determine and send its location on its own. Like Bluetooth Tags though, you can use the app to make the buzzer ring to help you find stuff, and also use your phone to home in on it, helping you find stuff quicker indoors,” the team writes.

Measuring just 45mm x 23.5mm x 11mm in size and weighing only 20g, the LightBug can be unnoticeably attached to anything from your bag to your drone. In terms of hardware, the device is equipped with an ATxmega128A4U MCU, an accelerometer for movement detection, a pair of solar panels and a microUSB port for charging, a LiPo battery, a piezo buzzer for alerts, an LED and an GSM/GPRS modem.

“Basically, LightBug integrates an old school mobile phone, solar panels, a solar charger, Bluetooth, a really, really good GPS and has amazing battery life,” its creators add.

Looking ahead, the team hopes to release a public API early next year, which will enable you to build apps around LightBug — whether that’s a location-based game for your pet or a scavenger hunt for you and your friends. Aside from that, they will be integrating the tracker with IFTTT.

Tired of losing things? Head over to its Kickstarter campaign, where LightBug is currently seeking $77,782. Delivery is expected to begin in January 2016.

The Sensel Morph is a next-gen, multi-touch input device

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This pressure-sensitive, multi-touch input device will enable users to interact with the digital world like never before.

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Despite all the advancements in technology, the keyboard and mouse have collectively withstood the test of time, remaining relatively unchanged for decades — until now. That’s because Mountain View, California startup Sensel is hoping to usher in a new generation of multi-touch interaction with an input device that they call the Morph.

Powered by the company’s patented Pressure Grid technology, the Morph will let users interact with computers and programs in a whole new way. While on the surface it may appear to look like an ordinary trackpad, it is far from that. Inside lies approximately 20,000 sensors (or “sensels”) that can detect and measure the force of even the slightest touch. And given that it’s not a capacitive touch device, it doesn’t require a human to press on its outer force-sensing material. Instead, any object ranging from a paintbrush to a drumstick will do the trick.

“Unlike other touch technologies, which can only sense conductive objects, each of the sensor elements in our device senses pressure with a high dynamic range. These sensors allow us to capture a high-resolution image of the pressure applied to the device. Highly tuned algorithms on the device take these pressure images and turn them into a list of touch locations, each with their own force and shape information,” its creators write.

What’s nice is that the Morph works right out of the box with an assortment of applications, and is even hackable for the tech-savvy bunch. Simply connect it to your computer via USB, to your iPad over Bluetooth, or to your Atmel powered Arduino with developer cables, and you’re good to go.

As its name would imply, the unit can literally “morph” depending upon your activities throughout the day. This is achieved with the help of magnetic, fully customizable overlays (each shipment will come with three) that are placed over the gadget and instantly provide a visual “map” for each mode’s unique functionality. Backers can choose from a QWERTY keyboard, a music production controller, a piano, a drum pad, a game console, an art overlay, as well as one more to be decided by the Kickstarter community.

What’s more, Sensel has introduced an “innovator’s” overlay, which gives the Maker crowd the ability to design, print and use their own custom interfaces. And as if that wasn’t enough, you can actually combine multiple devices to amplify the awesomeness. For example, you can put four Morphs together to make an instrument with 96 keys.

“Imagine having your art tablet, music production controller, QWERTY keyboard, piano, video game controller (and anything else your mind can fathom) all in one device. If you can imagine something so limitless without your brain imploding, you’ve imagined the Sensel Morph,” the team explains.

With the Morph, you will also be able to create new, custom interfaces. The Sensel crew is developing a web-based drag-and-drop interface that will go live when the first batch of devices ship. With this interface, you will be able to devise your own overlay without having to do any coding. As for the developers out there, Sensel’s open source API will enable you to integrate the propietary technology into your own applications. The Morph is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Arduino.

“Our mission from the start was to address the mismatch between the expressive capabilities of our hands and the restrictive interfaces of today’s devices,” the folks at Sensel add. “We want to enable new ways of interaction with digital devices and allow Morph users to unleash new possibilities in the worlds of music, art, gaming (cue Buzz Lightyear), and beyond!”

Housed inside the iPad-sized device’s aluminum casing and beneath its super thin, force-sensing material lies a patented electrical drive scheme and circuitry, which includes a microprocessor, an accelerometer, LEDs, Bluetooth LE support, a rechargeable battery and a microUSB port.

Ready to interact with your digital world like never before? Head over to the Morph’s Kickstarter campaign, where Sensel is currently seeking $60,000. Delivery is slated for next summer.

SmartHalo will make any bike smart

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SmartHalo is a smart biking system that lets you focus on what matters the most — the road. 

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Like a number of other companies who have created hardware solutions to bring older vehicles into the IoT era, one Montreal-based startup is hoping to do the same for bicycles. Those who’d rather not dig deep into their pockets to purchase a new electronic bike can now make their existing one “smart” for roughly $100.

The brainchild of CycleLabs, SmartHalo is a compact device that attaches to the handlebar of your old bike and provides you with easy-to-read GPS, distance, speed and other performance data. Aside from that, the intuitive navigation system will highlight the quickest route to work in the morning and safest way home at night along with a front headlight for enhanced visibility when it gets dark.

“We believe that technology should not be something you have to worry about – it should just work. We’re urban cyclists who wanted to deal with the main problems of biking in cities: navigation and security. We found that the existing solutions right now were just not suited for harsh urban environments,” its creators share.

Among its most notable features is its turn-by-turn navigation system. Simply input your desired location into its accompanying mobile app, tuck your smartphone away and SmartHalo will take care of the rest by guiding you with simple-to-follow directions via an intuitive light between your hands.

As if that wasn’t enough, SmartHalo will automatically monitor your activities. Unlike other trackers on the market today, you’ll never have to hit ’start’ or ’stop.’ Instead, the device will track your progress as soon as you begin pedaling, then display the detailed metrics in the app for later review. It even lets you set goals using any of its parameters, like calories burned, and then view your progress in real-time on your handlebars as you pedal.

Have you ever missed an important call or email because street noise and road vibration made them hard to notice? Well, you’ll be happy to learn that SmartHalo can also serve as your personal assistant while on-the-go. The mounted unit will notify you of any incoming calls and messages, and alert you should there be an impending storm allowing you to take cover.

As any urban cyclist will tell you, theft is an all too common occurrence. Fortunately, when you’re not around, SmartHalo will keep your two-wheeler safe from any burglars by triggering an alarm if its internal motion sensor detects movement. Moreover, the gadget can only be unlocked with a special “key” provided with the product and will seamlessly deactivate as you approach the bike.

“We designed SmartHalo to be beautiful inside and out. There is no on/off button – its sophisticated sensors detect your presence. When you finish your ride, it automatically shuts down. This leads to amazing battery life, to keep going as long as you do,” the CycleLabs team explains.

With standard use, its battery can last for approximately three weeks before having to be recharged via USB. In terms of hardware, SmartHalo is equipped with a Bluetooth Low Energy module for communication, low energy LEDs, an accelerometer, magnetometer and gyroscope, as well as a crypto authentication chip for enhanced security.

Ready to make your bike smarter? Then race over to SmartHalo’s Kickstarter campaign, where the CycleLabs crew is currently seeking $50,000. The first batch of shipments is expected to get underway in May 2016.

21 smart crowdfunding campaigns you may want to back this week

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Every Friday, we’re taking a look at some of the smartest, most innovative projects that caught our attention on Kickstarter and Indiegogo over the last seven days. 

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ŌURA

This ring-sized computer analyzes your daily activities to help you sleep and perform better. ŌURA has already well surpassed its $100,000 goal on Kickstarter.

Mycroft

This A.I. platform is an open source alternative to Amazon Echo that allows you to play media, control lights and much more. Mycroft is currently seeking $99,000 on Kickstarter.

Fotokite Phi

This GoPro-carrying quadcopter can capture bird’s-eye view photos while being leashed to your wrist. Fotokite is currently seeking $300,000 on Indiegogo.

Mayday

This standalone machine learning device can detect when your drone is about to crash and deploy a parachute. North UAV is currently seeking $12,000 on Kickstarter.

LightBug

This solar-powered tracker lets you find nearly anything (or anyone) using GPS. LightBug is currently seeking $77,782 on Kickstarter.

Ohm

This intelligent car battery will never need to be jumpstarted, works reliably on the coldest winter days, and lasts twice as long as the average lead-acid battery. Ohm is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

Formaker

This four-in-one machine allows you to laser cut, mill, etch and 3D print a wide range of materials. Zhuhai CTC Electronic Co. is currently seeking $35,000 on Kickstarter.

Exploride

This futuristic head-up display provides hands-free access to maps, phone calls, text messages, notifications, music and on-board diagnostics for your car. Exploride is currently seeking $100,000 on Indiegogo.

OnCourse Goggles

This pair of point-and-click goggles allow athletes to stay on course, swim in a straight line in open water and receive real-time feedback. OnCourse Goggles is currently seeking $60,000 on Kickstarter.

uStepper

This ultra-compact, Arduino-compatible board features an integrated stepper driver and 12-bit rotary encoder, enabling it to be mounted directly on the back of your Nema 17 motor. ON Development IVS is currently seeking $8,882 on Kickstarter.

OMO+

This portable battery-powered gadget can illuminate your pool or hot tub for an awesome light show along with sound through its Bluetooth speakers. Andreas Haase is currently seeking $50,000 on Kickstarter.

Pearbuds

This pair of super small, Bluetooth-enabled buds fit comfortably in your ear without a single cord and boasts a battery life of six hours. Pear Designs has already well surpassed its $50,000 goal on Kickstarter.

Trekz Titanium

This pair of wireless, open ear headphones offer runners, cyclists, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts superior safety, comfort and high-quality sound through bone conduction technology. AfterShokz has already well surpassed its $65,000 goal on Indiegogo.

Verti

This Bluetooth tag clips and sticks onto anything you’d like to keep tabs on, all of which can easily be tracked right from your smartphone. Verti is currently seeking $10,000 on Indiegogo.

OrbMi

This voice messaging system is reinventing the answering machine by having you communicate with family and friends using an orb. Retropreneur Labs is currently seeking $75,000 on Kickstarter.

go-e ONwheel

This lightweight, add-on motor can transform your bike into an e-bike in a matter of seconds. Frank Fox has already well surpassed his goal of $55,253 on Kickstarter.

Lumma

This smart appliance tracks, sorts and dispenses your pills whenever it’s time to take them. LITE is currently seeking $100,000 on Kickstarter.

Knut Water

This connected detector can sense water, temperature and humidity to protect your home from water damage. Amperic is currently seeking $50,000 on Kickstarter.

Luvit

This standalone “like” button gives you the ability to express your adoration for anything and everything, while also collecting input and other forms of crowdsourced data. Luvit is currently seeking $25,000 on Kickstarter.

iGia

This smart home security kit is comprised of a central control unit, an HD camera, a motion sensor, a door/windows sensor, a smoke detector and an alarm trigger. iGia is currently seeking $10,000 on Indiegogo.

Nixie

This highly-customizable, privacy-enhanced robot not only can serve as your personal companion, but can learn by doing, keep an eye on things, snap photos, receive weather and traffic reports, connect to household devices, and much more. Nxt Robotics is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

If your project is powered by Atmel MCUs and you’ve been featured on our blog, be sure to download the respective badges here for use in your ongoing marketing efforts.