element14.com, the online community for engineers, has announced its latest Project14 design contest, themed around ‘Home Automation’. Members of the online community will have the opportunity to create a project that enhances their living space using tech-based solutions such as machine learning, artificial intelligence and automated comfort control.

A monthly design competition open to makers and engineers of all backgrounds and skill levels, Project14 was developed to promote shared learning and cooperation among members of the element14 Community. Participants are asked to document their progress through a series of blogs, with the best executed projects eligible for a chance of winning a $100 credit for use at Farnell element14 in Europe, Newark element14 in North America or element14 in Asia Pacific.

All Project14 challenges are based on suggestions from element14 community members, with each month’s theme selected by a public poll. The home automation challenge was suggested by community member Cristina Harrison, a developer from Dallas, TX. She was partially inspired by the popular sci-fi series Eureka, which featured an artificially intelligent home called S.A.R.A.H. (Self Actuated Residential Automated Habitat).

Dianne Kibbey, Global Head of Community and Social Media for the element14 Community and Premier Farnell, said: “Project14 is an opportunity for makers and engineers to build confidence, share their talents and showcase their technical skills and creativity, no matter how much prior experience they may have.”

“By opening our monthly competitions to as broad an audience as possible, Project14 is enabling novices, experts and everyone in between to learn from each other and share the journey of turning an idea into a fully realized engineering project, without the need to invest a large amount of time or money.”

“The theme of Home Automation reflects a global rise in interest in smart domestic devices and connected living. I’m excited to see what our members come up with, and to welcome new creative voices into our community through this project.”

To enter the Project14 Home Automation Design Contest, participants simply need to register an account at the element14 Community and submit a blog entry detailing their idea and how they plan to develop it.

Submissions are open until March 14, 2019. For more information including full terms and conditions, visit https://www.element14.com/community/community/p[...]

To register to become a member of the element14 Community, visit www.element14.com/