Crowdfunding and the Maker Movement go hand in hand, and there have been a number of projects riding on the coattails of this new phenomenon. Remember the likes of Kano and CHIP? Well, there’s another device to add to that list, called Cubit.
The company’s pretty serious about the Movement too, and hopes that users of the Cubit will allow users to “make whatever [they] can imagine — and fast.”
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Cubit itself consists of three distinct nodes: the Cubit Controller (which is essentially the central piece of the puzzle), Cubit Smartwares (which contains all the necessary servo motors, etc.), and the “drag-and-drop app, Cubit Workshop,” which allows users to map out the logic of the system.
It’s an incredibly simple system when reduced to its specific components, and the company suggests that because of this, the builder can make practically anything from robots to smart fans.
CEO of Qfusion Labs, Jason Gouw, explains the concept behind the simple, no fuss, seamless Cubit system:
Today, innovations are highly complex, and usually involve some level of electronics or software. Making a project that uses both skills is even more challenging. We created Cubit to give makers drag-&-drop visual programming with plug-&-play hardware to create projects without writing any code or soldering. The entire Cubit environment was carefully designed from the ground up to work seamlessly together.
Although the DIYers space is rather crowded at present, Cubit could be a massive hit with those who don’t particularly fancy getting their hands dirty.
The simple design allows safe operation for children and inexperienced users too. There’s no solder needed, so no potentially dangerous equipment to worry about. It’s also potentially perfect for those who need to quickly prototype a design in a limited time frame.
Although the likes of the Arduino or Raspberry Pi provides more power and a wider functionality spectrum, Cubit seems to fill a gap that the Maker Movement has been harmonizing — catering for those just starting out.
Qfusion is looking for US$50 000 in funds to lurch the project into reality. At the time of writing, Cubit has raised just below US$20 000, with around four weeks to go.
If you fancy getting your hands on a Cubit bundle, the Early Bird kit will set you back US$89, and comes with four SmartWares, one Controller and a Cubit Workshop suite.
