We've had a very busy and exciting past few weeks at MadLab as we prepare for the opening of the UK’s first community-run digital ‘maker’ shop. In the last couple of years, there has been a huge increase in the amount of interesting new digital kits and tools that are available.
Micro computers like Arduinos and Raspberry Pis are now on the market and there’s a host of exciting things you can make with them – anything from your own pocket piano to a light-up combination door lock, to give just two examples.
3D printers and laser-cutters are cheaper than they’ve ever been too. But a lot of people have never even seen these technologies, let alone had the chance to find out what they can do with them.
We think our shop, which we're setting up with the help of Manchester city council and other funders, will give a great way of showing how digital technology can help everyone. Our aim is to make getting your hands on the new technology as simple as buying a pair of socks – and we’re keen that everyone has the chance to access it, not just the geeks!
Imagine printing a bike, or being able to make a 3D-printed model of yourself, eating 3D-printed chocolate, buying a plant that sets off a light when it needs watering, or wearing a pair of sunglasses with LED lights that you can programme yourself. Or how about a keyboard made out of fruit?
You’ll be able to do all these things and more. We’re also planning on showing local schools how they can benefit. We’ve been working with the Ideas Foundation for the last year, to show schools how they can incorporate the aims of their new curriculum into lessons.
Our shop will enable us to help even more children (and teachers) learn the key computing and IT skills they need – like coding – and present them with fun projects, such as the chance to build a robot.
The shop will open in early September, so watch this space. The MadLab shop will be at 7, Oak Street, Manchester. For more information, visit madlab.org.uk .
Source: Manchester Evening News
