Tech Tools for Aspiring Makers of Any Age

By Carol Mangis

Humans have been making things for pretty much our entire existence. In fact, some claim that the ability to create things for functional or recreational purposes from our imagination is at least part of what makes us human. But only in relatively recent times have technical tools and components been available for use by individuals, giving us the opportunity to make more sophisticated things than ever before. Some are disguised as toys — which is doubly great, since they’re STEM-inspiring for kids and perfectly usable by grownups, too.

Here are just some of the amazing maker tech tools you can find today.

1. Raspberry Pi
This device, intended to be an educational jumping-off point for nascent geeky DIYers, is essentially an inexpensive computer: You can plug in a mouse and keyboard, add whichever components you wish, and use it like any other computer. Makers have created some amazing projects using the Raspberry Pi, including a solar smart meter, a 3D scanner, and even a mobile phone. Check PCMag’s review of the latest model, the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B.

2. Arduino
Arduino is an open-source prototyping platform that, simply put, can read all sorts of inputs and turn them into outputs. Like Raspberry Pi, Arduino was originally created for students but is now used by a large community of makers for a crazy variety of projects. Want build a mood light that changes according to Twitter trends? Or a photography rig to capture splash photos? How about a power meter that tweets usage data? The possibilities are endless. Recently, Arduino debuted the Primo board (pictured below) for Internet of Things projects. You won’t have to add components for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth low energy, NFC (near-field communications), and infrared, because they’re already built in.

3. LittleBits
For DIYers 8 and older, LittleBits are magnetic modules that snap together to create working electronic circuits — for fun and/or to power cool little projects. Numerous versions of the kit are available (and the following are all reviewed by PCMag). The Little Bits Base Kit$99.00 at Amazon is a great way to get started: It comes with 10 modules, including a DC motor, dimmer, and light sensor. For more ambitious creators, the LittleBits Gizmo & Gadgets Kit, which earned PCMag’s Editors’ Choice award, gives you 15 modules, including two 9-volt power modules with batteries included, two slide dimmers, a light sensor, and more. LittleBits Smart Home Kit supplies what you need to experiment with home automation and networked robotics. And the LittleBitsArduino Bit, an individual module, is an Arduino-based microcomputer that’s built into a three-input, three-output LittleBits module.

4. ELLO 2M
A small DIY computer that’s designed to be tinkered with; in fact, you have to assemble it yourself. You’ll end up with a computer that’s perfect for learning programming, designing electronics, and general hackery. You get six stacked circuit boards (all pre-soldered components) that you sandwich together to create the body of the device. A 7-inch touch-screen LCD, electronics prototyping board, and a full keyboard are all built in. You can pre-order one now through Crowd Supply (a DIY-oriented crowdfunding site) with an expected delivery date later this summer.

5. Lego Mindstorms EV3
The robotics kit that’s the best and most accessible way to teach your kids — or yourself — how to build and program robots earned 5 stars and a PCMag Editors’ Choice award. In the box are a Mindstorms EV3 Intelligent Brick (the “brain” of the set), an infrared remote control, three servo motors, a color sensor, a touch sensor, an infrared sensor, and 550 Lego Technic pieces. Even better, you can integrate your standard Lego pieces into your robotic creations. The Lego Mindstorms Commander app for iOS and Android includes preset control panels for five robots you can build in the 3D Builder app. More important, it lets you create manual control panels for your own creations, with different buttons, switches, and displays available to control motors and check sensor inputs.

6. 3D Printers
Not very long ago, the few 3D printers in existence were hulking, expensive machines reserved for factories and well-heeled corporations. But these amazing devices (which you’ll find all over at any Maker Faire) have become viable and affordable products for use by designers, engineers, hobbyists, schools, and even consumers. If you hanker to print out one of the myriad designs available online (at Thingiverse, Pinshape, and more) or even design your own, take a look at PCMag’s buying guide to figure out which 3D printer is right for you.

Read more: “How to Build Your Own Computer Without Any Experience”

This story originally appeared on PCMag.com.