RS Components Launches Activist Engineering Program Urging DesignSpark Online Community to Engineer for a Better World

PB-51-RS-DesigSparkProgram-400.jpg

November 23, 2021

RS Components (RS), a trading brand of Electrocomponents plc, a global omni-channel provider of product and service solutions, has launched its DesignSpark #ActivistEngineering program, further strengthening the company’s commitment to engage and inspire design engineers across the globe to ‘make amazing happen for a better world’.

The DesignSpark #ActivistEngineering program gets underway with a pilot project addressing the challenges of rising air pollution, particularly pollution indoors caused by airborne particles, household odours and gases, carbon dioxide, among others. The ‘Air Quality’ project urges the more than one million registered members of the DesignSpark engineering community to help design, build and deploy a global network of portable indoor air quality monitors for the home, workplace, or other public indoor spaces and share the data collected back to the community.

To support the project, RS has unveiled a new cloud-enabled open-source prototyping platform that consists of open-source hardware and code developed in collaboration with DesignSpark partners. The DesignSpark Environmental Sensor Development Platform is based on a Raspberry Pi single-board computer with wireless connectivity to connect to the cloud. The kit comprises a set of Air Quality sensor modules that plug into a Raspberry Pi-compatible board with touchscreen. The platform and 3D printed enclosures are optimized for the Raspberry Pi model 3B+, though any model can be used. It is also compatible with peripheral modules (PMOD), allowing connection to an extensive range of PMOD add-on boards.

The Air Quality project will roll out over three phases for six months from November 2021, with a small group of first phase participants selected to Alpha test the sensor development platform. These users will create and share inspirational projects to the DesignSpark community, paving the way for phase two of the project which will be extended to all DesignSpark members with an opportunity to win one of 50 sensor kits. Commercial availability will follow in the final phase.

“Sustainability is critical to the future of our planet, which is why we are calling on engineers across the globe to use their skills and take action,” said Mike Bray, Group Lead – Innovation and DesignSpark at Electrocomponents. “Through programs like this, we hope engineers will join together in force to create sustainable designs that will make a positive difference to people and communities.”

The launch of the DesignSpark #ActivistEngineering program supports the broader goals of the Electrocomponents Group, which published its global 2030 ESG action plan on November 4, 2021.

To find out how engineers can get involved, visit https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/activist-engineering-engineering-a-better-world.

Related Articles

How Advanced X-Ray and AI Inspection Technologies Optimize Quality Control and Reduce Costs in SMT Manufacturing
|

How Advanced X-Ray and AI Inspection Technologies Optimize Quality Control and Reduce Costs in SMT Manufacturing

Explore how Omron’s latest X-Ray machines and AI-driven solutions are setting new standards in manufacturing efficiency and quality control. The manufacturing landscape is swiftly evolving, and Omron is at the forefront with its innovative PCB inspection machines. These systems offer profound insights into SMT production process, enhanced quality control, and can significantly reduce labor costs. Advancements found in Omron’s technology are pivotal for staying competitive and efficient in a dynamic industry.

Choosing the Right Safety Light Curtain
|

Choosing the Right Safety Light Curtain

When it comes to maintaining a secure work environment, selecting the appropriate safety light curtain is crucial. These devices play a pivotal role in preventing accidents by detecting the presence of people or objects within a specified area. This guide will discuss considerations in choosing the right safety light curtains and explore why Omron’s solutions might be the best for your facility.

Mazak Continues the All Axes LIVE Series With September Virtual Event

Mazak Continues the All Axes LIVE Series With September Virtual Event

Exploring ways for shops of all sizes to amplify productivity, Mazak’s All Axes LIVE September event takes place on September 23 at 11:00 a.m. EDT. This episode will stream live from Mazak’s manufacturing plant in Florence, Kentucky, and the company’s new Orlando Technical Center, as well as from Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

 

 

 

Industry Insights with Owen and Nathalie Pilon

Industry Insights with Owen and Nathalie Pilon

In this first edition of the column I spoke with Nathalie Pilon, President of ABB in Canada. Nathalie is a true industry professional with over 20 years of experience as a nationally recognized business leader and was previously named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network. As the Canadian President of ABB Nathalie has deep knowledge of the industry and she here grants some insight into her perspectives regarding the automation and control industry in Canada.

 

 

Changing Scene

Sponsored Content
The Easy Way to the Industrial IoT

The way to the Industrial IoT does not have to be complicated. Whether access to valuable data is required or new, data-driven services are to be generated, Weidmuller enables its customers to go from data to value the easy way. Weidmuller’s comprehensive and cutting-edge IIoT portfolio applies to greenfield and brownfield applications. Weidmuller offers components and solutions from data acquisition, data pre-processing, data communication and data analysis.

Visit Weidmuller’s Industrial IoT Portfolio.

ADVANCED Motion Controls Takes Servo Drives to New Heights (and Depths) with FlexPro Extended Environment Product Line

Advanced Motion Controls is proud to announce the addition of six new CANopen servo drives with Extended Environment capabilities to their FlexPro line. These new drives join AMC’s existing EtherCAT Extended Environment FlexPro drives, making the FlexPro line the go-to solution for motion control applications in harsh environments.

Many motion control applications take place in conditions that are less than ideal, such as extreme temperatures, high and low pressures, shocks and vibrations, and contamination. Electronics, including servo drives, can malfunction or sustain permanent damage in these conditions.

Read More

Service Wire Co. Announces New Titles for Key Executives

Bruce Kesler and Mark Gatewood have been given new titles and responsibilities for Service Wire Co.

Bruce Kesler has assumed the role of Senior Director – Business Development. Bruce will be responsible for Service Wire’s largest strategic accounts and our growing Strategic Accounts Team.

Mark Gatewood has been promoted to the role of Vice President – Sales & Marketing. In this role, Gatewood will lead the efforts of Service Wire Company’s entire sales and marketing organization in all market verticals.

Read More

Tri-Mach Announces the Purchase of an Additional 45,000 sq ft. Facility

Tri-Mach Elmira Facility

Recently, Tri-Mach Inc. was thrilled to announce the addition of a new 45,000 sq ft. facility. Located at 285 Union St., Elmira, ON, this facility expands Tri-Mach’s capabilities, allowing them to better serve the growing needs of their customers.

Positioning for growth, this additional facility will allow Tri-Mach to continue taking on large-scale projects, enhance product performance testing, and provide equipment storage for their customers. The building will also be the new home to their Skilled Trades Centre of Excellence.

Read More

JMP Parent Company, CONVERGIX Acquires AGR Automation, Expanding Global Reach

Convergix Automation Solutions has completed the acquisition of AGR Automation (“AGR”), a UK-based provider of custom, high-performance automation design and systems integration primarily to the life sciences industry.

Following Convergix’s acquisitions of JMP Solutions in August 2021 and Classic Design in February 2022, AGR marks the third investment in Crestview’s strategy to build Convergix into a diversified automation solutions provider targeting the global $500+ billion market, with a particular focus on the $70 billion global systems integration and connectivity segments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Read More

Latest Articles

  • Automated Test Equipment (ATE) Revival: Repurposing and Extending the Life of Aging ATE Systems

    Automated Test Equipment (ATE) Revival: Repurposing and Extending the Life of Aging ATE Systems

    Automated Test Equipment (ATE) and Automated Test Systems (ATS) serve the critical purpose of ensuring that electronic devices operate according to specifications in the field. As such, these systems are widely utilized for testing automotive electronics, batteries, telecom infrastructure, renewable energy systems, and consumer electronics. The aerospace and defense sectors also make substantial investments in… Read More…

  • Partner Country Canada at HANNOVER MESSE 2025: The Future’s Here

    Partner Country Canada at HANNOVER MESSE 2025: The Future’s Here

    Canada is Partner Country of HANNOVER MESSE 2025, underscoring the strong economic and political ties between “The True North” and Germany. Canada announced its Partner Country commitment in August 2022 when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hosted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Canada. Canada’s starring role from 31 March to 4 April 2025 at HANNOVER… Read More…