Note:  This is a 2-part workshop, occuring on Novr 8 and 15!

Workshop Description:

Ready to build an army of Android-controlled robots? Or automate parts of your home with your Android phone or tablet? If you're an experienced Arduino hacker but haven't dabbled in Android development, then this workshop is for you!

 
In this 2-part workshop, we'll be working with the Android SDK (Software Development Kit) and Eclipse. In part 1 of the workshop, write your very first Android app using Java and learn all about essential (but basic) Android development paradigms such as Activities, Intents, and Manifest files. In part 2, we'll take a closer look at the Open Accessory APIs (Application Programming Interface) and hook up our apps to control LEDs and servo motors, and to get data from sensors like switches and temperature sensors.
 
Want to see a similar project in action? Workshop alumni, Matthew Patience, put up this video on YouTube: 
 

 
Workshop Pre-requisites:

If possible, attendees should supply their own compatible Android device such as a tablet running OS version 3.1 or a Nexus One/Nexus S/Galaxy Nexus phone running OS version 2.3.4 or higher. (There are very limited number of loaner devices. You will be partnered up so ideally we will have at least one Android device per group.)

If there are any questions regarding the compatibility of your device, please email pearl@karma-laboratory.com. A very quick way to check if your device is compatible is to try downloading one of these demo apps from Microchip which will check for the required hardware: 2.3.4 devices or 3.X+ devices.

Attendees must also have some working knowledge of programming (ideally in Java, Arduino, or Processing) and are requested to bring their own laptop with Eclipse and the latest Android SDK installed. This workshop is best suited for Arduino hackers with little to no prior Android development knowledge.

Workshop Materials:

The Arduino ADK (Android Development Kit) is an Arduino with specialized properties that allow it to interface with Android phones. It looks like this. One ADK will be supplied per group of 2-3 but if you wish to purchase an ADK to keep, please indicate this when registering. The price of the ADK is $79.95 + HST at Creatron, and we can pick one up for you if you like.

About Pearl:

From HTML to LEDs, Android to Arduino -- Pearl Chen takes a cross-disciplinary approach to her work. As both an educator and developer, Pearl teaches programming and electronics through her company karma-laboratory.com, and is also the technical co-founder of thehungryveg.com.