R.I.S.E. to the Challenge.

Black and White Group Which will riseThis week Steve Nice, C.E.O. of Reconnix, announced the R.I.S.E. (Reconnix. Innovate. Stimulate. Encourage) challenge. A team building exercise…with a twist.

The challenge

Utilising all the creativity and invention they can muster, the Reconnix staff have 6 weeks to create something innovative and useful using the Sparkfun inventor’s kit. To make things interesting, everyone has been split into four teams: Team A, Team B, Team C and Team D. During office hours, each team has 2 hours per week to get their respective virtual soldering irons out and create something new and exciting.

For those of you that don’t know, the Sparkfun Inventor’s Kit is a real box of goodies! It contains, among other things:

  • Arduino Uno R3
  • Arduino and Breadboard Holder
  • New and Improved SIK Manual
  • Translucent Red Bread Board
  • 74HC595 Shift Register
  • 2N2222 Transistors
  • 1N4148 Diodes
  • DC Motor with wires
  • Small Servo
  • 5V Relay
  • TMP36 Temp Sensor
  • Flex sensor
  • Softpot
  • 6′ USB Cable
  • Jumper Wires
  • Photocell
  • Tri-color LED
  • Red and Yellow LEDs
  • 10K Trimpot
  • Piezo Buzzer
  • Big 12mm Buttons
  • 330 and 10K Resistors

(I bet you want to take part now you’ve seen all that).

The Rules

The rules are straightforward:

  • Each team will get 2 hours per week to work on their project
  • On top of this there is an additional hour of time for independent work
  • Outside of work, the members of staff can work on their project for as long as they want to (for those that really want to win!)
  • Additional small value items can be requested
  • The teams have 6 weeks to complete their projects

After 6 weeks, Pat Nice will choose a winning team with the most innovative, creative use of materials.

What prize do you think Pat  should award the winners? Why not make a suggestion below.

Stay tuned for updates


Are you familiar with the Arduino? What would you do if you had access to this kit? Let us know, leave a comment below. :)