US based tech startup entrepreneur Michael Barnick has launched a company, Quantum Integration to challenge the Arduino’s role in IoT.
Arduino is a small open source microcontroller module and software produced by the company of the same name, and many others. It can be programmed in C and C++ and is widely used for controlling and interfacing IoT devices. In 2018 Telstra partnered with Arduino to offer a version of the Arduino board supporting NB-IoT and Cat-M1.
Barnick says he was frustrated with Arduino’s limitations and wanted to create a better way to wirelessly automate devices in the home.
He claims the Quantum Integration platform is unique in that it allows easy integration of any number and type of devices, is plug-and-play from beginning to end and designed for novices and experts alike.
“It is now easier than ever to build custom automation projects from using remote temperature sensors, lighting control, security systems, entire high-end home automation, and even robot,” Barnick said. “The only limit is your imagination!”
Quantum integration cofounder, Joeran Kinzel, said that, using the Quantum IoT platform, he was able to “to do in minutes what would have taken days on Arduino.”
The Quantum IoT platform comprises the Q-Server ($US199) and Q-clients ($US49 each). Neither is yet available but would-be buyers can add their names to a waitlist on Kickstarter. Also, a starter bundle comprising a Q-Server and two Q-Clients will sell for $US249.
These use the Q-Generator software, billed as a firmware generator that creates pre-written, dynamically created firmware and automatically uploads these to the Q-clients. Quantum says it supports hundreds of other devices, without requiring programming and enables users to build custom firmware for Q-Clients.
An App Builder application enables users to create applications for the Q-Server and Q-Clients using a drag-and-drop interface, and there is also a developer environment that enables developers to incorporate their own JavaScript code into Quantum applications.
