Save on these DIY kits that will beef up your hardware knowledge

Almost every tech professional recommends that people learn how to code, but what is the point of writing programs if you don’t know what goes under the hood? There’s no point in learning all sorts of programming languages if you have nary an idea of the type of machine you’re trying to program in the first place. A programmer worth their salt has at least a baseline knowledge of hardware, so if you want to start your foray into being a successful coder, then you should at least get your hands dirty with circuit boards and robots.

You can make learning hardware your new year goal thanks to this Cyber Week sale we’re having. Take your pick:

Build Your Own GPS Tracking System With Raspberry Pi

You can’t always rely on your maps app to figure out where to go. This course package offers step-by-step instructions on creating your own GPS tracking system using Raspberry Pi. Through beginner-friendly online lectures, you’ll get the chance to learn GPS data extraction and Python programming, all while putting together a device that analyzes GPS data in real-time. Normally $59, it’s on sale for $49.

DIY Robotic Art Kit

Ideal for kids ages 5 to 8, this child-friendly kit contains everything they need to gain more interest in art, science, and robotics. It includes an easy-to-follow manual designed to help children start building, playing, and coding as fast as possible, and the modules are produced to be LEGO compatible so that they can be easily designed and played. It usually retails for $69, but you can get it on sale for $29.99.

SunFounder PiCar-V Kit V2.0 for Raspberry Pi 4

You can build your very own remote-controlled car with this kit that will have you immersed in Raspberry Pi, robotics, electronics, and programming. It’s basically an open-source robot learning kit packed with three sensor modules and designed to be built with a visual programming language software or Python code. Formerly $115, it’s on sale for $104.95.

Mand Labs Magic of LED DIY Kit

Built for kids, electrical engineering students, STEM educators, and hobbyists alike, this kit is specifically developed to help start your foray into the world of electronics through 5 exciting projects. You can get your hands dirty on projects that will teach you all about LEDs, buzzers, transistors, and capacitors. Originally $29, it’s on sale for $26.95.

The Ultimate Raspberry Pi and ROS Robotics Developer Super Bundle

If you want to beef up your knowledge of electronics, programming, and robotics, this bundle may be up your alley. It boasts 39 hours of expert-led content on Raspberry Pi, Python, and ROS2, allowing you to learn more about both hardware and software programming. It’s typically $2,391, but you can get it for $49.99.

The Internet of Things and ESP32 Arduino Beginners Course Bundle

If you’re into games, you can also deep dive into that with this course bundle that focuses on game development and electronics building. It features 7 hours of content that cover ESP32, web server, email alert, Arduino interfacing, and more. Get it for $24.99 (MSRP $1,393).

WLKATA Mirobot 6-Axis Mini Robot Arm Professional Kit

Do you know that robotic arm that Iron Man uses as an assistant? You can make one for yourself (although probably less powerful) with this kit that lets you play with the Mirobot and have fun with robotics. It can be controlled via a PC, mobile phone, Bluetooth controller, and app. It originally goes for $1,690, but you can get it for $1,539.99.

DIY Coding Kit with 1-Year Premium Subscription to Twin School

This DIY coding kit is your child’s fast-track ticket to honing their STEM skills. It comes with four coding projects that teach them the basic concepts of coding. It also includes a subscription to Twin School, an app that offers gamified adventures and classes to improve their programming skills even further. It formerly retails for $168, but you can get it on sale for $39.99.

Wacky Robots 5-Pack Bundle: Soldering Practice Kits

Robots are not always built to replace humans. You can build your very own non-threatening bots with this bundle that packs five soldering practice kits that you can tinker around with to build fun robots. You can make one that vibrates and moves around, one that automatically changes colors, and more. You can get it for $49.99.

Prices subject to change.