Last month, on Tuesday, May 23, our premises were abuzz with excitement as we hosted a dynamic workshop with the support of the Gathering for Open Science Hardware (GOSH). The workshop aimed to introduce participants to the fundamental principles of Open Source Hardware (OSH) and provide hands-on experience with OSH projects.

Led by industry experts, the workshop aimed to familiarize participants with OSH products and enlighten them about the value, strengths, and weaknesses of working with OSH. The event commenced with an engaging discussion on the basic principles of OSH. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the concept itself, its inherent value, and the plethora of opportunities it presents. From licensing and repository building to CAD program selection, documentation, open collaboration, and actual building and assembling, the workshop covered various aspects of OSH’s development processes.

Once the theoretical part concluded, participants eagerly dove into the hands-on segment of the workshop. Attendees were provided with a kit containing the Libre Water prototype, an open-source desalination system. Guided by the given instructions, participants embarked on the process of assembling the kit, gaining valuable insights into the different components and manufacturing capabilities involved, such as 3D printing, CNC milling, and laser cutting. The practical session proved to be an invaluable experience for the participants, equipping them with firsthand knowledge of OSH products and empowering them to apply the principles they learned to their own projects.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Gathering for Open Science Hardware (GOSH) and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation for their generous support in making this workshop a resounding success.