Makers are inventors, creators, engineers, students or grassroot innovators who enjoy play and exploration – but they can also be people who simply want to make the world a better place. And where better to innovate and experiment than in a city?

Back in San Francisco in 2006, the Maker Movement arose out of the launch of MAKE: MagazineToday, hundreds of thousands of people attend Maker Faire, the world’s biggest (and coolest) DIY event.

Next week it’s the Catalan capital’s turn to host it. Produced by Atlas Advisor Mariona Ciller and curated by Fab Lab Barcelona Director Tomás Diez, all projects have been created on their home turf.

“Barcelona is one of the leading cities in the world of makers. The city is known for its events, but this one celebrates a local ecosystem of people, communities, institutions and companies who want to change everything,” Diez explains. “Come and participate with local and global leaders in a world of creativity – and learn how they propose to make technology more human and accessible to everyone.”

From lion robots to oval sound, these are a few of their favourite things…

 

1. Boris the LionBot

Retro futuristic steampunk lion tale – obviously

Retro futuristic steampunk lion tale – obviously

Circatronic is a retro futuristic steampunk electronic circus with robotic animals – that the WWF would love. Boris the LionBot is the main star in a performance that shows us that robots and AI could allow us to keep animals safe – while not missing out on the fun of a good circus”

Circatronic is made in Catalunya.

 

2. TicrTing

TicrThing_Core

Stay informed of Bitcoin prices

“New digital currencies are disrupting our economy, and the most famous is Bitcoin. In a still volatile market, you want to know in real time its changes, and make sure you get the best trades out of it. The TicrThing is a dedicated price ticker that displays the Bitcoin price in a local currency at any time via a wireless cube.”

► Feed your crypto obsession.

 

3. DECODE

Set your own rules

Set your own rules

“We all know that data is the new oil, and great companies are making good use of our information generated out of digital interactions. DECODE wants to help citizens, governments and companies to establish a fairer distribution of the value of data. Learn to be owner of your own data and decide what to do with it – whether to keep personal information private or share it for the public good.”

► Get better control of your personal data.

 

4. Oval Sound

Oval is a disruptive percussive instrument

Oval is a disruptive percussive instrument

“Makers can create great projects and Oval is one of them. This instrument turns your hands and your smartphone into great music to play in your band or with your friends. It is also a tangible interface you can programme to make your own sounds.”

The revolution of percussion.

 

5. Goteo

The crowd makers

The crowd makers

“When good projects want to go to market they look for different ways to get funded. Goteo has enabled dozens of projects in Europe to be funded while supporting the open source philosophy in each one of them.”

Launch your own crowdfunding campaign.

 

barcelona

Read more on Maker Faire history, the Maker Movement, as well as how to start a Maker Faire or a School Maker Faire where you live. Barcelona Maker Faire is organised by Atlas partners: Sonar+DFab Lab Barcelona and Soko Tech.