Cool Hardware/Devices that can be programmed in .NET?

Question

I'd love to start writting managed code for external devices and sensors. Are there any devices that come to mind that can be coded against using .NET? Any suggestions?

Edit: The main thing I'm trying to do is learn how device programming works. No better way to do that in my opinion than to try to do something fun and cool.

Answer 1

Lego Mindstorms NXT

• http://mindstorms.lego.com/
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lego_Mindstorms_NXT
• http://nxtnet.codeplex.com/

Answer 2

The Netduino just came out, and it uses the .NET Micro Framework: --> http://www.netduino.com/

Answer 3

Microsoft Robotics

Coding4Fun: Blog & Developer Kit

Answer 4

TinyCLR produces several different boards that support the .Net Micro Framework, the most popular being the Fez Domino:

FEZ (Freakin' Easy!) is a tiny open-source board running Microsoft .NET Micro Framework. This means, you can write code with much more efficiency using C# programming language under free Microsoft Visual C# express. Build your next projects in minutes by connecting FEZ Domino to one of the shields or the many available components. Includes USB cable.

Many libraries are already included like FAT file system, threading, USB Client, USB Host, UART, SPI, I2C, GPIO, PWM, ADC, DAC and many more.

FEZ offers many features not found in Arduino, BASIC STAMP and others:

• Based on Microsoft''s .NET Micro Framework.
• Runs on 72Mhz NXP ARM processors.
• Supports runtime debugging (breakpoints, variable inspection, stepping, etc.)
• Use Visual C# 2010 Express Edition for development.
• Advanced capabilities like FAT, USB device and USB host.
• Easily upgrades to hardware such as EMX.
• Open source hardware design files.
• Use existing shields and holder boards.
• Based on the USBizi chipset (ideal for commercial use).
• FEZ Mini is BS2 pin-out compatible with extra I/Os.
• FEZ Domino is Arduino pin-out compatible with extra I/Os.