The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the most popular topics among our readers, especially when it comes to intelligent home automation. The first step in developing your own IoT system is to set up a rapid prototyping environment, and to this end embedded systems providers offer a wide range of astonishingly low-cost development kits, containing everything you could possibly wish for to start you on your way. Even a beginner can get a first prototype up and running within minutes.