As an added twist, the project should showcase a “sixth sense” by displaying the capabilities of STMicroelectronics and TE Connectivity products to improve remote vehicle sensing and data collection.

Ideas of potential applications for the challenge could be as broad as a forest fire sensing drone, to a self-guiding drain snake or underwater pipeline monitor.

Makers and engineers can apply to participate in the Sixth Sense Design Challenge now through October 15.

20 challengers will be announced on October 20 and will have 11 weeks to build their projects, producing at least 10 blog posts about the process to share their development.

Entries will be judged by a range of technical judges from TE Connectivity and ST Microelectronics on originality, innovation and technical merit.

The 20 element14 community members selected to compete in this design challenge will receive a free challenger kit from STMicroelectronics and TE Connectivity, including all of the kit development boards and kit componentsneeded to create their designs.

The first place winner in the Sixth Sense Design Challenge will receive a Lulzbot Taz 6 3D Printer valued at more than $2,500. The runner up will receive the Lulzbot Mini 2 3D Printer worth more than $1,500. And each participant who completes the design challenge will receive a mystery prize.

To learn more about the Sixth Sense design challenge, please visit: www.element14.com/sixthsense