After the recent release of the latest smartphones, Grant Gibson was inspired by the fingerprint reader on a more popular model - which inspired him to add a similar biometric security system to his childrens' toy box. Doing so is very easy with the brains of an Arduino, an external fingerprint reader and a servo which is used to lock or unlock the box. You can see the box in action in the following video:
Although the final application for this example may seem a little frivolous, it gives you the framework to create a biometric security system for more important or detailed projects. To get started, visit Grant's website for the sketch, hardware and discussion. And for more, we're on twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.
If you're new to Arduino and want to join the fun, the first step is a solid board for your projects - our Freetronics Eleven - the Arduino-Uno compatible with low-profile USB socket, onboard prototyping space and easy to view LEDs:
