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Arduino Shot Machine Pours a Drink Every Time the US Wins an Olympic Medal

Drinking games just got a little more sophisticated (kind of). Startup SmartThings built this awesome Arduino-based machine that automatically pours a shot whenever the US wins a medal in the 2012 Summer Olympics. Goldschläger for gold, Cuervo for silver, and Jack Daniels for bronze.

The Arduino is connected to a SparkFun XBee shield and a ZigBee network connects it to the SmartThings platform, which connects to the internet.

Circuit components with wires and a microcontroller on a black background.

When the US wins a medal, the Arduino switches on a strobe light and turns on a fan that makes the US flag blow in the wind. And pours the shot, of course. Of course, you can also just pour a drink manually by clicking on the appropriate medal on the SmartThings Medal app.

Decorative beverage dispenser pouring into a glass on a blue table.

Check out the video to see the full explanation.

Who says sports and alcohol don't mix?

If you've been watching the Olympics, how do you celebrate? Let us know in the comments!

Cover Image by Bro Bible

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