Today MAKE kicks off a week of projects, news, articles, and inspiration all about the "connected home," how the Internet of Things and smart appliances are connecting us in new ways to where we live, eat, and sleep. We'll also be running a contest for the best connected home project.

By best, I mean best documented, most innovative, and most original project. The winner, to be picked by a panel of MAKE editors, will have his or her project featured on makezine.com and will receive a $500 voucher from the Maker Shed. There's also a special bonus prize.

The submission period is open now and ends at 11:59 p.m. PT Feb. 6 so get started now! Full details and official contest rules can be found here.

If an EZ-Robot project wins the $500, I'll up the prize and send you some sweet EZ-Robot stuff your way Maybe even some early EZ-Robot Revolution prototypes...

This is an awesome contest to showcase your skills and creativity with the EZ-B! Good luck!

I hope your submitting your "connected aquarium" ..EZ-B isn't always about robots ! Good luck Josh! and to any other EZ Forum folks!

Let's hope it's not restricted to US only, I have a "little something" that should (hopefully) put up some competition

I might do the connected aqaurium. What's cool is there is no telling what the make magazine editors will like or feel is innovative. I looked up the last winner and it was a Robot plant that opened its pedals to expose solar cells to charge it's battery and when the sun goes down a servo closed the petals just like a living flower. It was neat , simple and editors @ make loved it. I know Ez Robot can easily surpass that!

I agree entirely Rich! your " little something" is an amazing home butler and would "make" a great challenge for top spot!

Yeah, reading the whole thing I'm not sure about submitting instructions on how to replicate him for the chance to win $500 (I turned down an investor who offers a lot more than that because I didn't like his conditions). Besides, it needs to be submitted today and I doubt I'd have time to do so for the whole of Jarvis, what I have documented isn't a how to by any stretch. I may submit a small portion if I get chance to write something up later.

I'm excited but I'm note sure what project I would submit. The smart fish tank would be the easiest to explain in a how to but maybe not as much cool factor. Dang it's a tough choice. One submission per person.