Arduino is an open-source physical computing platform based on a simple I/O board and a development environment that implements the Processing/Wiring language.  Arduino can be used to develop stand-alone interactive objects or can be connected to software on your computer.  the open-source IDE can be downloaded for free (currently for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux).

Arduino received an Honory Mention in the Digital Communities section of the 2006 Ars Electronica Prix

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This kit, once assembled, can be used with Arduino IDE and it is Arduino Diecimila compatible.

This KIT uses a MAX232 compatible RS232 driver, instead of the 2 transistors used in the original Arduino serial board, improving the reliability of the RS232 communication to higher levels comparable to the USB board.

The KIT now includes the ATmega328P microcontroller and requires Arduino IDE version 0013.

The KIT can be assembled following the assembly guide.

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Arduino website

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You only need a soldering iron, some solder, a multimeter and soldering skills.

Picture of the Freeduino serial board installed on a bot (submitted by Mike, webmaster of ROBOMO)