Open Source

OPEN or Open Project is more and more popular in science and technology. The society need an Open Mind to solve problems together other than obstacle.

The term "open source" refers to something people can modify and share because its design is publicly accessible. It helps people save much money and time. There are many things that are “open source” such as open source hardware, open source software, OpenPnP, OpenPump, OpenMV, OpenAir, OpenAI, OpenHAB and open source robotics etc.

"Open hardware," or "open source hardware," refers to the design specifications of a physical object which are licensed in such a way that said object can be studied, modified, created, and distributed by anyone.

"Open Hardware" is a set of design principles and legal practices, not a specific type of object. The term can therefore refer to any number of objects—like automobiles, chairs, computers, robots, or even houses. Like open source software, the "source code" for open hardware—schematics, blueprints, logic designs, Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings or files, etc is available for modification or enhancement by anyone under permissive licenses. They can add features or fix bugs in the software. They can even modify the physical design of the object itself and, if they wish, proceed to share such modifications.
(https://opensource.com/resources/what-open-hardware)

What is open source software?
Open source software is software with source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance. The difference between open source software and other types of software is that some software has source code that only the person, team, or organization who created it—and maintains exclusive control over it—can modify. People call this kind of software "proprietary" or "closed source" software. Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop are examples of proprietary software. Open source software is different. Its authors make its source code available to others who would like to view that code, copy it, learn from it, alter it, or share it. LibreOffice and the GNU Image Manipulation Program are examples of open source software.
(https://opensource.com/resources/what-open-source)

OpenPnP is a project to create the plans, prototype and software for a completely Open Source SMT pick and place machine that anyone can afford. With the ubiquity of cheap, precise motion control hardware, some ingenuity and plenty of Open Source software it is possible to build and run a fully functional SMT pick and place machine for under $1000. For more please refer to openpnp.org and Robotics, Drones, Open PnP, 3D Printer, 6 DOF

And how about an open pump? If you’re unlucky enough to have required precise, timed doses of drugs through an IV in hospital; or if you’ve worked in a lab where controlled amounts of chemicals have needed to be added to an on schedule, you’ll be intimately familiar with syringe pumps. They’re expensive. The one in the picture above, which was the cheapest I could find costs $750. But don’t worry, scientists have created an open-source, 3D-printed syringe pump that can be made for a fraction of the cost of existing pumps, using an off-the-shelf motor and bearings, The whole system comes in at about $50, and it performs exactly the same task, in exactly the same way.
(https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/open-source-syringe-pump/)

The OpenMV project is about creating low-cost, extensible, Python powered, machine vision modules and aims at becoming the “Arduino of Machine Vision“. OpenMV Cam ended its Kickstarter campaign with over 200% funding and 900 backers! Read more openmv.io

OpenAir, RobotDigg prefers the definition that openair project is a Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) knowledge exchange project that aims to provide a collection of open-source tools for the analysis of air pollution data.
OpenAI refers to Open Artificial Intelligence which is going to change the world.
OpenHAB, open source automation software for your home. Build your smart home in no time!
Open source robotics is open design movement applied to the field of robotics makes use of open-source hardware and open source software providing blueprints, schematics, and source code.

In a word,open or open source can save people much money and time, it helps learning, creating get more easier. At the same time, things what are opened can be more perfect while people enhance and improve it.