As expected, this year's Maker Faire is going to be a huge crowd of DIYers whose brains will communally explode with the ideas that the exhibitors will incite. I know mine does. Ok, maybe not communally (which honestly, could prove to be messy), but usually I have so many ideas of things to create that one or two actually stick around after I've headed home with brain overload.

This year, there are all sorts of new ideas and gadgets offered. There is the new ShopBot handibot, which is a portable, hand-held version of a ShopBot. It works with a tablet interface and is perfect for DIYers as well as those more professionally inclined.

There is the Barobo Linkbot, which is a modular robot platform, which means you can take robotic sections and connect them to do different things as well as "bump" them together to create a link between two unconnected pieces. The demonstration I saw made the bumped piece a remote control for the other piece. Very cool! I'm seeing a MartiniBot becoming a reality in my future! Most likely swirled and not stirred, though, since most of the motions I saw demonstrated were circular. But hey, as long as it ends in a martini, I'm game.

There were guys from Ford who are creating a diagnostics dongle (yes, that IS a technical term) that can collect all the information from your vehicle and display it in a tablet. Their vision is to allow those inclined to create interactive programs on the open source platform. What kind of programs? I have no idea. Safety warnings? Notices that you're passing by a Starbucks? I probably shouldn't be allowed to mess with my car's brain, but it does sound intriguing.

And if your idea is something you think would sell, you can chat with the funding guys from HXLR8R. They love to give money to technically inclined entrepreneurs. Well, ok, maybe not give and I'm pretty sure you have to have a business plan or something. But the really young dude who spoke (Zach) said they can help you with that, too.

They are teaming up with Google for the 2nd annual Maker Camp for teens. Their goal is to help inspire less fortunate kids who may not get exposure to technology to become Makers. Heck, now I wish I was a teenager again just so I can go.

And Maker Faire is going global! After the success of the London, UK faire, they are now doing one in Italy! So, if you happen to be in the neighborhood of Rome Oct. 3-5, come be an Italian Maker!

To me, one of the more impressive displays at Makers Faire was the SparkTruck. It's a mobile unit loaded with all the latest gadgets that makers' can use, such as 3D printers, laser cutters, small CNC machines and computers, as well as a lot of other cool equipment. The truck travels to schools to bring back the joy of making to students of all ages and economic standing. There goal is that each child takes home something he or she made while visiting the truck, inspiring them with the desire to continue creating things.

The  SparkTruck is run by a group of Stanford srudents who are passionate about making things. They strive to share this passion with kids and light the maker spark within them. Plus, it's apparently educational or something.

As usual, Makers' Faire this year came with a plethora of unique ideas and items, both for show and for sale. I like the ones that make me smile. Two of my favorite from this year:

 Armed Garden Gnomes

For those who want to strike terror into any inquisitive rabbit or other garden trespasser, these garden gnomes mean business! Armed to the teeth, they will defend your garden with exessive force. But I'm willing to bet that there are no travel plans for these guys in the near future. They're on the no-fly list.

Beer Bot

Move over R2D2, here comes the Heineken Beer Bot! Just as cute and cuddley, this little guy not only bleeps and squeals in that adorable way, he'll also top off your tasty, adult beverage...Ok, not really. Apparently, beer and circuits don't mix very well except during playoff season. But I really liked the creative use of booze. I hope next year they have a martini bot that does actually dispense martinis. You could fill different hoppers with gin (or vodka), vermouth and olives, then dispense, shake and serve! That's a robot I'd love to have follow me around.