You can also do it lower level with AVR microcontrollers and a bunch of sensors. Arduino itself is a simpler, higher abstraction enabling architecture that doesn't compete with industrial level electronics in terms of cost/performance.

This is simple a higher abstraction framework. Something I can probably entertain my SO with.

I'm CS/EE and I'd still use something like this and enjoy it. If I had any time left for distractions right now.

Might take the plunge.