This is a 16 Pin FRC Female Box Connector (8x2 Pin, 2.54mm Pitch) popularly used as the programming pin. This can be used to build your own AVR development tools or for general-purpose applications. It also prevents cable connection mishaps. 
It allows cost-effective connections between circuit boards based on a permanent connection (using a transition connector) or removable connection.
These devices are also suitable for conditions where dust and other hazards pose a major threat to electronic equipment because they allow such secure connections. When such equipment has to be fixed, these connectors will significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to do so, also reducing repairs to a simple swapping out of cables.