Category Archives: Hardware

Three PhD Positions on Technical Sciences at Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt

The Institute of Networked and Embedded Systems at the University of Klagenfurt, Austria, has three openings for researchers (PhD student) on the topics of – software engineering of swarm systems – system testing and fault diagnosis – embedded communication protocols. … Continue reading

Posted in Embedded Software, Hardware, Protocols, Real-Time Networks, Self-Organizing Systems, Simulation | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Applying Kapton Foil Without Bubbles – The Wet Method

Kapton is a polyimide film wich can withstand a wide range of possible temperatures from -269°C to 350°C. Therefore, it is an optimal material to cover the printing bed of a 3D printer. You might have seen the thin yellow … Continue reading

Posted in Hardware | Tagged | Leave a comment

Programming the Arduino Pro from a PC

I admit, programming the Arduino Pro from a PC is no rocket science, however it is always useful to have a tutorial at hand that shows the steps how it is done. Therefore, I would like to share the experiences … Continue reading

Posted in Embedded Software, Hardware, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Making and Programming 3D-Printed Robots

MakerClub.org is a webpage offering 3D-printable designs and control software for small 3D-printable robots. By building robots from the Make Club webpage one can learn the skills to design and construct own robots. Definitely worth a visit!

Posted in Hardware, Robotics | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

3D Modeling and Printing

3D modeling and printing can be easy if you have the right tools and programs. My experiences with the free Sketch Up Make and the Makerbot Replicator 5G printer are quite positive. Getting started with 3D modeling: Download and install Sketch Up Make … Continue reading

Posted in Hardware, Tools | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Hacking Amazon’s Kindle E-Book Security with Lego Mindstorms

Peter Purganthofer, associate professor at the Vienna University of Technology, built an amazing project involving an Amazon Kindle, a computer with built-in webcam and a Lego Mindstorm robot. The robot presses alternately the “next page” button on the Kindle ebook … Continue reading

Posted in Hardware, Robotics | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Call for Papers: Eleventh Workshop on Intelligent Solutions in Embedded Systems (WISES 2013)

Embedded Systems run our cars and telephones, control production lines and aircraft systems. Meeting the strong requirements regarding the cost, safety, security, size and the power consumption require new and innovative solutions. Providing flexible and configurable systems is nowadays the … Continue reading

Posted in Embedded Software, Hardware, Protocols, Real-Time Networks, Robotics, Sensor Fusion, Simulation, Tools | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

e-puck – toy or research platform?

An e-puck is a small differential-wheeled robot. The openness of the design makes the e-puck especially interesting for academic use. The hardware and software is under an open source license which allows for modifictaion and redistribution of the design. Besides … Continue reading

Posted in Embedded Software, Hardware, Robotics, Simulation | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Testing embedded user interfaces with paper prototyping

Paper prototyping is a usability test where users access an interface by interacting with a paper version of the interface that is manipulated by a second person emulating the computer. The second person only manipulates the paper interface, but is … Continue reading

Posted in Embedded Software, Hardware, Simulation, Tools | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

An alternative UART that does not need special quartz frequencies

A UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) is a component that transmits chunks of data (typically character size, i.e. 7 or 8 bits) onto a serial communication line. Almost every microcontroller features at least one UART component, that can be configured to … Continue reading

Posted in Embedded Software, Hardware, Real-Time Networks | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment