You know that open-source software like Apache or OpenOffice that actually makes it possible for you to do things on your own? Some bright guys applied that to hardware and have developed BUG, an open source, web-enabled, modular software + hardware platform. Sound cool? Here’s what they have to say.
Bug Labs is a new kind of technology company, enabling a new generation of engineers to tap their creativity and build any type of device they want, without having to solder, learn solid state electronics, or go to China.
Open-Source Hardware?
At first I thought this was a kooky idea with not a whole lot of possibilities, but think of some gadgets you’ve had ideas for, but didn’t know how or what you would need to put it together. This can make it possible. I have no idea what goes into something to create a speed-plotting-video-amplification device, but with BUG I can take a few modules a turn it into a fully-optimized web-based piece of hardware. From a tech side, that’s cool. It pretty much pummels Radio Shack into the ground.
Here’s a photo and video that explains the inspiration behind the madness.
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SolidSmack is a very small behemoth of an online community about 3D CAD, technology, design, robots, and ninjas… Ok, maybe not ninjas so much, but those guys are COOL so there just might be something about some dang ninjas.
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Josh,
Have you found the part where they tell you if the community can modify/improve the hardware? Are they planning on releasing schematics? Is this really open source hardware?
Regardless, this is a very interesting project!
Josh,
Have you found the part where they tell you if the community can modify/improve the hardware? Are they planning on releasing schematics? Is this really open source hardware?
Regardless, this is a very interesting project!
hands-on post for the hardware.
yep, open source. it has a base module that others attach to and it has a open-source software you can read about on their site. Just saw that Engadget has a hands-on post for the hardware.
My question isn't about the open source nature of the software platform but the hardware platform and modules. Will the “community” have access to the “source code” of the hardware; meaning a documented design (i.e. schematics)? Can I (or better yet) a qualified electronic hardware designer propose design changes and or new modules? This would enable the hardware to grow with the open source communities needs/desires.
That's what I would call open source hardware. The only company I have seen that's even close to this is Neuros:
http://www.neurostechnology.com/
http://www.neurostechnology.com/community
I guess that the only people that can answer this are the folks at Bug. We'll have to wait and see if/when they speak to this question.
My question isn’t about the open source nature of the software platform but the hardware platform and modules. Will the “community” have access to the “source code” of the hardware; meaning a documented design (i.e. schematics)? Can I (or better yet) a qualified electronic hardware designer propose design changes and or new modules? This would enable the hardware to grow with the open source communities needs/desires.
That’s what I would call open source hardware. The only company I have seen that’s even close to this is Neuros:
http://www.neurostechnology.com/
http://www.neurostechnology.com/community
I guess that the only people that can answer this are the folks at Bug. We’ll have to wait and see if/when they speak to this question.
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