# Embedded Mobile and Automotive 19 > [! note]- > This summary is based on several sessions within this topic. It summarizes the most important content and places it in an eco-social context. The texts are based on audio/video transcription and text transformation - generated from the content and links of these sessions. ## What is this track about? The 'Embedded Mobile and Automotive 19' track at FOSDEM 2025 brings together a diverse range of sessions exploring open-source technologies for embedded systems, mobile devices, and automotive applications. Topics include secure firmware updates, innovative hardware toolchains, open communication protocols, energy-efficient and sustainable device design, and the integration of AI and robotics. Presentations address both software and hardware, covering everything from the optimization of Raspberry Pi GPUs to the use of Rust and Python for microcontrollers, and from secure vehicle communication to the revitalization of old hardware. The track places a strong emphasis on open standards, community-driven development, and the practical use of open-source tools to extend device lifespans, reduce electronic waste, and empower users. Sessions also highlight the social and ethical dimensions of technology, such as data security, accessibility, and the democratization of innovation. In simple terms, this track is about making technology more accessible, sustainable, and aligned with social needs by leveraging open-source solutions in embedded and automotive contexts. ## Sessions **SatNOGS COMMS An Open Source Communication Subsyst** Open-source communication subsystem for CubeSats, enabling accessible and collaborative satellite missions. [SatNOGS COMMS An Open Source Communication Subsyst](SatNOGS%20COMMS%20An%20Open%20Source%20Communication%20Subsyst.md) **Exploring Open Source Dual A B Update Solutions** Comparison and application of open-source A/B update solutions for embedded Linux devices to improve reliability and longevity. [Exploring Open Source Dual A B Update Solutions](Exploring%20Open%20Source%20Dual%20AB%20Update%20Solutions.md) **The road to open source General Purpose Humanoids** Making general-purpose humanoid robots accessible with open-source hardware and AI integration using dora-rs. [The road to open source General Purpose Humanoids](The%20road%20to%20open%20source%20General%20Purpose%20Humanoids.md) **Vulnerability Management at a Scale for the Yocto ** Modern approaches to large-scale vulnerability management in Yocto Project for secure embedded system development. [Vulnerability Management at a Scale for the Yocto ](Vulnerability%20Management%20at%20a%20Scale%20for%20the%20Yocto%20.md) **Booting blobs between U Boot and Linux** Optimizing and securing the boot process between U-Boot and Linux for robust embedded systems. [Booting blobs between U Boot and Linux](Booting%20blobs%20between%20UBoot%20and%20Linux.md) **usb9pfs network booting without the network** Innovative network booting for embedded devices using USB instead of traditional network interfaces. [usb9pfs network booting without the network](usb9pfs%20network%20booting%20without%20the%20network.md) **All Open Source Toolchain for ZYNQ 7000 SoCs** Transitioning to fully open-source development toolchains for Zynq 7000 SoCs, reducing dependency on proprietary tools. [All Open Source Toolchain for ZYNQ 7000 SoCs](All%20Open%20Source%20Toolchain%20for%20ZYNQ%207000%20SoCs.md) **Adopting BlueZ in production challenges and caveat** Experiences and challenges in deploying the BlueZ open-source Bluetooth stack in automotive infotainment systems. [Adopting BlueZ in production challenges and caveat](Adopting%20BlueZ%20in%20production%20challenges%20and%20caveat.md) **Getting more juice out from your Raspberry Pi GPU** Optimizing Raspberry Pi GPU performance with open-source drivers and tools for energy-efficient computing. [Getting more juice out from your Raspberry Pi GPU](Getting%20more%20juice%20out%20from%20your%20Raspberry%20Pi%20GPU.md) **The status of removing sys class gpio and the glob** Modernizing Linux GPIO interfaces for better maintainability and user experience in embedded hardware projects. [The status of removing sys class gpio and the glob](The%20status%20of%20removing%20sysclassgpio%20and%20the%20global.md) **Reverse engineering CAN communication and building** Using Elixir and BEAM for reverse engineering CAN bus communication and building open-source vehicle control units. [Reverse engineering CAN communication and building](Reverse%20engineering%20CAN%20communication%20and%20building.md) **Introduction to pmbootstrap** Simplifying Linux development on mobile devices with pmbootstrap and postmarketOS for device longevity and freedom. [Introduction to pmbootstrap](Introduction%20to%20pmbootstrap.md) **Interacting with Tesla vehicles locally over BLE** Local, open-source control of Tesla vehicles using ESPHome and BLE, bypassing cloud dependencies for energy management. [Interacting with Tesla vehicles locally over BLE](Interacting%20with%20Tesla%20vehicles%20locally%20over%20BLE.md) **Samsung Camera to Mastodon Bridge** Reviving old Samsung WiFi cameras for modern social media sharing via open-source bridges to Mastodon. [Samsung Camera to Mastodon Bridge](Samsung%20Camera%20to%20Mastodon%20Bridge.md) **Zephyr RTOS Roasting Party** Critical and constructive discussion on Zephyr RTOS for embedded systems, focusing on strengths and improvement areas. [Zephyr RTOS Roasting Party](Zephyr%20RTOS%20Roasting%20Party.md) **micropython python for microcontrollers and emb** Leveraging MicroPython for rapid, accessible firmware development on microcontrollers and embedded Linux devices. [micropython python for microcontrollers and emb](MicroPython%20Python%20for%20microcontrollers%20and%20Embedd.md) **Developing BLE Host Applications with Zephyr** Developing portable Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) applications using Zephyr, with a focus on central device roles. [Developing BLE Host Applications with Zephyr](Developing%20BLE%20Host%20Applications%20with%20Zephyr.md) **The USB MIDI 2 0 device class in Zephyr** Implementing the USB-MIDI 2.0 device class in Zephyr for open, innovative digital music devices. [The USB MIDI 2 0 device class in Zephyr](The%20USBMIDI%2020%20device%20class%20in%20Zephyr.md) **Using embedded Rust to build an unattended battery** Building autonomous, battery-powered environmental sensors with embedded Rust for collaborative ecological monitoring. [Using embedded Rust to build an unattended battery](Using%20embedded%20Rust%20to%20build%20an%20unattended%20battery.md) ## Significance for an eco-social transformation This track supports the transition to sustainable, just, and collaborative systems in several key ways: 1. **Device Longevity and Waste Reduction**: Many sessions focus on extending the life of existing hardware (e.g., revitalizing old cameras, enabling Linux on abandoned mobile devices, or retrofitting vehicles), directly reducing electronic waste and the demand for new resources. 2. **Open-Source Empowerment**: By promoting open-source tools and platforms, the track lowers barriers for communities, organizations, and individuals to adapt, repair, and innovate with technology. This fosters technological sovereignty and community-driven innovation, which are critical for social justice and resilience. 3. **Energy Efficiency and Smart Resource Use**: Presentations on optimizing GPU performance, network booting without traditional networks, and local energy management for electric vehicles highlight how embedded systems can be designed for lower energy use, supporting ecological goals. 4. **Security and Transparency**: Sessions on vulnerability management, secure firmware updates, and transparent communication protocols emphasize the importance of trustworthy, auditable systems—vital for both ecological monitoring and socially sensitive applications. 5. **Inclusive and Collaborative Innovation**: The use of accessible languages (Python, MicroPython, Rust), low-cost hardware (ESP32, Raspberry Pi), and community-maintained platforms (Zephyr, Yocto) enables a broader range of people to participate in technological development, supporting equity and inclusion. 6. **Eco-social Monitoring and Action**: Projects like open-source photometers for light pollution or CAN-based vehicle conversions provide practical tools for environmental monitoring and action, supporting grassroots and scientific collaboration for ecological and social benefit. By combining technological progress with open, collaborative, and ethical practices, this track demonstrates a holistic approach to eco-social transformation. ## Possible applications 1. **Open-Source Environmental Sensors with Rust**: Designers can use embedded Rust to create robust, battery-powered devices for ecological monitoring, such as photometers for light pollution. This approach ensures reliability and community-driven expansion. [Using embedded Rust to build an unattended battery](Using%20embedded%20Rust%20to%20build%20an%20unattended%20battery.md) 2. **Reviving and Repurposing Old Hardware**: Initiatives can adapt old cameras or mobile devices for new social or ecological purposes, reducing waste and increasing access to technology. [Samsung Camera to Mastodon Bridge](Samsung%20Camera%20to%20Mastodon%20Bridge.md), [Introduction to pmbootstrap](Introduction%20to%20pmbootstrap.md) 3. **Local, Privacy-Respecting Energy Management**: ESPHome and ESP32 enable local control of electric vehicles and smart home systems, avoiding cloud lock-in and improving resilience. [Interacting with Tesla vehicles locally over BLE](Interacting%20with%20Tesla%20vehicles%20locally%20over%20BLE.md) 4. **Collaborative Open Hardware for Space and Science**: Tools like SatNOGS-COMMS and open toolchains for Zynq SoCs empower grassroots satellite missions and scientific projects, democratizing access to advanced technology. [SatNOGS COMMS An Open Source Communication Subsyst](SatNOGS%20COMMS%20An%20Open%20Source%20Communication%20Subsyst.md), [All Open Source Toolchain for ZYNQ 7000 SoCs](All%20Open%20Source%20Toolchain%20for%20ZYNQ%207000%20SoCs.md) 5. **Accessible Firmware Development with MicroPython**: MicroPython allows rapid prototyping and deployment of sensor networks or automation systems, making embedded development approachable for eco-social initiatives. [micropython python for microcontrollers and emb](MicroPython%20Python%20for%20microcontrollers%20and%20Embedd.md) 6. **Sustainable Mobility through Open Vehicle Control**: Using Elixir and open CAN tools, communities can retrofit vehicles for electric mobility, fostering sustainable transport and local innovation. [Reverse engineering CAN communication and building](Reverse%20engineering%20CAN%20communication%20and%20building.md) 7. **Open, Modular OS for Embedded Systems**: Zephyr RTOS and Yocto Project provide flexible, open foundations for building secure, maintainable, and energy-efficient devices, suitable for eco-social applications in IoT, monitoring, and automation. [Zephyr RTOS Roasting Party](Zephyr%20RTOS%20Roasting%20Party.md), [Vulnerability Management at a Scale for the Yocto ](Vulnerability%20Management%20at%20a%20Scale%20for%20the%20Yocto%20.md) ## Challenges & open questions Several technical, ethical, and social challenges were highlighted across the sessions: - **Technical Debt and Legacy Systems**: Migrating from legacy interfaces (e.g., sys/class/gpio) and proprietary toolchains is slow due to user resistance, compatibility issues, and the need for robust migration paths. - **Security and Reliability**: Ensuring robust vulnerability management in complex, multi-vendor environments (as in Yocto Project), and maintaining secure update mechanisms for critical embedded devices, remains challenging. - **Hardware Support and Vendor Engagement**: Open-source ecosystems still lack full vendor support, especially for new hardware (e.g., in embedded Rust), limiting the adoption of sustainable, open approaches. - **Data Privacy and Local Control**: Moving away from cloud-based services (as in local Tesla control) raises new technical hurdles in ensuring reliability, security, and user-friendly implementation. - **Energy Management and Efficiency**: Designing truly low-power, long-lasting devices requires ongoing research into hardware, firmware, and system integration, especially for unattended ecological sensors. - **Documentation and Accessibility**: The complexity of some open-source platforms (e.g., Zephyr, BLE APIs) and insufficient documentation can exclude less technical users, limiting the democratizing potential of these tools. - **Legal and Standardization Barriers**: Unlocking and repurposing devices often faces legal, DRM, or standardization obstacles that require community advocacy and legal clarity. - **Community and Collaboration**: Building strong, inclusive communities for open-source hardware and eco-social tech is an ongoing social challenge, essential for scaling impact and ensuring ethical governance. Further research and development are needed in areas such as user-friendly security, open hardware support, sustainable business models for open-source hardware, and community-driven standardization.