Embedded Systems for Robotics

For our 3rd year mechatronics design project at the University of Waterloo, our team (Varrun Vijayanathan, Ethan Dau, Eric Gharghouri) built a SCARA-style robot arm—capable of moving a 20-sided die across a 300x150x75mm space—with sub-$300 in parts and a focus on precision and repeatability. We didn’t take the easiest route. We took the one with the most learning. Key Features: → Custom inverse kinematics in C and Python with multi-solution handling → Hardware-timed stepper motor control using STM32 timers → Hardware limit switch debouncing + custom state machine → Z-axis rack system with gain-scheduled torque control → Manual joystick control mode with real-time override Tech Stack: → STM32 Nucleo + PlatformIO → 3D-printed structure with cycloidal joints and axial/thrust bearings → Custom debounce circuit for limit switches → Simulation tooling in Python (Tkinter) → Modular firmware with HAL layers for HMI, motors, and controls We hit our 60mm target 10/10 times at the demo and passed both accuracy and repeatability objectives. I led firmware, systems integration, and architecture—and came out the other side with a much deeper understanding of embedded motion control and hardware/software co-design. Full write-up, code, videos, and lessons here: https://lnkd.in/grAuhWEC

Welcome back to Day 16 of my series 30 Days of Robotics Software! 🚀 Today we dive into one of my favorite topics: Micro-ROS on ESP32 🔌🤖 How a small microcontroller becomes a full ROS 2 node! When you flash Micro-ROS on an ESP32, it’s no longer “just a microcontroller”— it becomes a participant in your ROS 2 robotic system, capable of publishing, subscribing, running services, timers, and even PID control loops. What we explore today: How Micro-ROS runs on the ESP32 The structure of the embedded firmware (publishers, subscribers, services, timers…) How the ESP32 communicates with the Micro-ROS Agent Why Micro-ROS is perfect for motors, sensors, and low-level control How this architecture powers real robots (including underwater and mobile robots) #ROS2 #MicroROS #EmbeddedSystems #ESP32 #Robotics #Firmware #DDS #RoboticsSoftware #30DaysOfRoboticsSoftware

Poland Unveils a Fully Autonomous, AI-Driven Warehouse Robot Powered by AMD Introduction: A New Milestone in Industrial Autonomy Robotec.ai, a Polish robotics innovator, is preparing to showcase what it calls the first fully autonomous warehouse robot powered exclusively by AMD Ryzen AI processors. Unlike traditional scripted warehouse automation, this platform uses agentic AI to perceive, reason, plan, and act in real time, moving industrial robotics closer to true self-direction. Breakthrough Capabilities Enabled by AMD and Liquid AI • The robot integrates AMD Ryzen AI processors as its sole compute engine, running both the AI stack and robotics software in parallel with high efficiency. • Liquid AI’s next-generation LFM2-VL Vision Language Models give the system multimodal intelligence, blending perception, reasoning, and natural language understanding. • The robot carries out long-horizon tasks by interpreting spoken or written commands, adapting workflows through autonomous replanning, and operating safely amid mixed warehouse traffic. • It can detect hazards such as spills or blocked exits and take corrective actions without human intervention. Simulation-Driven Development and Embedded Autonomy • Extensive simulation using the Open 3D Engine enables low-risk testing, validation, and refinement of agentic AI behaviors before deployment. • Robotec.ai used synthetic, simulation-derived datasets to fine-tune Liquid AI’s models for domain-specific accuracy and robustness. • LFM2-VL runs entirely on-device, eliminating cloud dependence and reducing latency, a critical requirement for safe, real-time industrial autonomy. • The company plans to migrate from Ryzen processors to AMD’s embedded x86 line as it moves toward commercial deployment. Expanding the Frontier of Reasoning Robots • The robot performs warehouse tasks, serves as an autonomous inspection agent, and alerts operators when unexpected events occur. • AMD’s compute platform delivers high throughput, low latency, and strong power efficiency—key metrics for sustained autonomous operation. • Robotec.ai believes this collaboration demonstrates the next wave of physical intelligence: mobile manipulators powered by agentic AI, capable of high-value, real-world performance. Conclusion: A Step Toward Self-Managing Industrial Environments This demonstration marks an important evolution in warehouse automation. By merging advanced embedded AI, real-time multimodal reasoning, and efficient on-device computation, Robotec.ai shows how autonomous systems can move from repetitive scripts to true environmental understanding. The collaboration with AMD and Liquid AI positions Poland at the forefront of next-generation industrial robotics and signals a broader shift toward intelligent, fully autonomous warehouse ecosystems. I share daily insights with 33,000+ followers across defense, tech, and policy. Keith King https://lnkd.in/gHPvUttw

🔧 Arduino Uno System Diagram – Integrated Embedded Systems Overview This visual presents a comprehensive Arduino Uno–based system diagram that demonstrates how multiple sensors, user inputs, and actuators can be integrated into a single embedded system for educational and practical applications. System Architecture Overview (Input → Processing → Output): 🔹 Inputs TMP36 Temperature Sensor for analog temperature measurement 10 kΩ Potentiometer for adjustable analog control Push Button with pull-down resistor for reliable digital input HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor for distance and proximity sensing 🔹 Processing Unit Arduino Uno (ATmega328P) as the main controller Performs analog-to-digital conversion (ADC), digital I/O control, PWM generation, and I²C communication ATmega16U2 handles USB-to-serial communication for programming and data transfer 🔹 Outputs & User Interface 16×2 I²C LCD for real-time data visualization LED with 220 Ω resistor for status indication Buzzer for audible alerts SG90 Servo Motor, safely powered using an external 5 V supply with common ground 🔹 Power Management On-board power pins (VIN, 5 V, 3.3 V, GND) External power supply used for the servo motor to ensure electrical safety and system stability Educational Value: This system illustrates core embedded-systems concepts, including sensor interfacing, analog and digital signal handling, I²C communication, PWM-based actuation, and proper power management. It is well suited for engineering laboratories, Arduino courses, IoT fundamentals, and introductory system-integration projects. Target Audience: Engineering students, educators, laboratory instructors, and Arduino learners seeking a clear, system-level understanding of microcontroller-based designs. Prepared by Dr. Ayad M. Dalloo & Sulaf Waiss #Arduino #EmbeddedSystems #EngineeringEducation #Electronics #Microcontrollers #IoT #STEM #AcademicContent