2. Introduction
• Arduino-compatible platform for medium-volume real life Internet of
Things applications (home control, healthcare, environment
control/sensing etc)
• Integrated communication (primarily BLE) and digital/analog I/O
• Low cost, low power and small size
• Custom form factor and port configuration for minimum size
• Control via apps in smartphones/tablets and aggregating IoT centrals
3. USPs
• Quick prototyping and product deployment
• Modular solution for many applications (including yet to be thought
up ones)
• Many already know the Arduino architecture, that is very easy to use,
so little new to learn, and easy to find developers
• The same architecture can be used in cost-optimized solutions at a
later stage
• Developers can focus on the software, peripheral and usage aspects
4. Rationale
• Internet of Things as a hyped trend and a real need
• Actually this market niche is growing amazingly fast due to the broad
applicability and potential gains
• Bluetooth LE/Smart as the main link for local communication
• Many IoT devices need to be battery-powered
• Many developers around the world are experienced in Arduino
• Possibility to sell add-ons due to custom I/O port
5. Arduino Compatibility
• Compatible with non-Mega boards, except in terms of port
configuration
• Surface-mounted ATmega328 (or better) for 100% software and port
compatibility
• Arduino Bootloader
• Programming via USB
6. Arduino Compatibility
• All Arduino ports available for use via the I/O port
• Custom configuration with 28 pins in two rows plus a few extra pins for future
use
• Custom shields are needed, but the components could be the same as on
standard shields
• A bridge shield would enable connection of existing Arduino-compatible
shields
7. Software Platform
• Arduino Bootloader
• API for communicating with master devices
• API for Xively
• API for Sen.se
• Utility library for rapid development of IoT solutions
• Definition of a standard self-describing protocol for IoT, unless
available
8. Products: Main Board
• 3.3 Volts
• Atmel ATMega328 in 28-pin MLF casing
• Integrated wireless communication to cut cost, minimize size
• with BLE (for initial board)
• Possible future main boards:
• with 100baseT + PoE
• with Wi-Fi
9. Products: Main Board
• Same MCU, programming and
ports as standard non-Mega
Arduino
• Battery-powered, but with the
option of external (stabilized)
power
• Holes for stacking with custom
shields
• 30 mm square
Battery
BLE Module + Antenna
MCU + USB
Ports (2 rows)
10. Products: Shields
• Shields should be possible to stack, like for original Arduino
• Types:
• Prototyping, Zigbee, Buffered/decoupled digital/analog I/O, Interface to
normal Arduino shields, USB host, CAN host, NFC transponder, weather
station, MIDI, camera, stereo audio I/O etc
11. Project Steps
1. Develop your solution using a generic IoTino and shields
• Add peripherals
• Develop software
2. Launch small-volume commercial product
3. Possibly CAD your own board with integrated peripherals for
optimized cost/size
• Use the peripherals and software you used/developed earlier
12. Partners
• Providers of hardware design and production setup have been
contacted about feasibility and interest in exploring this further
• Consulting companies have been contacted about providing software
development and custom designs
13. Funding
• Crowdfunding: Kickstarter, Indiegogo etc
• Requires a clear message and promotional information, and possibly also a
working prototype, before the market is approached
• Yet, some only post 3D simulations
• Use this as a way to market and pre-sell (like everybody else)
• Possibly local funding would be better, especially if beta customer
14. Questions
• Business
• Does it make business sense?
• Can it scale enough business-wise?
• How much funding is needed for prototyping and a first commercial product?
• Tech
• Hardware too limited for IoT applications?
• Can there be issues with the fact that Arduino is open source?
