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A Software-Only Post-Processor for Indexed Rotary Machining on GRBL-Based CNCs

Portugal, Pedro, Venghaus, Damian D., Lopez, Diego

arXiv.org Artificial Intelligence

Affordable desktop CNC routers are common in education, prototyping, and makerspaces, but most lack a rotary axis, limiting fabrication of rotationally symmetric or multi - sided parts. Existing solutions often require hardware retrofits, alternative control lers, or commercial CAM software, raising cost and complexity. This work presents a software - only framework for indexed rotary machining on GRBL - based CNCs. A custom post - processor converts planar toolpaths into discrete rotary steps, executed through a br owser - based interface. While not equivalent to continuous 4 - axis machining, the method enables practical rotary - axis fabrication using only standard, off - the - shelf mechanics, without firmware modification. By reducing technical and financial barriers, the framework expands access to multi - axis machining in classrooms, makerspaces, and small workshops, supporting hands - on learning and rapid prototyping.


An Experimental Study of Split-Learning TinyML on Ultra-Low-Power Edge/IoT Nodes

Jenhani, Zied, Bensalem, Mounir, Dizdarević, Jasenka, Jukan, Admela

arXiv.org Artificial Intelligence

Running deep learning inference directly on ultra-low-power edge/IoT nodes has been limited by the tight memory and compute budgets of microcontrollers. Split learning (SL) addresses this limitation in which it executes part of the inference process on the sensor and off-loads the remainder to a companion device. In the context of constrained devices and the related impact of low-power, over-the-air transport protocols, the performance of split learning remains largely unexplored. TO the best of our knowledge, this paper presents the first end-to-end TinyML + SL testbed built on Espressif ESP32-S3 boards, designed to benchmark the over-the-air performance of split learning TinyML in edge/IoT environments. We benchmark the performance of a MobileNetV2 image recognition model, which is quantized to 8-bit integers, partitioned, and delivered to the nodes via over-the-air updates. The intermediate activations are exchanged through different wireless communication methods: ESP-NOW, BLE, and traditional UDP/IP and TCP/IP, enabling a head-to-head comparison on identical hardware. Measurements show that splitting the model after block_16_project_BN layer generates a 5.66 kB tensor that traverses the link in 3.2 ms, when UDP is used, achieving a steady-state round-trip latency of 5.8 s. ESP-NOW presents the most favorable RTT performance 3.7 s; BLE extends battery life further but increases latency beyond 10s.


A Benchmark Reference for ESP32-CAM Module

Nowroz, Sayed T., Saleh, Nermeen M., Shakur, Siam, Banerjee, Sean, Amsaad, Fathi

arXiv.org Artificial Intelligence

The ESP32-CAM is one of the most widely adopted open-source modules for prototyping embedded vision applications. Since its release in 2019, it has gained popularity among both hobbyists and professional developers due to its affordability, versatility, and integrated wireless capabilities. Despite its widespread use, comprehensive documentation of the performance metrics remains limited. This study addresses this gap by collecting and analyzing over six hours of real-time video streaming logs across all supported resolutions of the OV2640 image sensor, tested under five distinct voltage conditions via an HTTP-based WiFi connection. A long standing bug in the official Arduino ESP32 driver, responsible for inaccurate frame rate logging, was fixed. The resulting analysis includes key performance metrics such as instantaneous and average frame rate, total streamed data, transmission count, and internal chip temperature. The influence of varying power levels was evaluated to assess the reliability of the module.


Cost-Effective Robotic Handwriting System with AI Integration

Huang, Tianyi, Xiong, Richard

arXiv.org Artificial Intelligence

This paper introduces a cost-effective robotic handwriting system designed to replicate human-like handwriting with high precision. Combining a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller, 3D-printed components, and a machine learning-based handwriting generation model implemented via TensorFlow, the system converts user-supplied text into realistic stroke trajectories. By leveraging lightweight 3D-printed materials and efficient mechanical designs, the system achieves a total hardware cost of approximately \$56, significantly undercutting commercial alternatives. Experimental evaluations demonstrate handwriting precision within $\pm$0.3 millimeters and a writing speed of approximately 200 mm/min, positioning the system as a viable solution for educational, research, and assistive applications. This study seeks to lower the barriers to personalized handwriting technologies, making them accessible to a broader audience.


Design Challenges for Robots in Industrial Applications

Mufid, Nesreen

arXiv.org Artificial Intelligence

Nowadays, electric robots play big role in many fields as they can replace humans and/or decrease the amount of load on humans. There are several types of robots that are present in the daily life, some of them are fully controlled by humans while others are programmed to be self-controlled. In addition there are self-control robots with partial human control. Robots can be classified into three major kinds: industry robots, autonomous robots and mobile robots. Industry robots are used in industries and factories to perform mankind tasks in the easier and faster way which will help in developing products. Typically industrial robots perform difficult and dangerous tasks, as they lift heavy objects, handle chemicals, paint and assembly work and so on. They are working all the time hour after hour, day by day with the same precision and they do not get tired which means that they do not make errors due to fatigue. Indeed, they are ideally suited to complete repetitive tasks.


CGRA4ML: A Framework to Implement Modern Neural Networks for Scientific Edge Computing

Abarajithan, G, Ma, Zhenghua, Li, Zepeng, Koparkar, Shrideep, Munasinghe, Ravidu, Restuccia, Francesco, Kastner, Ryan

arXiv.org Artificial Intelligence

Scientific edge computing increasingly relies on hardware-accelerated neural networks to implement complex, near-sensor processing at extremely high throughputs and low latencies. Existing frameworks like HLS4ML are effective for smaller models, but struggle with larger, modern neural networks due to their requirement of spatially implementing the neural network layers and storing all weights in on-chip memory. CGRA4ML is an open-source, modular framework designed to bridge the gap between neural network model complexity and extreme performance requirements. CGRA4ML extends the capabilities of HLS4ML by allowing off-chip data storage and supporting a broader range of neural network architectures, including models like ResNet, PointNet, and transformers. Unlike HLS4ML, CGRA4ML generates SystemVerilog RTL, making it more suitable for targeting ASIC and FPGA design flows. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework by implementing and scaling larger models that were previously unattainable with HLS4ML, showcasing its adaptability and efficiency in handling complex computations. CGRA4ML also introduces an extensive verification framework, with a generated runtime firmware that enables its integration into different SoC platforms. CGRA4ML's minimal and modular infrastructure of Python API, SystemVerilog hardware, Tcl toolflows, and C runtime, facilitates easy integration and experimentation, allowing scientists to focus on innovation rather than the intricacies of hardware design and optimization.


Embedded FPGA Developments in 130nm and 28nm CMOS for Machine Learning in Particle Detector Readout

Gonski, Julia, Gupta, Aseem, Jia, Haoyi, Kim, Hyunjoon, Rota, Lorenzo, Ruckman, Larry, Dragone, Angelo, Herbst, Ryan

arXiv.org Artificial Intelligence

Embedded field programmable gate array (eFPGA) technology allows the implementation of reconfigurable logic within the design of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). This approach offers the low power and efficiency of an ASIC along with the ease of FPGA configuration, particularly beneficial for the use case of machine learning in the data pipeline of next-generation collider experiments. An open-source framework called "FABulous" was used to design eFPGAs using 130 nm and 28 nm CMOS technology nodes, which were subsequently fabricated and verified through testing. The capability of an eFPGA to act as a front-end readout chip was assessed using simulation of high energy particles passing through a silicon pixel sensor. A machine learning-based classifier, designed for reduction of sensor data at the source, was synthesized and configured onto the eFPGA. A successful proof-of-concept was demonstrated through reproduction of the expected algorithm result on the eFPGA with perfect accuracy. Further development of the eFPGA technology and its application to collider detector readout is discussed.


Ultra-Wideband Positioning System Based on ESP32 and DWM3000 Modules

Krebs, Sebastian, Herter, Tom

arXiv.org Artificial Intelligence

In this paper, an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) positioning system is introduced, that leverages six identical custom-designed boards, each featuring an ESP32 microcontroller and a DWM3000 module from Quorvo. The system is capable of achieving localization with an accuracy of up to 10 cm, by utilizing Two-Way-Ranging (TWR) measurements between one designated tag and five anchor devices. The gathered distance measurements are subsequently processed by an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) running locally on the tag board, enabling it to determine its own position, relying on fixed, a priori known positions of the anchor boards. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the systems architecture, the key components, and the capabilities it offers for indoor positioning and tracking applications.


R4: rapid reproducible robotics research open hardware control system

Waltham, Chris, Perrett, Andy, Soni, Rakshit, Fox, Charles

arXiv.org Artificial Intelligence

A key component of any robot is the interface between ROS2 software and physical motors. New robots often use arbitrary, messy mixtures of closed and open motor drivers and error-prone physical mountings, wiring, and connectors to interface them. There is a need for a standardizing OSH component to abstract this complexity, as Arduino did for interfacing to smaller components. We present a OSH printed circuit board to solve this problem once and for all. On the high-level side, it interfaces to Arduino Giga -- acting as an unusually large and robust shield -- and thus to existing open source ROS software stacks. On the lower-level side, it interfaces to existing emerging standard open hardware including OSH motor drivers and relays, which can already be used to drive fully open hardware wheeled and arm robots. This enables the creation of a family of standardized, fully open hardware, fully reproducible, research platforms.


MosquIoT: A System Based on IoT and Machine Learning for the Monitoring of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

Aira, Javier, Montes, Teresa Olivares, Delicado, Francisco M., Vezzani, Darìo

arXiv.org Artificial Intelligence

Millions of people around the world are infected with mosquito-borne diseases each year. One of the most dangerous species is Aedes aegypti, the main vector of viruses such as dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika, among others. Mosquito prevention and eradication campaigns are essential to avoid major public health consequences. In this respect, entomological surveillance is an important tool. At present, this traditional monitoring tool is executed manually and requires digital transformation to help authorities make better decisions, improve their planning efforts, speed up execution, and better manage available resources. Therefore, new technological tools based on proven techniques need to be designed and developed. However, such tools should also be cost-effective, autonomous, reliable, and easy to implement, and should be enabled by connectivity and multi-platform software applications. This paper presents the design, development, and testing of an innovative system named MosquIoT. It is based on traditional ovitraps with embedded Internet of Things (IoT) and Tiny Machine Learning (TinyML) technologies, which enable the detection and quantification of Ae. aegypti eggs. This innovative and promising solution may help dynamically understand the behavior of Ae. aegypti populations in cities, shifting from the current reactive entomological monitoring model to a proactive and predictive digital one.