HardwareXPub Date : 2025-09-22DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00706
H. Díaz, E. Macea, R. Escobar, S. Beebe, J. Tohme, B. Raatz
{"title":"PowderBot: An automated device for decision-making in crop breeding programs based on DNA extraction from seed powder","authors":"H. Díaz, E. Macea, R. Escobar, S. Beebe, J. Tohme, B. Raatz","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00706","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00706","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents the design, construction, operation, and evaluation of PowderBot, a purpose-built, open-source, low-cost machine (∼US$ 5000) that automates DNA extraction from ungerminated seeds. The device drills into the seed cotyledon, where the genetic information of the prospective plant is stored. It then transfers the pure, powdered samples directly to well-plates for analysis. This reduces time and other research resources and can accelerate crop varietal improvement, ultimately contributing to more efficient and successful crop breeding programs. At CIAT́s campus, we have validated the method for obtaining seed-tissue material from common beans for DNA extraction and subsequently genotyping agronomically interesting lines, using the bc-3 molecular marker. Three genotyping trials were carried out using this method, which generated consistent results, regardless of the number of perforations made to the seed. This leads us to infer that the method works effectively and can be applied for marker assisted selection (MAS) in bean and other crop breeding programs. Finally, germination and vigor tests indicated the sampling process did not significantly compromise perforated seed germination rate, physiological quality or viability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article e00706"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145159238","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HardwareXPub Date : 2025-09-19DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00701
Alejandro Gaviria-Cano, Cristian Escudero-Quintero, Jose David López-Suárez, Juan Pablo Villegas-Ceballos, Elkin Edilberto Henao-Bravo, Sergio Ignacio Serna-Garcés
{"title":"Cost-effective and versatile Hardware-in-the-Loop system for DC/DC converter emulation in education and research","authors":"Alejandro Gaviria-Cano, Cristian Escudero-Quintero, Jose David López-Suárez, Juan Pablo Villegas-Ceballos, Elkin Edilberto Henao-Bravo, Sergio Ignacio Serna-Garcés","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00701","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00701","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This work presents a cost-effective, versatile hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) system for non-isolated DC/DC converter emulation. The system emulates five types of converters (Buck, Boost, Buck-Boost, Cuk, and SEPIC) and targets educational and research applications. The hardware uses an ARM Cortex M7 microcontroller to perform real-time calculations and produce analog signals that emulate the behavior of the converters. Its economical, compact, and modular design is optimized to facilitate use in educational environments and research projects with limited resources. Additionally, the system includes software that enables automatic configuration of the code necessary for emulation, offering flexibility while reducing costs and complexity</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article e00701"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145118884","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HardwareXPub Date : 2025-09-19DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00703
Marcelo Barrientos , Martin Barrientos , Jorge Rodas , Alfredo Renault , Carlos Romero , Fabian Palacios , Claudio Chavez , Ana Martina Botti
{"title":"Temperature control board design and validation for skipper-CCD sensors using a buck converter","authors":"Marcelo Barrientos , Martin Barrientos , Jorge Rodas , Alfredo Renault , Carlos Romero , Fabian Palacios , Claudio Chavez , Ana Martina Botti","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00703","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00703","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article describes the creation and validation of a custom temperature control board explicitly designed for Skipper-CCD sensors. The board is versatile and can be used in various experimental setups. It consists of two galvanically isolated sections: a control section equipped with a Raspberry Pi and essential instrumentation for measurement and protection, and a power section with a buck converter and additional instrumentation for enhanced protection and monitoring. The seamless integration of these sections provides robust temperature control and comprehensive safeguards against potential issues. Through careful design and extensive experimental validation, the developed board ensures precise thermal management tailored to the unique needs of Skipper-CCD sensors. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in the OSCURA experiment and can serve as a model for potential applications in other projects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article e00703"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145118886","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HardwareXPub Date : 2025-09-17DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00704
Jhonatan A. Gutierrez-Rivera , Andres F. Roca-Arroyo , David A. Castilla-Casadiego , Alberto Albis
{"title":"Development of a low-cost electrospinning system with a bidirectional collector for uniform nanofibrous membranes","authors":"Jhonatan A. Gutierrez-Rivera , Andres F. Roca-Arroyo , David A. Castilla-Casadiego , Alberto Albis","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00704","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00704","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The electrospinning process is a widely used technique for the fabrication of membranes with nanometric fibers, employing polymeric materials such as polyvinylidene fluoride and polycaprolactone. The shape of the fiber collector, whether static or rotating, significantly impacts membrane uniformity. Although rotating drum collectors are the most used, they exhibit drawbacks such as uneven fiber accumulation. Current solutions, which favor rotating over static collectors, tend to be more expensive and complex. This article presents an electrospinning setup that utilizes a flat acrylic plate with bidirectional movement along the X and Y axes, enhancing fiber collection and membrane uniformity. This design improves process efficiency, fiber reproducibility, and system scalability. Polystyrene electrospun nanofibrous membranes were fabricated, and their average fiber diameter and pore size were analyzed, demonstrating the system’s capability to produce micro- and nanometric fibers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article e00704"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145118885","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HardwareXPub Date : 2025-09-15DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00700
Shinjer Li , Samuel J. Rubin , Tyler Meldrum
{"title":"RAMM: A Robotic, Autonomous Magnetic field Mapper","authors":"Shinjer Li , Samuel J. Rubin , Tyler Meldrum","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00700","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00700","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accurate spatial mapping of magnetic fields is crucial for a range of scientific, industrial, and medical magnetic devices. Here, we present RAMM: a Robotic, Autonomous Magnetic field Mapper. RAMM consists of a delta-style 3D robot coupled with a three-axis Hall sensor that is able to measure magnetic fields accurately and at relatively low cost. In addition, RAMM is programmatically controlled via a Python interface, facilitating volumetric measurement of <span><math><mi>x</mi></math></span>, <span><math><mi>y</mi></math></span>, and <span><math><mi>z</mi></math></span>-components of magnetic fields ranging from the millitesla to single-digit Tesla range. We demonstrate the performance of RAMM, via detailed 3D-maps of the magnetic fields of several different sizes and arrangements of permanent magnets, and demonstrate agreement between measured and manufacturer-reported field gradient values. RAMM is easy to build, affordable, and suitable for teaching and research applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article e00700"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145099454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HardwareXPub Date : 2025-09-11DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00691
Cristian Castillo-Velásquez , Carlos Fuhrhop , Mario E. Flores , Sebastian Brauchi
{"title":"A cost-effective and open-source near-field electrospinning system with a graphical user interface","authors":"Cristian Castillo-Velásquez , Carlos Fuhrhop , Mario E. Flores , Sebastian Brauchi","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00691","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00691","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Electrospinning is a versatile technique widely used in biomedicine and electronics. Here we describe the design and construction of a low-cost Near-Field Electrospinning System (NFES) using open-source technologies, including 3D printing and open-source hardware and software. The system features a modified 3D printer for precise needle and mobile collector control, along with an Arduino-driven syringe pump to regulate the flow of the polymeric solution. A custom user interface ensures optimal conditions during operation. Proof-of-concept tests demonstrate the system capability to fabricate and functionalize microfibers using a polyethylene oxide solution in distilled water.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article e00691"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145118883","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HardwareXPub Date : 2025-09-11DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00696
James Cushway , J. Geoffrey Chase , Thomas Desaive , Liam Murphy , Isaac L. Flett , Geoffrey M. Shaw
{"title":"A novel clinical data acquisition device: Towards real time cardiovascular modelling in the ICU","authors":"James Cushway , J. Geoffrey Chase , Thomas Desaive , Liam Murphy , Isaac L. Flett , Geoffrey M. Shaw","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00696","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00696","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Patient specific cardiovascular system models have the potential to provide far greater insights into patient conditions than is currently possible in the intensive care unit (ICU). Access to haemodynamic data is imperative for the introduction and validation of these models for model-based care in the ICU. However, current bedside machines are proprietary systems and do not allow access to any data without potentially prohibitive cost, creating a barrier to research and advancements in bedside care. This work presents a novel, low-cost data capture system which allows real time capture of haemodynamic measurements, as well as fluid infusion rates in the ICU. The system consists of an Arduino controlled data capture unit, an adaptor for connecting to existing bedside pressure sensors, and a Python based application which displays and records data sent from the data capture system over a USB serial connection. The total system is highly customizable if needed, and costs a total of NZ$200.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article e00696"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145061232","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HardwareXPub Date : 2025-09-11DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00699
Otto Heuschele, R. Ted Jeo, D. Jo Heuschele
{"title":"A 3D printed grinder adaptor for streamlined sample processing","authors":"Otto Heuschele, R. Ted Jeo, D. Jo Heuschele","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00699","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00699","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In agricultural research, sample preparation for any type of post-harvest analysis is very time consuming. After harvesting samples, they generally need to be ground before further analysis. Grinding plant samples can be accomplished by either an abrasive type or blade type grinders. The abrasive type provides relatively uniform particle size; therefore, it is preferred to prepare material for analytical assays (1 mm). The Foss Cyclotec CT293 grinder comes with a glass container that needs to be removed and cleaned after each sample is ground. We developed a 3D printed adaptor cone that does not need to be removed after each sample and is cleaned when compressed air is vented through the machine to remove residual sample from the abrasive ring. This hardware reduces 27 % of time required for processing per sample (n = 60) and allows for direct sample grinding into different sample storage containers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article e00699"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145050146","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HardwareXPub Date : 2025-09-06DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00695
Alex Kana-Chuctaya, Alexander Hilario-Tacuri
{"title":"Development of a prototype antenna radiation pattern measurement system using Software-Defined Radio","authors":"Alex Kana-Chuctaya, Alexander Hilario-Tacuri","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00695","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00695","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This work presents the design and implementation of an automated prototype system for measuring antenna radiation patterns, using Software Defined Radio (SDR), a stepper motor-driven rotational platform, and custom 3D printed components. The system is powered by a Raspberry Pi processing unit, equipped with a touchscreen interface for real-time control and data visualization. The prototype enables automated 360°sweeps in either the horizontal (azimuth) or vertical (elevation) plane, facilitating signal strength measurements across a broad sub-6 GHz frequency range (70 MHz – 5.9 GHz). The prototype was validated by measuring the radiation pattern of an ultra-wide band (700 to 6000 MHz) flexible antenna under far-field conditions and in non-anechoic environment, demonstrating its practical applicability with acceptable accuracy. Performance was evaluated by comparing the measured radiation patterns against the manufacturer’s reference data, yielding a root mean square error (RMSE) and a mean absolute error (MAE) below 0.172 (3.260 dB) and 0.139 (2.625 dB), respectively. These results indicate that the prototype offers a low-cost, reliable, modular, and adaptable solution for antenna characterization, suitable for both academic research and practical telecommunications applications. Furthermore, the hardware and software are open source, promoting ease of replication and enabling future enhancements.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article e00695"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145099452","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HardwareXPub Date : 2025-09-06DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00688
Ferdinand Lange, Sascha Beutel
{"title":"Advancing IoT in the lab: Next generation Gateway-Module for laboratory device integration","authors":"Ferdinand Lange, Sascha Beutel","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00688","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00688","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article introduces the next generation of the Gateway-Module, which is designed to simplify experimental setups and to further advance digitization. Based on the innovative work of Porr et al. in 2020, the Gateway-Module-v3 replaces the single board computer (SBC) with a Phytec i.MX 8M Plus (phycore-imx8mp) System on Module (SoM). This upgrade significantly reduces the physical size of the module to a compact 5.4 cm width, length, and height. Gateway-Module-v3 seamlessly integrates with standards such as Standard in Laboratory Automation (SiLA 2) and Open Platform Communication Unified Architecture (OPC-UA), advancing the digitization and efficiency of laboratory operations. At the center of its innovation is the tty2eth management module, which provides robust remote monitoring and maintenance using SSH and Prometheus metrics to ensure that experiments run smoothly even from remote locations. The Gateway-Module-v3 offers a wide range of connectivity options, including GPIO, USB and serial ports, making it adaptable to a variety of applications. Rigorous stress testing has confirmed its reliability and performance under demanding conditions, highlighting the suitability for both laboratory and remote scenarios. With its advanced functionality and connectivity, the Gateway-Module-v3 is ready to support researchers, advance their work, and will serve as a fundamental resource for current and future needs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article e00688"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145050145","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}