HardwareX最新文献

{"title":"OpenThruster: An open-source, mostly 3D-printed thruster for marine vehicles","authors":"Milind Fernandes ,&nbsp;Soumya Ranjan Sahoo ,&nbsp;Mangal Kothari","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00680","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00680","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Thrusters are essential components of marine robotic vehicles for surface or underwater use. However, their high cost often makes them inaccessible to hobbyists, early-career researchers, and citizen scientists. With advancements in 3D printing, several do-it-yourself (DIY) thruster designs have emerged, allowing assembly using off-the-shelf components. However, most existing designs provide only printable files. These often lack detailed source information and, more importantly, performance data. This work presents the design, and an updated and expanded evaluation of the open-source OpenThruster project, with a focus on performance variability, fabrication methods, and dynamic modeling. OpenThruster is an open-source, low-cost, and mostly 3D-printed thruster for marine applications. The thruster itself is designed and simulated using open-source software. Performance evaluation is performed using off-the-shelf components and, wherever possible, open-source hardware. To ensure broad accessibility and long-term availability, we selected one of the most widely available drone motors and tested units with identical specifications from various vendors to assess consistency. Experimental validation involved a VESC6 driver board and bollard thrust measurements using a load cell setup in pool water. We also evaluated propellers produced, via three different 3D printing techniques. The thrusters consistently produced an average peak thrust of 18 N at 310 W, with fabrication costs kept under 500 INR (approximately $6). While thrust variation across ten motors from different vendors reached up to 11%, a one-way ANOVA test indicated no statistically significant difference between them. However, propellers made with different printing methods demonstrated significant differences in thrust output.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00680"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144739504","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}

{"title":"A float-controlled self-contained laser gauge for monitoring river levels in tropical environments","authors":"Alain Pierret ,&nbsp;Norbert Silvera ,&nbsp;Keo Oudone Latsachack ,&nbsp;Khampasith Chanthavong ,&nbsp;Phabvilay Sounyafong ,&nbsp;Olivier Ribolzi","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00682","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00682","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this paper we present the design, construction and performance of a self-contained float-controlled water level gauge for monitoring water levels in streams and small rivers. This device is inexpensive (cost of about EUR 220), easy to build (no electronics skills or specialized tools required; assembled in a few hours) and straightforward to use. The gauge remains autonomously operational for several weeks in remote locations without the need for an external power supply or solar panel and in the harsh tropical climatic conditions. Data can be downloaded wirelessly in the field using an Android smartphone or tablet. This gauge is capable of a measurement precision of ±1 mm at temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 °C and accurate to within 2 mm of manual readings in a controlled laboratory environment. In the field, the mean absolute error (MAE) of measurements taken with the water level gauge compared to that obtained with the OTT-SE200 − a commercial float-controlled angle encoder water level gauge − over a full tropical rainy season and for a measurement range of 0.5 m, was 2.6 mm (n = 8,017).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00682"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144711421","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}

{"title":"Design, assembly, and tuning of a multipurpose FPV drone: A flexible and low-cost alternative","authors":"Franco Alessandro Arenas Mamani ,&nbsp;Gustavo Bryam Capira Malcoaccha ,&nbsp;Marco Antonio Blanco Quicaño ,&nbsp;Leonardo Gabriel Prado Gutierrez ,&nbsp;German Alberto Echaiz Espinoza ,&nbsp;Erasmo Sulla Espinoza ,&nbsp;Andres Ortiz Salazar","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00672","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00672","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article details the design, assembly, and tuning of a multipurpose FPV (First Person View) drone designed as a budget-friendly and customizable alternative to professional-grade drone model. Built with a focus on performance, adaptability, durability, and ease of repair, the <em>APdrone</em> (All Purpose Drone) incorporates high-quality components such as a carbon fiber frame, brushless motors, and advanced flight controllers. To ensure optimal flight characteristics, a comprehensive tuning process was performed using empirical adjustments, supported by controlled testing environments, to optimize PID parameters (<span><math><msub><mrow><mi>K</mi></mrow><mrow><mi>p</mi></mrow></msub></math></span>, <span><math><msub><mrow><mi>K</mi></mrow><mrow><mi>i</mi></mrow></msub></math></span>, <span><math><msub><mrow><mi>K</mi></mrow><mrow><mi>d</mi></mrow></msub></math></span>) to achieve stable and precise flight performance. Testing demonstrated a flight time of approximately 8 min under standard conditions with a maximum payload capacity of 0.98 kg. Importantly, the <em>APdrone</em> offers operational flexibility and significant cost savings (USD 647.09), compared to high-end drones like the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, while maintaining comparable functionality and allowing for customization. To encourage accessibility, reproducibility and further development, open-source design files, including CAD schematics, firmware configurations, and assembly instructions, are provided. The <em>APdrone</em> serves as a scalable platform for research, recreational use, and advancements within the UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00672"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144724949","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}

{"title":"Design and implementation of a low-cost gimbal-based angular ultrasound gantry for optimal tissue slice selection using deep learning","authors":"Abhishek Kumar,&nbsp;Akshay S. Menon,&nbsp;Divyansh Sharma,&nbsp;Raviteja Sista,&nbsp;Debdoot Sheet","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00676","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00676","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ultrasound (US) is a widely popular imaging technique for the diagnosis of tumors and associated soft tissue pathology. Traditionally, excised tumor masses are manually sliced for microscopic examination, which is a resource-intensive, time-consuming process, and prone to human error. The proposed work addresses these challenges by developing a cost-effective US gantry system integrated with a deep learning algorithm to automate the tissue slice selection process. This system scans the entire tumor and by integrating a deep learning algorithm predicts the optimal slice to assist its preparation for microscopic analysis. Automating this process reduces the time and resources required while minimizing the risk of human error. Optimal tissue slice reduces sampling associated uncertainty in diagnosis and treatment planning. Thereby determining tumor grade and type, and helping to reduce the treatment risks. The initial development focused on a linear US gantry that moves in one direction to acquire B-mode images. However, this design is limited, as it cannot fully capture the tumor’s structural complexity. In order to overcome this, we developed an angular US gantry that can maneuver along multiple angles, acquiring a broader range of images for comprehensive geometric analysis. The angular gantry demonstrated significant improvement, achieving 98% accuracy in selecting the optimal tissue slice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00676"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144685747","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}

{"title":"A low-cost portable system for 3-Axis measurement of static and extremely low frequency magnetic fields","authors":"Veronika Wohlmuthova,&nbsp;Michal Labuda,&nbsp;Mariana Benova","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00683","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00683","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Magnetic fields play a crucial role in modern science and technology - yet precise and accessible tools for their measurement remain limited, especially for small laboratories, educators, or independent researchers. This paper introduces a novel, open-source magnetic field measurement system based on three-axis sensors for monitoring both direct and extremely low frequency magnetic fields. The device features a modular hardware design centered around a custom PCB, enabling flexible analog filtering, Bluetooth data transmission, and offline LCD visualization. By combining the MC858 and MPU9250 sensors with precise analog signal conditioning and a 12-bit ADC, the system ensures reliable detection of magnetic fields including the 50 Hz mains frequency and its harmonics. To verify the functionality of the device, experimental measurements were conducted inside a Faraday cage using a common hair dryer placed at distances of 1 cm and 3 cm from the sensors as a source of electromagnetic field. Frequency analysis confirmed reliable detection of the dominant 50 Hz component and its harmonics, as well as the system’s ability to distinguish changes in field intensity based on distance and operating state of the source device.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00683"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144696905","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}

{"title":"Low-cost electronic DC load module design for battery capacity evaluation","authors":"Minh Nhat Huynh ,&nbsp;Quoc Minh Lam ,&nbsp;Cong Toai Truong ,&nbsp;Huy Hung Nguyen ,&nbsp;Van Tu Duong","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00679","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00679","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rapid advancements in energy storage technology spurred by the use of electricity in a variety of applications have brought attention to the critical need for precise battery capacity evaluation. The electronic DC load devices play an important role in those tests by replicating real-world discharge conditions. However, commercial DC load systems are often prohibitively expensive and remain largely inaccessible to small enterprises, academic laboratories, and independent researchers. While open-source alternatives offer cost advantages, many existing designs lack scalability, flexibility, and ease of use. This study proposes a low-cost, modular electronic DC load capable of continuous operation at up to <span><math><mrow><mn>50</mn><mi>W</mi></mrow></math></span> per module. With its user-friendly interface and support for numerous other tests, including constant current, constant resistor, constant power, battery evaluation, and high-power pulse charge (HPPC) the proposed electronic DC load is robust and simple to use for battery research and evaluation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00679"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144670577","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}

{"title":"Fluid interaction study: Hydrodynamic robot (FISHR) — Expansion of bioinspired soft robotic fish","authors":"Montana Ligman,&nbsp;Kioumars A. Rezaie,&nbsp;Ramya Shah,&nbsp;Chris Keeter,&nbsp;Bryson Sutterfield,&nbsp;Mirjam Fürth","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00674","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00674","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We introduce an enhanced iteration of OpenFish, a previously developed open-source soft robotic fish. The original model, developed at Delft University of Technology, successfully emulated thunniform swimming through a unique propulsion system utilizing both active and passive tail segments. This design aimed to optimize speed and efficiency while fostering future advancements in soft robotic fish research. To further enhance OpenFish, we undertook a redesign process, making modifications to the fish hull and internal components. These changes aimed to simplify construction, address waterproofing issues, and facilitate the development of an autonomous version of the fish. Our work encompasses an updated description of the construction process, customization options, and detailed insights into hardware implementation, including waterproofing techniques for the soft robotic fish.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00674"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144739503","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}

{"title":"Design and construction of a small embeddable nuclear magnetic resonance sensor utilizing 3D-printed components","authors":"Floriberto Díaz-Díaz ,&nbsp;Prisciliano Felipe de Jesús Cano-Barrita","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00678","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00678","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents the design and construction of a cost-effective embeddable nuclear magnetic resonance sensor using 3D printing to improve the construction process. The sensor comprises two 25.4 mm diameter x 3 mm thick neodymium-iron-boron disk magnets and an elliptical radio frequency coil. Magnetic field simulations were employed to determine the optimal separation between magnets, achieving a relatively homogeneous B₀ field of 180 mT at the center of the array. Custom 3D-printed parts ensured precise magnet alignment and facilitated coil fabrication. The sensor was encased within a Faraday cage constructed from a printed circuit board to mitigate external electromagnetic interference. A remote tuning circuit was developed to tune the coil to 7.66 MHz. Initial testing involved using an eraser sample to determine the required 90° and 180° pulse amplitudes and duration. The sensor’s performance was further validated under immersion conditions in milk, yogurt, and fresh cement paste, using the Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill technique. The signals obtained were processed by fitting the data to an exponential decay function to obtain the T₂ lifetimes and their corresponding signal intensities, and by Inverse Laplace Transformation to obtain the T₂ lifetime distribution. Results indicate the sensoŕs capability to detect variations in samples having different compositions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00678"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144654756","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}

{"title":"PhotoNeuro: A compact photodetector for synchronization of visual stimulus presentation during behavioural experiments in neuroscience","authors":"Xavier Cano-Ferrer ,&nbsp;Marcelo J. Moglie ,&nbsp;George Konstantinou ,&nbsp;Antonin Blot ,&nbsp;Gaia Bianchini ,&nbsp;Albane Imbert ,&nbsp;Petr Znamenskiy ,&nbsp;M. Florencia Iacaruso","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00677","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00677","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Presenting visual stimuli in neuroscience experiments often requires precise temporal alignment between visual events and electrophysiological or behavioural recordings. This is typically achieved by combining analogue signals that convey timing information about the visual cue shown on liquid crystal displays (LCDs), sensed via photodetectors and recorded through analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) acquisition boards. However, most commercial photodetector systems pose limitations such as high voltage requirements, large sensor footprints that interfere with stimulus presentation, and limited compatibility with open-source platforms. Here, we present a compact, low-cost photodetector system designed for compatibility with common 3.3–5 V microcontroller-based development boards (e.g., Arduino) and the open-source visual programming language Bonsai, widely used in neuroscience for experiment control. The circuit consists of a photodiode, an amplification stage, and a low-pass filter, and can optionally incorporate an infrared filter—useful for experiments involving infrared touch displays. To facilitate reproducibility, we provide complete design files, a bill of materials and detailed building and operational instructions. We further introduce a four-channel variant, enabling the detection of four-bit binary signals for more complex synchronization needs. Validation and characterization of the device were performed through grayscale gamma correction analysis of LCD monitors using Bonsai. Additionally, we demonstrate the system’s utility in a head-fixed mouse experiment, synchronizing visual stimulus onset with neuronal recordings acquired via Neuropixels 2.0 probes. Performance comparisons with a commercial photodetector device indicate that our system achieves equivalent signal fidelity at a substantially lower cost, while maintaining a minimal footprint suitable for experimental use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00677"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144670576","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}

{"title":"Eight-channel high-speed electrical impedance tomography device implemented on a programmable system on a chip","authors":"Fausto Andrés Escobar ,&nbsp;Carlos Felipe Rengifo ,&nbsp;Víctor Hugo Mosquera","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00667","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00667","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study proposes an electrical impedance tomography (EIT) device based on a programmable system on a chip (PSoc). The EIT-PSoC system is implemented using two PSoC 5LP platforms. A resistive phantom is used to study frame frequency (fps), accuracy (Ac), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). A saline phantom, along with both conductive and non-conductive objects, is employed to evaluate the system’s ability to detect changes in impedance distribution. Finally, the dielectric characteristics of the human lower pelvis is emulated using four agar phantoms, allowing an evaluation of the EIT-PSoC system’s performance in response to changes in fluid volume and conductivity. Experiments conducted on the resistive phantom to characterize the EIT-PSoC system demonstrate a frame frequency of 100 fps, a median SNR of 63.59 dB, and an accuracy of 95.39% when using a 0.98 mA sinusoidal current signal at 50 kHz. EIT image reconstruction shows that the proposed system can distinguish impedance changes in the saline phantom. Additionally, by utilizing the global impedance (GI) index and the agar phantoms, the EIT-PSoC system can detect changes in volume and conductivity, making this system a promising alternative for monitoring the volume and conductivity of biological fluids.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00667"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144632309","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}