HardwareX最新文献

{"title":"Open-source tubing-free impeller pump platform for controlled recirculating fluid flow for microfluidics and organs-on-chip","authors":"Sophie R. Cook ,&nbsp;Erin E. Lawrence ,&nbsp;Parastoo Sakinejad ,&nbsp;Rebecca R. Pompano","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00673","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00673","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fluid flow is utilized in many microscale technologies, including microfluidic chemical reactors, diagnostics, and organs-on-chip (OOCs). In particular, OOCs may rely on fluid flow for nutrient delivery, cellular communication, and application of shear stress. In order for microscale flow systems to be readily adopted by non-experts, a tubing-free, user-friendly pump would be useful, particularly one that is simple to use, affordable, and compatible with cell culture incubators. To address these needs, here we share the design and fabrication of an impeller pump platform that provides recirculating fluid flow through a microfluidic loop without the need for tubing connections. Flow is driven by rotating a magnetic stir bar or 3D-printed impeller in a pump well, using magnets mounted on a DC motor. The DC motors used produce negligible heat output in a compact system, making it compatible with cell culture incubators. The pump platform accommodates user-defined microfluidic or OOC device geometries, which may be easily customized by 3D printing. Furthermore, the system is easily assembled from low-cost materials and simple circuitry by someone with no prior training. We demonstrate the ability of the platform to drive recirculating fluid flow in a microfluidic device at well-characterized flow velocities ranging from µm/s to mm/s for use with microfluidic technologies. Though designed with OOCs in mind, we envision that this platform will enable users from ranging disciplines to incorporate fluid flow in customized microscale technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00673"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144579549","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":"Programmable automated low-cost IoT water sampler","authors":"Emmanuel Deleon ,&nbsp;Ansley J. Brown ,&nbsp;Jakob Ladow ,&nbsp;Erik Wardle ,&nbsp;Troy Bauder","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00693","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00693","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Water quality management is a critical environmental challenge for water resource managers in agriculture and other sectors due to pollution from contaminants like nitrogen and phosphorus. This pollution degrades ecosystems in waterways worldwide. Environmental pollutant mitigation methods rely heavily on the ability of managers to monitor water quality, often by collecting water samples (either by manual or automated methods) and sending them out for analyte characterization by a laboratory. Traditional automated samplers are often prohibitively expensive and/or complex, hindering effective water resource management across different contexts. Conversely, manual collection methods require more time and labor, but provide less data (i.e., a single point in time as opposed to a composite sample from multiple time points). Addressing this, the Colorado State University Agricultural Water Quality Program created a low-cost, automated water sampler (LCS) leveraging Internet of Things (IoT) technology that enables near-real-time, edge-of-field water monitoring. The LCS stands out for its affordability, simplicity, and real-time data provision, offering a practical tool for water resource managers seeking to monitor WQ. Furthermore, comparing LCS water quality and quantity data shows promising agreement, indicating that the device is a reasonable substitute for practical applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00693"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144907753","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":"BIO-SPEC: An open-source bench-top parallel bioreactor system","authors":"Laurens Parret ,&nbsp;Kenneth Simoens ,&nbsp;Jo De Vrieze ,&nbsp;Ilse Smets","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00670","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00670","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The BIO-SPEC is an open-source, cost-effective, and modular bench-top bioreactor system designed for batch, sequencing batch, and chemostat cultivation. Featuring thermoelectric condensers to eliminate the need for a chiller, it ensures stable long-term operation. Controlled by a Raspberry Pi, the BIO-SPEC offers flexibility in headplate design, gas supply, and feeding strategies, making it a versatile alternative to high-cost commercial systems. This paper details the design, construction, and validation of the BIO-SPEC system, demonstrating its potential to advance microbiology and bioprocessing research through accessible and reliable hardware at a fraction of the cost of commercial systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00670"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144763708","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":"2025-09-01","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":"Exoskeleton for Upper Limb Rehabilitation (EULR) with 3D printing technology based on force sensor","authors":"Triwiyanto Triwiyanto ,&nbsp;Levana Forra Wakidi ,&nbsp;I. Putu Alit Pawana","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00665","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00665","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The paper addresses the significant challenge of limited accessibility and high costs associated with commercial exoskeletons for hand rehabilitation, particularly for individuals with low to middle incomes. The aim of this study is to design and develop a low-cost, 3D-printed hand exoskeleton that integrates force sensor technology, providing a more adaptable solution for rehabilitation. The methodology involves creating a prototype that combines 3D printing with real-time monitoring of upper limb (elbow) movements and forces, ensuring personalized treatment for patients. The design incorporates a lightweight structure, powered by a rechargeable LiPo battery, and utilizes mini ESP32 microcontrollers to collect the sensor parameters and drive the servo motor, enhancing user experience and functionality. Results indicate that the proposed exoskeleton significantly reduces costs to approximately 98.4 US$ per unit, compared to existing products priced above 1,500 USD. The mean root mean square error (RMSE) for the exoskeleton’s finger movements was measured at 0.498° ± 0.709°, demonstrating high accuracy in tracking hand movements. The mean linearity error of load cell across all data points was 0.2292 %. These results indicate that the load cell maintains good linearity and accuracy within the calibrated range, and is suitable for precise force measurements in static applications. Additionally, the integration of force sensors allows for precise feedback during rehabilitation exercises, promoting better outcomes. The study concludes that this innovative approach not only makes hand rehabilitation more accessible but also encourages further research and development in the field. By providing an open-source design, the research fosters collaboration among researchers and developers, paving the way for future enhancements and adaptations of the exoskeleton to meet diverse patient needs. Overall, this work contributes to advancing rehabilitation technology, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals recovering from neuromuscular disorders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00665"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144298826","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":"2025-09-01","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":"Autonomous water sampling and quality monitoring in remote locations: A novel approach using a remote-controlled boat","authors":"Ashish Shukla ,&nbsp;Robert Ross ,&nbsp;Bishakh Bhattacharya ,&nbsp;Alex Stumpf","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00634","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00634","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Water quality varies widely across the globe due to numerous sources of contamination. This disparity emphasizes the urgent need to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure universal access to clean water and sanitation. Traditional water monitoring approaches often come with high costs, limited time fidelity, and the absence of territorial dimensionality (often at fixed points). These approaches rely on either manual sampling or stationary buoy platforms, which are labour-intensive and cannot be easily accessed to retrieve water samples (for stationary systems). This paper presents an inexpensive, modified remote-controlled (RC) boat based water monitoring system that is open source, compact, robust, highly adaptable and capable of traversing various riverine environments to collect water and perform samples anywhere within the water body. The solution enhances data quality, facilitates laboratory microbiological investigation, and provides combined water quality data and water samples for comprehensive analysis. The platform comprises a remotely operated boat equipped with lab-grade sensors (pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, ORP, temperature) and a sonar depth sensor. It efficiently collects high-resolution spatio-temporal water-quality data with a high accuracy RTK-GPS system and allows eight separate water samples to be collected at different locations. The sensors were validated using lab-grade equipment, followed by successful field testing that confirmed their accuracy and reliability in real-world conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"22 ","pages":"Article e00634"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143706132","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A compact electromagnetic syringe stirrer and temperature controller for the reliable dispensing of living cells and microparticles","authors":"Maryamsadat Ghoreishi ,&nbsp;Giovanna Peruzzi ,&nbsp;Lucia Iafrate ,&nbsp;Gianluca Cidonio ,&nbsp;Noemi D’Abbondanza ,&nbsp;Giancarlo Ruocco ,&nbsp;Marco Leonetti ,&nbsp;Riccardo Reale","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00638","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00638","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lab-on-chip technologies frequently require biological samples, such as cells or microorganisms, to be maintained inside a syringe for prolonged periods of time during operations. Challenges include preventing cell sedimentation, ensuring cell viability, and maintaining buffer rheological properties (i.e. viscosity and density) constant, particularly in applications like 3D bioprinting and diagnostic assays. To address these challenges, we have developed the Syringe Electromagnetic Controller (SEC), an integrated system capable of simultaneously stirring and thermoregulating samples inside a syringe. SEC prevents sedimentation through the cyclic movement of a magnet actuated by an electromagnetic field, while maintaining a stable temperature (within ± 0.5 °C from a set-point) with a feedback loop. The system is compact, cost-effective, and easily integrated into various setups. Experimental validation shows that SEC effectively keeps living cells in suspension and at a constant temperature without compromising cell viability. Thus, we have ultimately demonstrated the functionality of SEC as a versatile solution for enhancing the reliability of lab-on-chip applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"22 ","pages":"Article e00638"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143619150","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Low-cost prototype for bearing failure detection using Tiny ML through vibration analysis","authors":"Andres Felipe Cotrino Herrera ,&nbsp;Jesús Alfonso López Sotelo ,&nbsp;Juan Carlos Blandón Andrade ,&nbsp;Alonso Toro Lazo","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00658","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00658","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The document presents a low-cost, open-source device designed to facilitate the learning of technologies like artificial intelligence in embedded systems through vibration analysis. It also aims to enhance students’ skills by introducing industrial challenges into the classroom via a scaled-down prototype. This study analyzes the vibrations generated by bearings to classify, using Artificial Intelligence (AI), whether they are defective. The device integrates electronic, mechanical, and software components, leveraging online technologies and platforms like Arduino to support hands-on learning. The document provides detailed instructions on the components used, circuit connections, step-by-step construction, and implementation, allowing replication of the prototype. This device fosters the development of STEM skills, promotes the application of AI and TinyML in real-world contexts, and enriches educational programs by encouraging interdisciplinary learning.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"22 ","pages":"Article e00658"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144135016","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 360-degree imagery-multisensor system for visualizing environmental parameters in architecture and urban spaces","authors":"Mojtaba Parsaee ,&nbsp;André Potvin ,&nbsp;Jean-François Lalonde ,&nbsp;Marc Hébert ,&nbsp;Claude M.H. Demers","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00643","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00643","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This research has designed a 360-degree imagery-multisensor system aiming to capture and visualize environmental parameters in architecture and urban spaces. Unlike existing tools, this system enables simultaneous recording of both imagery and non-imagery environmental data, including lighting, thermal, air quality, sound, and physical space parameters, within a 360-degree field of view. Lighting conditions are captured using panoramic high dynamic range imagery, complemented by a 360-degree array of sensors measuring illuminance levels and spectral power distribution. Thermal and air quality conditions are recorded using 360-degree thermal imagery, combined with hygrometers and air particle meters. Sound levels are also monitored across the full 360-degree field. The system is built using 3D printing technologies and Raspberry Pi computers, equipped with various sensor modules. Custom Python scripts enable real-time data capture, processing, and visualization. This cost-effective, easy-to-manufacture, programmable, and customizable innovation is aimed at students and educators in design and architecture, as well as building engineers. Furthermore, integrating imagery and sensor data supports the development of immersive virtual and augmented reality applications, offering new opportunities for education and the exploration of effective design solutions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"22 ","pages":"Article e00643"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143746544","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}