Secure your Raspberry Pi and Linux applications with ZymKey

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ZymKey makes it easy to secure your IoT applications and manage them in the real world.

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More times than not, developers are faced with two bad options: either deliver a substandard product quickly, or reinvent the wheel and miss the market altogether. Luckily, one Santa Barbara-based startup has come up with a solution, not just a band-aid but a true fix to the all too common conundrum. Introducing ZymKey, a tiny, low-cost piece of hardware for authenticating and encrypting data between Internet of Things devices.

The key integrates silicon and software into a simple, ready-to-go package that will automatically work with Raspberry Pi and other Linux gadgets. What’s nice is that the ZymKey integrates seamlessly with Zymbit’s existing IoT platform, which includes Zymbit.Connect software, the Zymbit.City community and the Zymbit.Orange secure IoT motherboard that was on display back at Maker Faire Bay Area. Together, Zymbit enables IoT professional developers and Makers innovate faster with the confidence of data security and integrity.

“The Internet of Things will reach its full potential when real people like you and I begin to connect our devices and share data streams,” explained Zymbit CEO Phil Strong. “Then we can work together to solve real problems that impact our everyday lives. Funding our Kickstarter campaign is not just about building the ZymKey, it’s about enabling an entire community of people to collaborate around secure data streams and ideas.”

Ideally, Zymbit will make it easy to not only collect but to share data in a trusted manner. The platform embraces open technologies and gives people the freedom to innovate quickly without having to compromise security or performance. Aside from that, the so-called Zymbit.City will serve as a forum for those with common interests to collaborate on ideas powered by such verified and authenticated information.

ZymKey works by attaching to IoT Linux platforms like the Raspberry Pi. When combined with Zymbit’s Linux APIs, it offers true authentication and cryptographic services of remote devices, as well as a real-time clock and accelerometer to timestamp security events and detect physical tampering, respectively. For its Kickstarter launch, ZymKey is available in two versions: a header-mounted crypto key for the RPi and a USB stick that plugs into the port of a Linux board, including BeagleBone, UDOO and Dragon.

For the RPi model, the low-profile hardware attaches directly to the Pi’s expansion header while still allowing Pi-Plates to be added on top. Lightweight firmware drivers run on the RPi core interface with software services through Zymbit.Connect. Meanwhile, the USB version adds more functionality and is usable on any Linux unit with a USB host.

“Great security has to be designed end to end. From silicon to software, from point of manufacture through end-of-life. ZymKey brings all this together and makes it easy to manage your applications and devices out in the real world, without compromising security,” the team explains. “ZymKey integrates speciality silicon with firmware drivers on the host device and the corresponding software services in the cloud. The result is a robust and secure communication workflow that meets some of the highest standards in the industry.”

Both ZymKeys are embedded with an ATECC508A CryptoAuthentication IC for bolstered security, while the USB version also features an Atmel | SAM D21 Cortex-M0+ core. Once connected to the Zymbit platform, you will have the unprecedented ability to transparently manage all of your remote devices from a single console — upgrade over the air, configure admin rights, and so much more. Additionally, you will be able to publish, subscribe and visualize secure data. Each ZymKey comes pre-packed with dashboard widget that make it simple to customize and share with others.

So whether you’re connecting one Linux gizmo in your garage to a public forum or have tens of thousands of Raspberry Pis deployed throughout the world, ZymKey seems to be an excellent option for everyone. Interested? Head over to its Kickstarter page, where the Zymbit team is seeking $15,000. Delivery is slated for December 2015.

7Bot is a desktop robot arm that can see, think and learn

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This desktop robot can play chess, tic-tac-toe and ping pong against a human.

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While industrial robots may not be anything new, a vast majority of them can start at $50,000, not to mention require an engineering background to program it. But what if there was a much smaller, IRB 2400-like unit that packed the same punch as its counterparts for a fraction of the cost? That’s the idea behind 7Bot, a desktop robot arm that can see, think and learn.

Designed with aspirations of making robots more accessible for everyone, 7Bot boasts an aluminum body with six high-torque servos and an optimized control algorithm for enhanced accuracy, stability and agility. Its creators tell us that the arm is embedded with an Arduino Due (SAM3X8E).

But that’s not all. 7Bot is equipped with artificial intelligence and will learn as it goes. Looking for someone to play chess against? Need some help doing your homework? Whatever it is, this robotic arm is up for the task! Using the team’s computer vision sample codes, you can adjust the parameters to build an automated assembly line right on your desk. And should you have two 7Bot arms, you can combine them to make your very own humanoid.

In terms of controlling the arm, any common human interactive device will do the trick. This includes everything from a traditional PC mouse to a keyboard, as well as gestures using Leap Motion and Kinect sensors. Additionally, custom built servos with feedback enable you to teach the robotic arm to accomplish tasks without coding.

“You can simply drag each joint of the robot to a serious of desired way points. The movements will be recorded, and could be replayed in an optimized path. Using teaching mode, you can easily guide your 7Bot arm performing some tasks,” the team writes. “With our embedded inverse-kinematics algorithm, the 7Bot arm can be precisely controlled using coordinates. And we have made web controlling application by using a Raspberry Pi as the host and with real-time feedback.”

They have also provided 3D visualization software for programing, which allows you to manipulate the arm intuitively. With this application, you can set and read the position of each joint separately with a real-time graphic interface and then interact with the 3D model using a mouse and keyboard.

“The robot can follow the movement in real-time. Or on the other side, you can perform simulation first, and generate way-point with the software, and then download the optimized moving path to your 7Bot arm. This is well suited for many algorithms that need lots of iterations in simulation, like reinforcement learning. You can get rid of any low-level coding for the robot.”

As for coding, 7Bot is compatible with Scratch, while more advanced developers have access to a wide range of open source APIs in C and C++.

7Bot is super flexible and can impressively mimic a real human limb. But just in case six degrees of freedom aren’t enough, you can always add a sliding mechanism to gain a seventh. Or, for a roving robot, simply throw it on an omni-directional mobile platform and roll around on its four Mecanum wheels.

The arm comes with a number of accessories too, such as a 3D-printed, dual-finger claw or an air vacuum gripper that can pick up and hold any two-pound object with a smooth exterior. It’s also super easy to be controlled with two digital signals. Meaning, you can use your Arduino, Raspberry Pi or any other microcontrollers.

Interested? Head over to its Kickstarter page, where the 7Bot crew is currently seeking $50,000. Delivery is slated for January 2016.

Dobot is an open source, ATmega2560 based robotic arm

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Dobot is an affordable robotic arm with industrial precision that can be controlled in seven different ways.

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Inspired by robotic arms found throughout the industrial setting, one Bay Area startup is looking to bring that same precision and versatility to the desk of Makers. Dobot is driven by the combination of Arduino and stepper motors, and boasts a sleek aluminum alloy frame.

Designed for just about everyone, the low-cost, four-axis Dobot can follow your commands as it draws, writes, texts, moves and grabs objects. Not only can you select from five different nozzles depending on the task, it can be controlled in a number of ways — a computer mouse, a smartphone app, EEG, voice, gesture, Leap Motion and vision — and can even double as a tabletop 3D printer, capable of printing with both plastic and food-based filaments. Have your hands full? Hate repetitive chores? Now there’s an intuitive robotic arm that can take care of all that for you.

“Can Dobot use a mobile phone to turn off the lights? Can Dobot fetch an apple in a folder by brain control? Of course! We are firm believers in furthering the possibilities of the Dobot robot arm! Now it’s your turn to make your magic of Dobot happen,” its creators explain. “Dobot can help you feed and tickle your pets, play interactive games with friends, and play board games against the robot.”

The arm itself is built around the mighty Arduino Mega (ATmega2560) along with an Arduino shield, and includes a high accuracy speed reducer motor that provides a consistent supply of power. Meanwhile, communication is handled through UART/Bluetooth.

“For software, we have done a great deal of optimization. The software supports speed look-ahead small line blocks interpolation algorithm, able to fit any type of curve and ensure processing efficiency,” the team writes. “Moreover, with the Three Axes Linkage Method fine interpolation, you can control the trajectory of the end effector of the Dobot accurately, empowering it with complex curvilinear motions.”

However, arguably its most notable feature is its incredible precision, which is down to 0.2mm when performing repetitive actions. So when it’s not laser etching, jotting down notes or even transforming words into Chinese calligraphy, Dobot can basically do anything you want it to. What’s more, Dobot will be a welcomed addition to any household or workbench. That’s because its customized stepper motor minimizes the noise associated with movement, making it much quieter than other low-cost servo robotic arms. And thanks to its four axes of motion, it will take up less room.

Keeping the Maker crowd in mind, the team says that they will open source the robotic arm following its crowdfunding campaign. Users will soon be able to write their own commands, upload them to the server and share them with others in the community. Currently live on Kickstarter, Dobot soared past its initial goal of $36,000 and is inching closer to the $500,000 mark. Delivery is expected to begin in December 2015.

OpenROV Trident is a next-gen underwater drone

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The future of underwater exploration has arrived. 

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Since its debut three years ago, OpenROV has made their dream of a low-cost, easily-accessible underwater drone for the masses a reality. With their AVR powered robot, the team has provided Makers, students and professional researchers alike with the ability to explore the deep seas and relay video information back for analysis. However, it’s not just about gathering data; instead, its creators are looking to revolutionize the aquatic experience with a remotely operated vehicle that could go places where no other has gone before.

Whereas most ROVs simply go up and down, left and right, or forward and reverse (and slowly, need we mind you), the newly-revealed Trident is changing the game. Its sleek, hydrodynamic body enables the bot to swiftly swim and maneuver its way through the water in dolphin-like fashion, at varying speeds of up to two meters/second with the upmost precision.

“It can fly in long, straight survey lines called ‘transects’ and perform delicate maneuvers in tight spaces, all while maintaining a sleek and powerful form factor,” the OpenROV crew explains.

Needless to say, capturing footage underwater has always been a challenge. That is why the team has developed a lightweight, 25-meter tether that communicates a video feed up to the surface. (It should be noted, however, that a 100-meter option is also available.) Trident wirelessly connects to a towable buoy that allows an operator to control their machine from any Wi-Fi device, whether it’s a tablet on a boat or a laptop on shore.

“Using a wireless towable buoy greatly increases the practical range of the vehicle while doing transects and search patterns since a physical connection between the vehicle and the pilot doesn’t need to be maintained,” OpenROV adds. “Every aspect of the Trident design has been painstakingly thought out in order to optimize performance and usability in any situation.”

Not only has it been crafted for performance but portability as well. Trident’s form factor is small enough to squeeze in a backpack or fit under an airplane seat. Meanwhile, its side panels are overmolded with a strong, rubber coating to give it protection from underwater obstacles and rough handling when being transported.

Trident is equipped with what would appear to be custom electronics along with an onboard HD camera, embedded LED lights for illumination and a LiFePO4 battery providing roughly three hours of run time. What’s more, the software driving the drone continues to be a living open source project, which can be found on GitHub.

Interested in one of your own? Apparently so is everyone else. OpenROV has already soared past its initial Kickstarter goal of $50,000 in a matter of hours. Pending all goes to plan, delivery is expected to begin sometime around November 2016.

18 smart crowdfunding campaigns you may want to back this week

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Every Friday, we’re taking a look at some of the smartest, most innovative projects that caught our attention on Kickstarter and Indiegogo over the last seven days. 

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THE O

This smart accessory attaches to just about anything and notifies you as soon as it’s left behind. THE O is currently seeking $48,606 on Kickstarter.

7Bot

This powerful, six-axis desktop robot arm is geared towards Makers looking to bring their ideas to life. 7Bot is currently seeking $50,000 on Kickstarter.

Snap

This wireless, weatherproof and motion-detecting floodlight has an HD camera inside. The Sengled Team is currently seeking $20,000 on Indiegogo.

SCOUTEE

This intelligent gadget transforms your smartphone into a radar so you can record pitching speeds, capture video, analyze performance, and share data with others. SCOUTEE is currently seeking $50,000 on Kickstarter.

Erle-Spider

This first-of-its-kind drone has six-legs and is powered by Snappy Ubuntu Core. Erle Robotics is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

LIVV Headphones

This pair of headphones combines an MP3 player and Bluetooth functionality to give you with the freedom you need while staying active. Mark Clayton is currently seeking $75,000 on Kickstarter.

SteadXP

This add-on video stabilization device allows you to capture action shots without the bulk or hassle of a Steadicam or gimbal. SteadXP is currently seeking $167,715 on Kickstarter.

CLOCKFour Chronogram

This open source, full-color clock tells the time with words, not numbers. Justin Shaw is currently seeking $5,000 on Kickstarter.

Tempi

This simple, Bluetooth device can track, alert, chart and monitor the temperature and humidity in up to 9 locations. Vencipio is currently seeking $5,000 on Indiegogo.

Zyntony Torch

This ultra-durable, portable and rechargeable light is perfect for your next outdoor adventure. Zyntony is currently seeking $235,000 on Kickstarter.

Brillar

This wearable for children features two-way calling, real-time GPS tracking and a gaming ecosystem. Brillar is currently seeking $85,000 on Indiegogo.

BATBAND

This elegant piece of sound technology lets you listen to your private soundscape and the world that surrounds you, all through bone conduction. StudioBananaThings is currently seeking $150,000 on Kickstarter.

MagicHome

This connected home starter kit consists of a MagicCast HDMI stick, an LED Wi-Fi bulb and a smart power plug. MagicHome is currently seeking $30,000 on Indiegogo.

Wi-Fi Smart Switch

This open source board is equipped with an ESP8266 module, a relay and an ATtiny85 MCU (with Arduino bootloader). Armtronix is currently seeking $300 on Kickstarter.

T@lkit-M1

This fully-digital, packet-switched handheld is a two-way radio based on Linux and TCP/IP protocol stack. Wireless P2P Technologies is currently seeking $35,565 on Kickstarter.

NOTIFYOU

This BLE beacon is a next-genertion reminder tool that sends location-based alerts to your phone. Grant Adams is currently seeking $25,000 on Kickstarter.

Site:1

This handcrafted, 1930s-inspired wireless speaker offers audiophiles and music lovers the ability to swap out its interface. Princeton Audio is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

C-way

This plug and play GPS wearable lets kids have fun while enabling parents to check up on their whereabouts. C-way is currently seeking $111,638 on Kickstarter.

Did you happen to miss last week’s notable campaigns? If so, you can check them out here. Also, if your project is powered by Atmel MCUs and you’ve been featured on our blog, be sure to download the respective badges here for use in your ongoing marketing efforts. 

SteadXP is a plug and play video stabilization device

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SteadXP allows you to capture action shots without the bulk or hassle of a Steadicam or gimbal.

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Unless you’re going for that “The Blair Witch Project” shaky cam look, keeping a camera steady has always been a chore for professional and leisure videographers alike. And while numerous ways to stabilize video have been introduced, they’re often too inaccessible for independent projects or the hobbyist. This is a problem that one French startup is hoping to solve with a drastically new approach.

Introducing SteadXP, a three-axis stabilization system housed in a small, affordable box. Not only does it offer a lightweight, easy-to-use package, the add-on is compatible with nearly every digital camera on the market, including your GoPro and DSLR.

By combining custom hardware with a unique software algorithm, SteadXP allows you to capture action shots without a Steadicam, gimbal or shoulder rig. Instead, the device’s built-in accelerometer and gyroscope record the camera’s movements accurately as you shoot. When finished, SteadXP connects to your PC while its software stabilizes and reduces all of the unwanted jitters, movements and noise in the footage.

SteadXP will also let you choose between different trajectories optimized for your shot, and the results are looks from various angles. Beyond that, those seeking a particular rendering effect can take total control of framing with a complete set of semi-automatic features as well.

For its Kickstarter launch, SteadXP is available in two versions: one made specifically for GoPros, the other designed to fit on practically any other video camera. The former weighs just 34 grams, can be plugged directly into the expansion port of your GoPro camera and is powered by the host battery. Whereas the latter is a bit heavier (60 grams) and requires an accessible flash mount, a stereo microphone unit and a clean video output (AV out or HDMI). Nevertheless, both models share many of the same key components, including a powerful 32-bit ARM MCU, a three-axis gyroscope and accelerometer, a microSD slot and USB port.

Looking ahead, the team hopes to release a mobile app that will enable users to complete their workflow with a quick preview solution that validates a shot on the spot, even if that means at a lower res. What’s more, SteadXP wants to become the first gadget to automatically keep horizon stable when filming immersive virtual reality footage. Adding this to its native rolling shutter correction technology means you’ll never get sick again watching VR videos!

Intrigued? Head over to its Kickstarter page, where the SteadXP team is currently seeking $167,715. Delivery is expected to begin in March 2016.

C-way is a plug and play wearable for kids

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C-way is a GPS wearable that allows kids to have fun and parents to check their whereabouts.

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It’s tough being a parent these days — a glimpse of the news makes that abundantly clear. Parents have the responsibility of protecting their children, but it often requires a fine balance. Kids also need their space in order to develop their independence and to experience their childhood.

Luckily, C-way is a device that can help with balancing these two challenges. The stylish wearable allows kids to enjoy themselves with various add-on modules. The product is geared towards children, providing a plug and play concept that enables 3-6 year olds to personalize their gadget with LEGO figurines along with games like hide and seek. As for the 8-10 year old crowd, the device becomes a bit more advanced as it displays icons, text messages and even the time.

Not only does C-way function as a wristband, watch, compass, scheduler and entertainment console, its GPS locator feature lets parents monitor their children’s location and the approximate distance between them using its accompanying mobile app. You can even keep tabs on up to three kids at once! What’s more, should the wearable ever be removed, an alert will be immediately sent with their last whereabouts.

Upon opening the unit, simply scan the QR code with your smartphone to directly link the two. As its creators reveal, “No need to enter any number, IMEI, or phone number. No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth pairing needed.”

In terms of hardware, the C-way is equipped with a GPS and GSM antenna, a GPS locator, a SIM card and a 330mAh lithium-ion battery with a lifespan of about a day. Meanwhile, its watch add-on sports an 128 x64-pixel LCD screen and Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity.

Interested? Head over to C-way’s Kickstarter campaign, where the team is currently seeking $111,638. Delivery is slated for February 2016.

Introducing a personal assistant to help you remember your things

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THE O will make sure you never leave your valuables behind again.

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With people always on the go and in a rush these days, it’s easy to leave important things behind by accident. Even if you’re on alert, an item can slip out of your pocket or purse without your knowledge. But thanks to THE O, not anymore.

Billed as “a comprehensive virtual personal assistant,” the smart accessory will notify you as soon as you forget or misplace one of your belongings. THE O can easily attach to just about anything, from your keys and wallet to your jacket and briefcase. The wearable unit comes in three different models: original and octopus (gunmetal rhodium), luxury (gold plated), and light (rubber).

The accessory works by connecting to an accompanying mobile app via Bluetooth and alerting you only when it needs to, acting as a virtual leash when you’ve moved too far away from your item. THE O can also check your essentials for you before leaving the house in the morning or after getting up from lunch, storing GPS location and time then marking needed items on appropriate days.

Focusing on a minimized size and a waterproof feature, its creators have designed a custom PCB to fit into its special ABS shell. The devices are assembled through ultrasonic welding, and a small PET slip is used to connect to the circuit. THE O itself measures only 4mm x 39mm x 29mm in size, so it’s certainly mall enough to be slipped into a pocket, sewn onto an umbrella or clipped onto a bag. Aside from that, the device’s coin-cell battery boasts a life of around 18 months.

Currently live on Kickstarter, THE O team is seeking $48,606. Pending all goes to plan, the first batch of units will ship in February 2016.

SCOUTEE is the world’s first smart speed radar

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This smart device transforms your phone into a real speed radar.

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Miha Uhan was a baseball player and former member of the Slovenian national team. Turns out, he was also quite the Maker and entrepreneur. Having been around the game for quite some time, he realized that despite advancements in technology, pitching speeds are still measured using traditional radar guns and jotted down with a pen and paper. That was until now.

Meet SCOUTEE, the world’s first smart radar which uses your smartphone to record speed, capture video, save and analyze pitch parameters, monitor progress, and share results. The solution itself, which is much more convenient, compact and reliable than its conventional counterparts, is comprised of two parts: a hardware device and an accompanying mobile app.

The gadget, which is no larger than a bar of soap, can be easily placed on a tripod, clipped onto a fence, held in your hand, and even snapped onto your phone with a small magnet sticker. Once situated, its built-in Doppler radar technology can measure the speed of the ball and relay the data over to the mobile app via Bluetooth. From there, you can select pitch type, location and result right from on screen. The data is also saved so that you can keep tabs on your progress over time. What’s more, it even records video with pitch data overlay, making it super easy to share your talent with friends, coaches and scouts — ideal for creating those college recruiting videos!

As a former pitcher, Uhan was aware of how imperative it is for young players to protect their arms and train responsibility, so he insisted on including a customizable “pitch limit warning” feature that alerts a user whenever they’ve exceed their count. Additionally, SCOUTEE can be an invaluable tool for coaches to keep track of their players’ performance and stats.

The device is equipped with a pair of ARM Cortex MCUs — one tasked with communication, the other for running its Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms — along with Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity, a range of up to 130 feet, an accuracy of +1/-1 mph, and a battery life of six hours with continuous use.

“Over multiple development phases we evolved the radar and processing part of the product dramatically. We started with simple of-the-shelf Doppler radar sensor combined with simple low-cost speed detection processing in our first working prototype. But to meet the final range and accuracy demands of the product we ended up with high-performance Doppler radar transceiver together with high-gain low-noise IF amplifying stages,” its creators reveal.

Are you a baseball player, coach or scout? Then you may want to head over to SCOUTEE’s Kickstarter campaign, where the team is currently seeking $50,000. Units are expected to begin shipping in April 2016 — just in time for opening day!

Sensly is a smart gas monitoring device

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Sensly not only monitors pollution levels, but helps keep your home and workplace safe. 

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Created by UK-based startup Altitude Tech, Sensly is a portable pollution sensor capable of detecting and collecting information on various harmful gases present in your environment. This data is then fed directly to your smartphone for real-time updates.

Sensly uses a series of industrial sensors to ensure accurate readings, and can be powered one of two ways: either via microUSB or through battery. Being cognizant of these gas levels allows you to take action and bring the pollution levels down. For instance, should the unit detect a carbon monoxide leak in your house, it will immediately alert you over your smartphone, prompting you to take the necessary precautions.

Aside from CO, others things that Sensly can recognize include benzene, formaldehyde, nitrogen dixodie, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, sulphur oxide, ammonia, and soon particulate matter like secondhand smoke and pollen. If the team is able to successfully meet its stretch goal, it will even be able to sense radiation.

To get started, all you need to do is connect your Sensly to the Internet and watch the data stream to your device. With intelligent alerts, your Sensly will send you a notification when spikes in gases are discovered inside your home, workplace or just about anywhere else, and provide you with reports on how your environment has changed over time. Using its accompanying mobile app and web interface, you can even share your readings with others.

And that’s not all. Designed with the Maker crowd in mind, its creators have also developed a Raspberry Pi HAT for those looking to build and customize their own version of Sensly and begin conducting experiments with their gadget.

Interested? Head over to its official Kickstarter campaign, where the Altitude Tech team is currently seeking $15,699. Delivery is set for August 2016.