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Open Source Hardware


When we hear about the open source movement we only think of software, but what about hardware? Well, in the last few years a growing community has been working in applying the open source’s principles to hardware. In February 2011, the official Statement of Principles and Definition (version 1.0) of the Open Source Hardware (OSHW) was released. This definition states that “Open Source Hardware (OSHW) is a term for tangible artifacts – machines, devices, or other physical things – whose design has been released to the public in such a way that anyone can make, modify, distribute, and use those things.”

To make hardware public, all the information that allows others to understand and reproduce the original work should be released. This information can include schematic diagrams, circuit layout, mechanical drawings, flowcharts, part lists, core/firmware, software/API, etc.  Also, Open Source Hardware, like Open Source Software, allows modifications on the original designs (know as derived work), and manufacture, sale and distribute both the original and derived work.

Open Source Hardware is not only a mean by which people can share knowledge but also a good way to develop better technology. Indeed, companies can get benefits from this dynamic getting more feedbacks from the experience of people who based on the original design has built a prototype. This information can help developers to correct errors that they didn’t have detected before or improve the original design. Also, companies can save money, because they can lower research and development costs. Always Innovating is an example allowing people to download the source code and schematics of their Touch Book. Actually, there are a lot of companies and academic institutions that are supporting the Open Source Hardware movement. These are some Open Source projects:

Additionally, the community has been organizing every year the OSHW summit since 2010, and now they are working on the development of the Open Design Engine (ODE). This system will work as a source repository like SourceForge or Launchpad, and it has two main purposes, offer an easiest way for developers to share their projects and provide a centralized source of information for people. The ODE will offer wikis, forums, news, files, issue tracking, calendar, etc.
Recently, the community has launched a campaign to collect money to support the completion of the project. People can donate from $1 and receive a reward according to the amount donated. The campaign will last one month ending on October 23. If you want to help you can do it visiting KickStarter, there you will find more information.

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