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Research
Study robots, hardware and algorithms on real devices: motion control, vision, grasping, data collection, reliability. Results aim to be reproducible.
Who we area local lab alliance
We are people who research hardware. Our work covers robotics (arms, motion control, vision and data), smart hardware, embedded systems and edge AI, as well as giving idle devices a second life.
Unlike research that stays on a shelf, we continuously open-source the process, code, structures, docs and data — so results can be reproduced, verified and improved instead of staying inside one lab.
We believe: hardware research should not be gated, testing should not belong to a few institutions, and exchange should not happen only online.
How we work
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Open source
Code, schematics, mechanical parts, tutorials, test methods and data — MIT by default. We share the process, not just the result.
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Build local labs
Open up equipment, space, tools and testing capacity to form a network of labs that support each other.
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Connect globally
Local labs worldwide: research, test and meet nearby — so engineers do not have to travel far.
What we research
- Robotics: 6-axis arm, lift column, gripper, grasping strategies, 3D digital twin, limit/collision protection, data collection and training loop.
- Smart hardware & embedded: ESP32 / STM32, sensors, gamepads, detectors, edge vision.
- Idle hardware reuse: turn TV boxes, old PCs and peripherals into print servers, NAS, surveillance, mini desktops.
- Tools & infrastructure: console, test plans, data formats, deployment and ops scripts so others can use the results directly.
Why open source
- Reproducibility: only with the process and details can others verify, replicate and improve.
- Fewer dead ends: write down the pitfalls once so the next person does not repeat them.
- Lower barrier: students, hobbyists and small teams can touch real robots, hardware and test methods.
- Build together: open source is an invitation — anyone can improve docs, report issues or propose a design.
Local lab network
We want to free the “lab” from a single building: anyone or any organisation with space, equipment and willingness to open up can become an OpenHW Lab node.
Full lab name = your brand + Intelligent Hardware Open Lab: the lab is fully self-managed; we provide a plaque and certification and bring it into the Intelligent Hardware Open Lab network. Members can receive products such as Zuxin robots for testing and research; results can be open-sourced with attribution on this site, while parts that cannot be opened are not mandatory.
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Share space & equipment
Provide a workbench, tools, test equipment or a meeting room so people nearby can experiment, test and share.
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Research & test
Reproduce open projects, run comparative and reliability tests; feed methods and results back into the open docs.
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Build a platform
Meetups, workshops and study groups; publish results online so exchange does not end with one event.
Our goal: local labs across the world — wherever you are, there is a nearby place to research hardware, run tests and meet people.
Get involved
- Developers / researchers: join open projects, contribute code, docs, tests and reproductions.
- Hobbyists / students: start from tutorials and projects, build your own version, bring questions back.
- Labs / makerspaces / universities: add your space and equipment to the network as a local node.
- Companies / institutions: provide equipment, space, test environments or joint research; bring real-world problems.
No barrier and no need to be an expert first. Bring a device, a question or a project you want to build.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
QQ: 1030889574
Please include: city / space or equipment / area you want to contribute; we will reply as soon as possible.
Fill in the application
Email: [email protected]
QQ: 1030889574
Please include: city / space or equipment / area you want to contribute; we will reply as soon as possible.
Fill in the application
License
Projects on this site are MIT licensed by default — free to use, modify and redistribute (keep the copyright and license notice).
Disclaimer
- Content is open research and tools, for learning, research and personal use. Hardware modification and robot motion are risky — assess and use at your own risk.
- We do not provide or include any copyrighted firmware / system / image; use your own devices and legally obtained software.
- Follow local laws, warranty terms and service agreements.
- Provided “AS IS”, without any express or implied warranty.
Site
Domain: www.openhwlab.com · A static site hosted on a global CDN.
We do not collect or store personal information; no third-party tracking scripts.