The current decade will probably be known as the dawn of pervasive computing, when PCs were dethroned by technology to embed computers in almost everything and add features such as artificial intelligence and wireless connectivity to clothing or cars. Gumstix is helping to drive the revolution with their tiny (20mm x 80mm x 8mm) Linux-based microcomputers that offer full wireless connectivity via either Bluetooth or WiFi.  Gumstix products are built for speed using the leading-edge Intel XScale processors and open source Linux. The company sells direct to commercial users and designers as well as hobbyists and open source enthusiasts.

Don Anderson will lead off with a look at the future of what Gumstix calls "full function miniature computing" on their Linux-based computer: from OEM roll-outs in the thousands for CRM and Internet Appliance applications to hobbyist & student innovations in swarming and avionics.

Dave Hylands will follow with an overview and history of the robostix, an I/O coprocessor which can be used on its own or in conjunction with the gumstix. The robostix, which is based on the Atmel ATMega128 includes interfaces suitable for interfacing with many real-world devices, like sensors, and motors, which would often require dedicated hardware to work well with Linux. The robostix is especially well suited to deal with things that may require a real time response.

About our speakers:

Don Anderson, Executive Vice-President of gumstix, leads all their marketing efforts worldwide. To gumstix, Don brings more than
twenty-years of leadership and experience in technology companies including senior and executive roles in Network Associates (now McAfee),  Deersoft, netFuturi, Voice Mobility and twelve years at IBM. Don also has business interests outside the technology field including construction, real estate and finance. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering (Marine Architecture) from the University of British Columbia.

Dave Hylands is a robotics hobbyist by night and a software developer by day. Over the past 20 years, Dave has developed software for a wide variety of embedded systems, and can often be found writing device drivers. He is currently employed by Broadcom, and his latest project involves a WiFi video phone which uses embedded Linux. Dave holds a First Class Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Digital Systems Design from Simon Fraser University.