I've noticed a new trend of microcontroller boards that enable easy-to-use languages like Javascript and Python. These languages are interpreted so they are great for rapid prototyping and debugging. They also open hardware projects to a new market - software developers who are very comfortable with web development but are intimated by C and the traditional embedded toolchain.
This is a good transition path for folks using powerful single board computers running Linux like RPi and Beaglebone. They are used to being able to use languages like Javascript and Python. While cheap, these SBCs are very power hunger. These microcontroller boards use an order of magnitude less power so they are ideal for battery powered applications like wearables and Internet of Things.
- Tessel - Javascript on microcontroller
- "Pre-order now. Ships spring 2014."
- $196,682 raised of $50,000 goal
- more feature rich platform than Espruino but more expensive
- First Look: Javascript Microcontrollers for Web Developers:
"The Tessel from technical.io was one of the eight products which launched the new Dragon Innovation crowdfunding platform last week, and the first to reach its funding goal. The Tessel is aimed on high end of the gap between the Arduino and the Raspberry Pi, squarely at Internet-connected applications targeting physical devices, and has WiFi built-in."
- "due for delivery in March 2014."
- Nice path for Raspberry Pi owners who favor Python to transition to a lower power platform for battery powered projects (wearable and Internet of Things).
- Micro Python: more powerful than Arduino, simpler than the Raspberry Pi (Wired UK)
- Interview with [Damien George], Creator of the Micro Python project
Anyone know of other boards/firmware that allow high-level, dynamic languages like these to run on inexpensive and power efficient microcontrollers?
cheers,
drew