1. BUG LABS + AUTOMOTIVE
Fact Sheet
What is BUG? Why Use BUG?
The BUG platform is a Lego-like product development solution • Bring prototypes to production twice as fast at half the cost
that enables innovators to very quickly and easily develop using BUG’s device development methodology
custom, personalized devices.
‣ Focus on building the unique features of your device on
The picture above shows how BUGmodules are snapped into top of a proven and certified base platform (FCC & CE)
BUGbase, a handheld, Linux-based core that serves as the brain ‣ Duplicate the success of your device prototype to a few
of a device. BUGmodules are electronic blocks that extend the thousand clone devices in no time
device’s functional capabilities. Here, a 2MP camera and audio
• Discover award-winning technology at your fingertips
module is combined to produce, for example, a voice-controlled
camera system. ‣ BUGs are mobile, battery-powered Linux cores + solid-
state storage that support hot-swappable BUGmodules
Available BUGmodules ‣ Software development toolchain utilizes industry standards
like Linux, Java and the Eclipse IDE
• Full-color LCD touchscreen • Leverage pre-built, standard hardware interfaces and wireless
• Advanced breakout module protocols to create your custom, personalized device
• SiRF chipset-based GPS
‣ Take your pick among Bluetooth, WiFi, ZigBee, and 3G
• Low-power 802.15.4 radio (IEEE)
GSM or CDMA wireless communication standards
• 3G GSM and CDMA modem
‣ Integrate hardware using any combination of RS-232 serial
• Motion detector/accelerometer
UART, I2C, I2S, GPIO, SPI, USB 2.0, ADC/DAC, and more
• ...and more
• Sidestep IP hassles and proprietary technology lock-in by
About Bug Labs leveraging open source nature of BUGs
‣ From the start, the BUG platform was built from the
Bug Labs is a team of technologists whose mission is to redefine ground up using open source technologies
the way we traditionally approach product development. We ‣ Choose among one of our pre-built BUGmodules,
believe the product development process can be made faster, customize one to fit your needs or create your own
cheaper, better quality, and lower risk, and are committed to
• Online documentation and IRC technical support come
putting innovation and control back in the hands of users.
standard; custom BUG development services also available
There are so many great gadget ideas that haven’t been thought
‣ Engage BUG’s active open source community in an IRC
of yet. With BUG, we want to unlock and inspire the discovery
chat room or browse our wikis and forums for answers
and creation of as many of these devices as possible.
‣ Need an expert? BUG offers custom design and
development services to meet your individual needs
Contact
ENTERPRISE SALES WEBSITE E-MAIL
Mike de Senna buglabs.net/auto mike@buglabs.net
Details +1 212 792 6357 x107

2. BUG LABS + AUTOMOTIVE
Case Study: Real-time Vehicular Telematics
Real-time, Web-based
Vehicle Information
Speed
Acceleration
Theft Detection
Accident Detection
Fuel Consumption
Global Position
Engine RPM
Left: With BUG, you can use a
standard web browser to pull
information from a vehicle on demand
and in real-time.
Background Fortunately, an ambitious hacker spent his time and energy
doing just this (see http://www.vassfamily.net/ToyotaPrius/CAN/
PriusCodes.xls). The initial AutoBUG prototype began with
Recent advancements in processing power and wireless
monitoring four signals from the CAN BUS: vehicle speed,
efficiency has transformed the world around us to be more
kilometers per gallon, engine coolant temperature and engine
intelligent, mobile and connected. Internet access has finally
revolutions per minute (“RPM”). However, based on this proof-
spread beyond the confines of our households and buildings,
of-concept, it wouldn’t be difficult to extend this model to
and made its way onto airplanes and a variety of mobile
include other signals as well.
devices. It’s clear to many that telematics is the next great -
and possibly transformative - opportunity facing the automotive The specific hardware used for this project included a
industry, and the race has begun. BUGbase WiFi, BUGview, BUGvonHippel, BUG3G and
BUGlocate. Specific project details can be found here:
The Challenge http://community.buglabs.net/mcholerton/posts/196-AutoBUG
Industry, governments and research institutions are all looking
for ways to bring fresh innovation, mobile intelligence and Opportunities
connectivity to the automobile industry. The problem that has
Clearly, the automobile as a mobile computing and sensing
many thought leaders scratching their heads is how to identify
platform presents exciting possibilities. What will you build?
those killer applications and use cases that make sense for the
The opportunities abound. Here are some ideas:
automobile. How can all these advances in technology be
harnessed and combined in such a way that provides added • Parking spot locator
value and safety to the driving community?
• Detection system for road conditions
The Solution • More timely and accurate traffic monitors
• Vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-road communication
The AutoBUG connects the BUG's hardware and Internet
• Asset monitoring for insurance purposes
connectivity with real-time streaming data from a Toyota Prius
CAN BUS, turning the vehicle into an intelligent mobile hotspot. • Mobile WiFi hotspot or femtocell
This project ran on a 2nd generation Toyota Prius, which is one
• Accident warning and response
of the most fun and hackable cars around, but this system can
be adapted for use on any vehicle where CAN BUS data is • Tailgate monitor and reporter
available and has already been decoded.
buglabs.net/auto

3. BUG LABS CUSTOM SERVICES
BUG Platform Advantage - Fast, low-cost prototype to production
The BUG product development system delivers immediate value by allowing users to rapidly prototype and pilot useful device types
efficiently. Once a design successfully completes these phases it can be brought to production quickly, using same hardware and
software platform, saving considerable time and cost. This is in marked contrast to standard hardware development processes.
“Bug Labs Custom Services is a suite of design,
development, and support services centered on helping
customers during any stage of the product development
lifecycle. Our goal is to allow businesses and individuals
focus on what they do best - innovation - while we take care
of the hassle associated with bringing ideas to market.
Services include research, design, development, packaging,
production, testing, logistics and marketing among others.”
The traditional prototype-to-production process is expensive, time consuming and forces organizations to engage high cost contract
manufacturers prematurely. This is especially painful if the target market is untested or if manufacturing volumes are small/uncertain.
Moreover, it forces finalization of the user interface, and many other product features, before customers and partners are able to
provide critical feedback.
In contrast, BUG provides significant time and cost savings. The whole system scales seamlessly from prototype to alpha/ beta pilot
to production. The benefits of this approach are:
• Rapid POC (proof of concept) iterations and learning
• End-user feedback in prototyping stages
• Cost-effective pilot opportunities/Proof of Market testing
• Infrastructure testing (service delivery, web interfaces, billing, etc.) using a larger number of functional prototypes
• Comprehensive portability to CM (contract manufacturers)
• Leverage early market app knowledge with manufacturers
Bug Labs provides full product development life cycle services that help organizations maximize the benefits of the BUG platform.
• BUGsync - system/app SW upgrades (OTA optional)
• Application programming
• Application and other SW certification (flat fee, annual plan)
• Data Services – including BUGnet and Web applications
• Developer support (Gold, Platinum, Diamond level)
• Deployment support, incl. pilot and field trial management
• Training
• Coordination with partner contract manufacturers
Off-the-Shelf Pilot/Limited Production Full Production
Modular Hardware Semi-Custom Fully Custom
1 month 2 months 4-6 months