concept

open source hardware

Also known as: Open Hardware, OSH, OSHW, FOSH

synthesized from dimensions

Open Source Hardware (OSHW or OSH) refers to physical technological artifacts whose design specifications are made publicly available, enabling anyone to study, modify, distribute, manufacture, and sell the hardware Open source hardware is defined…. Rooted in the principles of the free and open-source software (FOSS) movement and the broader open-design ethos, OSHW represents a decentralized, collaborative model of value creation Free and open-source software (FOSS) and open-source hardware…. While the concept originated within the electronic hardware community, it has expanded to encompass diverse fields including mechanical engineering, bio-engineering, fashion, and sustainable farm machinery design specifications of physical objects.

The core identity of OSHW is defined by the accessibility of its "source"—the design documentation. To qualify as open source, a creator must provide files in their preferred, non-obfuscated format for modification, such as native CAD files, schematics, PCB layouts, and a complete bill of materials The source of Open Source Hardware, defined as…. Providing only intermediate or non-editable formats, such as printer-ready artwork, is insufficient for compliance The distribution terms of Open Source Hardware must…. The Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) serves as a central hub for the movement, maintaining an official definition, a statement of principles, and a certification program that provides users with confidence in a project's openness The Open Source Hardware Association maintains a certification….

Licensing is a critical and complex component of the OSHW ecosystem. Unlike software, which primarily relies on copyright, hardware involves multiple layers of intellectual property, including patents and trademarks. Licenses must be technology-neutral, permit derivative works, and ensure that no restrictions are placed on fields of endeavor or commercial use Licensing in open source hardware is difficult.. While some projects utilize permissive licenses like TAPR or Creative Commons (CC0, CC-BY), others employ specialized frameworks like the CERN Open Source Hardware License, which is designed to manage the integration of proprietary modules while keeping open components accessible CERN Open Source Hardware License, have been developed.

The significance of OSHW lies in its potential to foster innovation, improve design robustness, and democratize technology encourages innovation. By enabling local repair, maintenance, and manufacturing, the movement supports sustainability goals and circular economy practices Open-source hardware initiatives may leverage cultural differences, environmental…. In scientific research, OSHW is increasingly valued for facilitating reproducibility, reducing dependence on vendor bureaucracy, and providing users with greater control over their experimental tools facilitate reproducibility by allowing.

Despite its growth, the movement faces ongoing challenges. There is a persistent tension between the ideal of total openness and the practical realities of hardware development, which often requires significant financial investment and specialized technical labor A major difference between developing open-source software and…. Furthermore, while OSHW is often compared to software, researchers note that it has not yet reached the same level of maturity as projects like Linux, and many initiatives still rely on proprietary software tools that create vendor lock-in not adopted open source practices. Debates also persist regarding the enforceability of OSH licenses and whether community norms are more effective than litigation in protecting the openness of designs community norms rather than legal. Ultimately, OSHW remains a vital socio-technical phenomenon, positioned to influence the future of digital transformation, the Internet of Things, and industrial production future of digital transformation.

Model Perspectives (12)

openrouter/google/gemini-3.1-flash-lite-preview definitive 95% confidence

Open Source Hardware (OSHW), also known as Open Hardware, refers to physical products whose design is made publicly available, allowing individuals to study, modify, distribute, make, and sell the designs [6, 23]. According to the Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA), this movement aims to provide individuals with the freedom to control their technology and foster commerce through the open exchange of designs [1]. The foundation of OSHW rests on specific principles, including the requirement that design source files be accessible in a format that allows for modifications [10]. Licenses for OSHW must permit modifications and derived works, prohibit discrimination against any person or group, and ensure that no royalties or fees are required for the sale of documentation or derivatives [16, 17, 19]. While OSHWA provides a formal certification program [3, 26], some perspectives argue that truly "open" hardware requires comprehensive files—such as Bills of Materials and source files—rather than just minimal resources like Gerber files [28, 29]. Best practices for documentation, as outlined by *The Turing Way*, suggest that projects provide a functional overview, build instructions, tool requirements, and even information on repair and recycling [52, 54, 57]. Because OSHW often relies on software, licenses may require that interfaces be documented to enable open-source software creation [15]. To manage these complexities, experts recommend using separate licenses for hardware, software, and documentation [21, 22]. The movement is supported by various hubs and initiatives, including OSHWA, CERN, and the GOSH forum, which facilitate collaboration and the development of shared standards [2, 7, 60].

openrouter/google/gemini-3.1-flash-lite-preview definitive 100% confidence

Open-source hardware (OSHW or OSH) refers to physical technological artifacts whose designs are made publicly available, enabling others to study, modify, distribute, manufacture, and sell the hardware Open source hardware is defined…, Open Source Hardware (OSHW) is defined…. The concept is rooted in the open-design movement and shares foundational principles with the free and open-source software (FOSS) movement Open-source hardware (also known as OSH or OSHW)…, Free and open-source software (FOSS) and open-source hardware…. Foundational principles are codified by the Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) through the "Open Source Hardware Definition" and "Statement of Principles" The Open Source Hardware Definition and the associated…. To qualify, a creator must make source files—in the preferred format for modification, such as native CAD files—and bills of materials available to the public The source of Open Source Hardware, defined as…, To make hardware open source, a creator must…. Obfuscated files or intermediate, non-editable formats (like printer-ready artwork) are insufficient The distribution terms of Open Source Hardware must…. Licensing is central; while it is considered a difficult aspect of the field Licensing in open source hardware is difficult., OSHWA provides a certification program to ensure project compliance with community definitions The Open Source Hardware Association maintains a certification…, OSHWA certification provides users with confidence that a…. Unlike software, OSH development involves tangible outputs requiring financial investment for prototyping and manufacturing A major difference between developing open-source software and…. It remains dependent on supply chain logistics Open Source Hardware (OSHW) remains dependent on supply…, though it holds potential to alter global supply chains Open Source Hardware (OSHW) has the potential to…. The movement also emphasizes social and environmental impact, with proponents like Vasilis Kostakis et al. arguing it can promote equity, sustainability, and collaboration by leveraging local needs and cultural differences Vasilis Kostakis et al. argue that open-source hardware…, Open-source hardware initiatives may leverage cultural differences, environmental…. Despite these goals, the movement faces ongoing tensions regarding standardization, inclusiveness, and its reliance on energy-intensive infrastructures like the Internet Open-source hardware faces challenges and contradictions as it…, While open-source hardware may reduce pressure on natural….

openrouter/google/gemini-3.1-flash-lite-preview definitive 100% confidence

Open Source Hardware (OSHW) refers to physical devices whose design information is shared in a way that allows others to study, modify, distribute, and manufacture them [49, 51]. The movement is not governed by a single standard or organization, though the Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) serves as a central hub [34] and provides a foundational definition [35, 55]. This definition requires that design files—including mechanical drawings, schematics, bills of materials, and PCB layouts—be provided in their preferred, non-obfuscated format [2, 3, 46, 59]. Licensing is central to the OSHW concept, ensuring that no restrictions are placed on fields of endeavor [4], that rights are automatically granted to redistributors without additional licenses [5], and that licenses remain technology-neutral [8]. Crucially, licenses that prohibit commercial use [58] or include 'No Derivatives' (ND) or 'Non-Commercial' (NC) clauses are not considered truly open source [14]. While projects historically relied on Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) licenses [56], this practice can lead to legal uncertainty regarding patent law [12, 28]. Consequently, specific OSHW-oriented licenses, such as the CERN Open Source Hardware License, have been developed [25], alongside permissive options like TAPR or Creative Commons (CC0, CC-BY) [9, 29]. The movement has roots in the ham radio community and 1970s kit-based computing [41]. Its mid-2000s resurgence was driven by platforms like Arduino, Adafruit, and SparkFun [23], as well as the democratizing influence of the maker movement [43] and the accessibility of 3D printing [42]. Beyond electronics [36], OSHW encompasses diverse fields such as bio-engineering, fashion, and farm machinery [33]. Supporters argue that open sharing fosters robust designs [53], encourages innovation [24], and creates sustainable ecosystem-based business models [52, 54]. Despite this, the philosophy has faced philosophical debate; Richard Stallman, for instance, has expressed skepticism about the ethical alignment between free software and hardware, preferring the term 'free hardware design' [37, 38, 39].

openrouter/google/gemini-3.1-flash-lite-preview definitive 95% confidence

Open Source Hardware (OSH) refers to the design specifications of physical objects—including electronic devices, machines, and biomaterials—that are licensed to permit public study, modification, creation, and distribution design specifications of physical objects. Influenced by free software movements and hacking culture influenced by open source movements, the field gained prominence in the last decade due to internet-enabled sharing and reduced production costs rise of the internet. Core to the philosophy is the requirement that documentation, such as schematics and CAD files, be provided in a modifiable, non-obfuscated format documentation must include design files. The Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) plays a central role in this ecosystem by maintaining an official logo, verifying project compliance, and fostering community through conferences OSHWA organizes conferences and events. However, the movement has faced internal debates regarding legal enforcement; some, like Bruce Perens, have questioned the enforceability of OSH licenses concerns that new licenses, while others argue that community norms are more practical than litigation community norms rather than legal. Practical application of OSH provides significant benefits to scientific research, including improved reproducibility facilitate reproducibility by allowing, increased user control provides control to users, and reduced dependence on vendor bureaucracy offers the advantage of simplicity. Despite these advantages, challenges persist. Large companies may technically comply with OSH standards while using proprietary formats that render designs effectively unusable for the community companies use proprietary, non-interoperable, and the development of OSH requires specialized technical labor that some organizations may find less cost-effective than purchasing industrial hardware requires significant time and knowledge.

openrouter/google/gemini-3.1-flash-lite-preview definitive 100% confidence

Open Source Hardware (OSH) is defined as a model of decentralized, collaborative value creation where participants jointly develop and freely share designs [51]. According to the Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA), OSH focuses on product openness, granting users the rights to study, modify, make, and distribute both the documentation and the hardware itself [47, 48]. This practice is rooted in an ethos of community building, where the primary goal is to enable others to reuse and derive new works from existing projects [24, 28]. ### Documentation and Technical Requirements Effective OSH relies on the accessibility and quality of project documentation. Technical documentation is considered analogous to source code in software, providing the necessary information for replication [9]. Essential documentation components include: * Project Basics: A general description of the hardware's purpose [5], a README file [4], and a Bill of Materials (BOM) linked to design files [13, 14]. * Design Files: Original source files (e.g., CAD, schematics) and their metadata should be shared in both editable and ready-to-view formats [10, 18, 19]. * Instructional Content: Projects should include assembly, manufacturing, operation, and maintenance instructions [11, 15, 16, 22]. * Safety and Skills: Documentation must prioritize safety for non-experts [7] and clearly define the skillsets required for different roles [6]. ### Licensing and Intellectual Property Licensing in OSH is complex because hardware incorporates multiple elements covered by various intellectual property rights, unlike the singular copyright focus of software [38, 42]. OSHWA emphasizes that adding an open license is critical for legal permission to reuse designs [35]. Branding remains protected by trademark, and creators are encouraged to withhold blanket trademark licenses to ensure that derivative works are not falsely attributed to the original creator [39, 41]. ### Sustainability and Adoption OSH supports sustainability by facilitating local repair and maintenance, which extends device lifespans and reduces waste [1]. To maximize reach and reproducibility, creators are advised to use platforms like GitHub, GitLab, Wikifactory, or hackaday.io [30, 32]. Academic researchers often contribute by publishing peer-reviewed articles and using persistent identifiers like DOIs to ensure the long-term availability of specific project versions [33, 34]. ### Terminology and Evolution The term "Open Source Hardware" originated from the electronic hardware community [56] and has since evolved to include mechanical hardware, despite the terminology remaining unchanged [57]. While related to "Open Design," these are often viewed as distinct, with OSH emerging from practice and community standards, whereas "Open Design" is a term used by scholars to categorize new forms of product development [54].

openrouter/google/gemini-3.1-flash-lite-preview definitive 95% confidence

Open Source Hardware (OSH) comprises physical artifacts with publicly available designs, allowing individuals to study, modify, replicate, distribute, and sell the hardware defined by OSHWA and DIN SPEC 3105. While inspired by the Free/Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS) movement inspired by FLOSS movement, OSH faces distinct challenges. Unlike software, hardware development is often hindered by the high cost of manufacturing tools, creating barriers for end-users to participate in development loops high cost of manufacturing tools. Furthermore, while researchers often hypothesize an 'isomorphism' between software and hardware development hypothesize an isomorphism, experts have highlighted limitations to this comparison highlighted limitations to isomorphism, noting that OSH has not yet reached the same level of maturity as projects like Linux not adopted open source practices. Empirical research indicates that OSH projects often exist on a continuum between public innovation and Open Source Product Development (OSPD) exists on a continuum. Many projects focus on specific stages, such as prototyping or maintenance, rather than end-to-end commercialized development projects often focus on specific stages. Standardization efforts, such as DIN SPEC 3105, provide minimal requirements for openness standardization efforts by DIN, though critics argue these standards fail to account for process openness or deeper levels of maturity fail to account for openness. Ultimately, OSH is viewed as an emerging socio-technical phenomenon intended to challenge growth-driven societies by fostering values like local autonomy, sustainability, and human-centricity aim to challenge the current society.

openrouter/google/gemini-3.1-flash-lite-preview definitive 100% confidence

Open Source Hardware (OSH) refers to physical designs that grant users the fundamental rights to use, modify, share, and distribute both the designs and physical artifacts, even for economic gain fundamental rights to use. This movement emphasizes transparency, which can help mitigate hidden, software-exploitable hardware bugs transparency supports bug mitigation. While OSH is currently less mature than Open Source Software (OSS), its business ecosystem is developing rapidly maturity level and ecosystem. If OSH mirrors the development trajectory of OSS, it is positioned to become a foundational element of the Internet of Things, future computing, and European industrial transformation future of digital transformation. Economically, OSH offers benefits such as low barriers to entry, high product differentiation, and supply chain resilience benefits of OSH projects. Successful platforms like Arduino and RepRap demonstrate financial viability in competitive markets financially viable hardware examples. To foster this growth, the European Commission-backed 'Open Source Impact Study' suggests policy interventions, including increased R&D funding, tax incentives for contributions, and entrepreneurial training for startups recommendations for OSH growth. Technical standardization is a key focus for the field. Early efforts prioritized intellectual property and licensing, while current initiatives like DIN SPEC 3105-1 and the Open Know How Manifest Specification focus on accessibility and documentation standards evolution of standardization efforts. Effective OSH development relies on a 'libre' software ecosystem—tools such as KiCAD for electronics, FreeCAD for integration, and various simulation software—to manage the complex workflows required for digital fabrication libre software for OSH.

openrouter/google/gemini-3.1-flash-lite-preview definitive 100% confidence

Open Source Hardware (OSH) refers to physical technological artifacts where design information is made accessible to allow for replication physical artifacts of technology, easily discernible design information. Unlike proprietary hardware that may only share communication protocols, OSH includes full replication instructions instructions on how to replicate. Effective development requires that this documentation be shared at no cost accessible at no cost, often utilizing platforms like GitHub for version control and issue tracking data repository and versioning. Key characteristics of OSH include modularity, which is considered an inherent property and an enabler of openness modularity as key enabler, and the use of reversible joining techniques to facilitate reuse and updates reversible joining techniques. The field is closely linked to the maker movement and is often driven by developer communities linked to developer community. Governance and licensing remain central themes. The Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) is currently working to provide comprehensive licensing guidance and tools developing licensing guide, noting that licenses restricting commercial use are incompatible with OSH definitions commercial use compatibility. Researchers emphasize that OSH is a socio-technical phenomenon, and there is a call for more standardized practices, better definitions, and formal academic research to move beyond early-stage prototyping and into industrial-scale applications agenda for further research.

openrouter/google/gemini-3.1-flash-lite-preview definitive 95% confidence

Open Source Hardware (OSHW) is a collaborative approach to physical product development inspired by Free/Libre and Open-Source Software [56]. At its core, OSHW ideally centers on the use of readily available materials, standard processes, and open-source design tools to maximize accessibility for individuals [7]. According to the Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA), the movement emphasizes openness and collaboration, though it recognizes that OSHW is only one of many methods for sharing information [8]. Historically, the movement saw early attempts at definition in the late 1990s, though many initiatives from that period were short-lived [15, 16]. The current definition and principles were established via a community wiki at freedomdefined.org [6]. The field has faced internal debates regarding licensing and definitions, which notably led Bruce Perens to disengage from the OSHW movement following the 2011 Open Hardware Summit [9]. Research published in *Design Science* by Jérémy Bonvoisin, Robert Mies, and Jean-François Boujut highlights that while the movement is gaining momentum—supported by entities like the CERN Open Hardware Initiative [57]—it remains academically and practically underdeveloped. Their research suggests that current OSHW practices often mimic conventional, centralized development structures rather than truly decentralizing architecture and requirement management [52, 53, 54]. Furthermore, while some businesses engage with OSHW, there remains a lack of centrally coordinated, ecosystem-wide collaborative design efforts [46, 50]. A persistent tension exists between the ideals of openness and practical execution. While OSHW ideally utilizes open-source tools, many projects still rely on proprietary software, which can lead to vendor lock-in [59]. Consequently, the focus of "openness" in many projects is often restricted to the availability of final source files rather than the entire development toolchain [60]. Additionally, challenges persist regarding documentation, as projects involving large files require specialized workflows [22], and it remains unclear if existing platforms like GitHub adequately support the early, high-interaction ideation phases of hardware design [42].

openrouter/google/gemini-3.1-flash-lite-preview definitive 95% confidence

Open Source Hardware (OSH) is a collaborative movement inspired by the Free/Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS) paradigm 4. Early efforts to define the concept date back to 1998–1999, led by Graham Seaman 1. While the movement shares core values of openness with Open Design, these fields remain distinct, and current academic and industry discourse often lacks standardized, validated dimensions for classifying these projects 38, 55. Projects in this field range from simple components to complex systems, such as MRI scanners 5, 43. They often originate from specific needs for measurement or data processing outside traditional laboratories 28. Development can occur through public communities or within private settings before documentation is released 13, 22. The lifecycle of these products allows for continuous redesign and iteration 10, 50. Economic and operational sustainability is a significant focus. Creators have used crowdfunding to bypass traditional financial institutions 6, and specialized initiatives like the Open Source Hardware Central Bank aim to provide community-based funding 8. Research by Li and Seering (2019) has specifically investigated whether OSH can support sustainable business models 14. Technical practices involve using libre software tools 44 and maintaining documentation that includes both proprietary and open-format intermediate files 31. Governance is supported by frameworks like the CERN Open Hardware License, which allows the integration of proprietary modules while keeping open components accessible 20.

openrouter/google/gemini-3.1-flash-lite-preview 100% confidence

Open Source Hardware (OSH) centers on the collaborative development and manufacturing of physical artifacts, a paradigm that enables hackerspaces and DIY communities to innovate and share designs collaborative development and manufacturing, popularize DIY designs. The movement is characterized by a high diversity of motivations and collaborative processes among development initiatives large diversity of motivations. Projects often exhibit a preference for modular, lego-like design, as seen in initiatives like Wikihouse, OpenStructures, and XYZ Cargo preference for modular design. Research indicates that OSH projects vary significantly in technical activity; a study by Bonvoisin et al. (2018) found that the number of CAD file changes over a project's lifetime ranges widely, with a median of 123 changes maximum of 7,522 changes. The community is actively evolving its practices, with organizations like the Open Source Hardware Association promoting inclusive terminology promoting diversity and inclusion and scholars investigating the standardization of community practices standardization of practices. Economic and social impact is a growing area of study, with the European Commission (2021) examining how OSH influences competitiveness, innovation, and technological independence within the EU impact on EU economy. Additionally, OSH is increasingly applied to scientific research, with journals like *HardwareX* supporting the sharing of designs for high returns on investment scientific journal HardwareX. Despite this activity, the field faces challenges in definition, as some product documentation, such as that for recent non-Pro Arduino boards, no longer explicitly references "open" characteristics recent Arduino boards.

openrouter/x-ai/grok-4.1-fast 88% confidence

Open Source Hardware (OSH or OSHW) involves the open sharing of hardware designs, enabling collaborative development, modification, and production similar to open source software. Bonvoisin, Mies, Boujut, and Stark (2017, Springer) explored the definition of 'source' in OSH contexts definition of source in OSH. Arduino boards exemplify this, historically stated as completely open-source for independent building and adaptation (LWN.net citing Arduino) Arduino boards open-source claim, though recent models like Nano ESP32 omit 'open' mentions recent Arduino boards. Other examples include Phonebloks (Smoothieware) Phonebloks as OSH example and modular projects like OpenStructures, Wikihouse, and XYZ Cargo, preferred in OSH communities (Bonvoisin, Prendeville, and Galla, 2017, Cambridge University Press) modular OSH designs. OSH projects show significant activity, with Bonvoisin et al. (2018, Cambridge University Press) reporting maximum CAD file changes of 7,522, median 123, and average 509 across lifetimes CAD changes in OSH. A 2017 analysis of 23 initiatives revealed diverse motivations and processes (Cambridge University Press) diversity in OSH initiatives, while documentation from 132 initiatives reflected varied scopes OSH documentation diversity. Standardization efforts are ongoing, as reviewed by Bonvoisin, Molloy, Häuer, and Wenzel (2020, Springer) OSH standardization practices. Communities thrive via hackerspaces and makerspaces enabled by OSH for DIY tinkering (Springer) OSH enables makerspaces; Chagas et al. (2020) and Corsini, Dammicco, & Moultrie (2020) documented COVID-19 responses (Cambridge University Press) OSH COVID-19 responses. The Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA, Wikipedia) promotes diversity and resources, including Phil Torrone's Make articles OSHWA resource list. Broader impacts include EU economic analysis (European Commission 2021 report, Springer) EU OSH economic impact, sustainability via circular designs (Springer) OSH for sustainability, and scientific ROI (Wikipedia) OSH scientific benefits. Joshua Pearce and Elsevier launched HardwareX journal for OSH science applications (Wikipedia) HardwareX journal.

Entities (10)

Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA)

Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA)

The Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) is the primary organization that advocates for, defines, and certifies open source hardware, as evidenced by its official definition [1], [2], [3] and its role as a central hub for the movement [4], [5]. — 22 supporting facts

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Arduino

Arduino

Arduino is intrinsically tied to open source hardware, as its boards are explicitly described as completely open-source [1], it releases products for makers as open-source hardware [2], and it emerged as a key project in the mid-2000s resurgence of open-source hardware activity [3]. — 5 supporting facts

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GitHub

GitHub

GitHub is a primary platform used for hosting and managing open source hardware projects, as evidenced by its role as a data repository and versioning system [1], [2]. Research studies have analyzed these projects on GitHub to evaluate their development processes, collaborative activity, and governance structures [3], [4], while also questioning the platform's suitability for early-stage ideation [5]. — 5 supporting facts

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CERN

CERN

CERN is a central entity in the development of open source hardware, having established the Open Hardware Repository [1], created the CERN Open Source Hardware License [2], and hosted major initiatives like the White Rabbit project [3]. Furthermore, CERN's open-source development groups actively cooperate with the broader open source hardware community [4]. — 4 supporting facts

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Richard Stallman

Richard Stallman

Richard Stallman has a long-standing history of critiquing and defining the terminology surrounding open source hardware, specifically preferring the term 'free hardware design' as noted in [1] and [2]. Furthermore, he has engaged with the concept's ethical implications in [3] and provided the GNU General Public License, which is frequently utilized in open source hardware projects as described in [4]. — 4 supporting facts

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Open Source Initiative

Open Source Initiative

The Open Source Initiative is linked to open source hardware through the design of the OSHW logo [1], the requirement for OSI-approved licenses for associated software {fact:2, fact:4}, and direct cooperation between the Open Source Hardware Association and the OSI [2]. — 4 supporting facts

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Bruce Perens

Bruce Perens

Bruce Perens is directly linked to open source hardware through his leadership in the community split [1] and his subsequent withdrawal from the formal Open Source Hardware (OSHW) Definition efforts [2], [3]. — 3 supporting facts

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Ayah Bdeir

Ayah Bdeir

Ayah Bdeir is a prominent figure in the open source hardware community, having created the littleBits module system [1], co-organizing the summit focused on the business of open source hardware [2], and announcing the official Open Source Hardware logo [3]. — 3 supporting facts

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European Commission

European Commission

The European Commission commissioned and published a study analyzing the impact of open source hardware on the European economy and technological independence, as detailed in [1], [2], and [3]. — 1 supporting fact

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Free Software Foundation

Free Software Foundation

The open source hardware movement draws its foundational inspiration from the Free/Libre and Open Source Software movement, which is historically traced back to the Free Software Foundation as noted in [1]. — 1 supporting fact

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Facts (349)

Sources

Seven observations and research questions about Open Design ... cambridge.org Cambridge University Press Oct 19, 2021 66 facts

measurementIn a study by Bonvoisin et al. (2018), the maximum number of CAD file changes observed for Open Source Hardware projects over their complete lifetime was 7,522, with a median of 123 and an average of 509.

claimIt is unclear whether GitHub offers appropriate support for early ideation phases of Open Source Hardware projects, which require higher interaction rates and sketching mechanisms.

claimResearchers often hypothesize an 'isomorphism' between Free/Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS) and Open Source Hardware development practices because Open Source Hardware extends concepts originally developed for Open Source Software.

claimOpen Source Hardware and Open Source Product Development (OSPD) may only gain a significant audience and ecosystem of participants if a 'Linux-like product'—defined as an essential infrastructure product that generates significant economic activity—emerges.

claimThe number of CAD file changes in Open Source Hardware projects is relatively low compared to industrial standards, where automotive industry development teams commonly record tens of thousands of CAD file changes per month.

claimOpen Source Hardware projects utilize reversible joining techniques, such as mortise and tenon or nuts and bolts, to allow for assembly error correction, product updates, and parts reuse.

claimAs of the publication of the article, there is no Open Source Hardware product that is the subject of centrally coordinated collaborative design activity involving an ecosystem of businesses.

claimMoritz, Redlich, & Wulfsberg (2018) define Open Source Hardware as a decentralised and collaborative model of value creation where people jointly develop and freely share designs.

claimCurrent practices in Open Source Hardware, Open Source Product Development (OSPD), and Open Design are primarily focused on early-stage design processes, such as prototyping and technology development, and on distributed, low-tech manufacturing.

claimThe White Rabbit project, part of CERN’s open source experimental physics facilities development strategy, is the largest known Open Source Hardware development project.

claimThe analysis of 105 Open Source Hardware projects on GitHub did not demonstrate the existence of massively distributed development projects that adopt an Open Source Product Development (OSPD) process from the initial idea through to a commercialized product.

claimThe Journal of Open Hardware and HardwareX are academic journals established as publication channels for Open Source Hardware, primarily focusing on scientific instrumentation.

referenceProjects such as OpenStructures, Wikihouse, and XYZ Cargo demonstrate the preference for modular, lego-like design styles within Open Source Hardware communities, as noted by Bonvoisin, Prendeville, and Galla (2017).

claimOpen Source Hardware products can initiate new life cycle iterations by being redesigned in either private or community-based settings.

referenceChagas et al. (2020) and Corsini, Dammicco, & Moultrie (2020) documented recent attempts by the Open Source Hardware community to respond to the COVID-19 crisis.

claimPublic innovation involves the release of Open Source Hardware documentation only after a development process has been completed in a private setting.

claimCurrent standards for Open Source Hardware, including the 'Open Source Hardware Statement of Principles 1.0' and DIN SPEC 3105, only allow for measuring openness in the interval between zero openness and minimal openness, failing to account for openness beyond these minimal requirements.

claimThe authors define 'Open Source Product Development' as the development of Open Source Hardware products performed in a collective process allowing the participation of any interested person.

referenceThe Design Science Journal has hosted research applying data mining approaches to engineering design using fictional data (Ball & Lewis, 2018), closed Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) databases (Gopsill, Snider, & Hicks, 2019), or publicly available Open Source Hardware repositories (Bonvoisin et al., 2018).

claimCurrent Open Source Hardware and Open Source Product Development (OSPD) practices often recreate controlling mechanisms to maintain the applicability of known design methods in the absence of formal hierarchies.

claimThe high cost of manufacturing tools creates a significant barrier for end-users to participate in the build, test, and improvement loops of Open Source Hardware (OSHW) compared to Open Source Software (OSS).

measurementA 2017 comparative analysis of interviews with leading figures from 23 Open Source Hardware development initiatives revealed a large diversity of motivations and approaches regarding collaborative development processes.

referenceDIN (2020) identifies four fundamental rights for Open Source Hardware: the right to study, to modify, to make, and to distribute the documentation of a piece of hardware or the piece of hardware itself.

claimModularity is considered an inherent property of hardware and a key enabler of openness in Open Source Hardware communities.

perspectiveOpen Design and Open Source Hardware aim to challenge the current growth-driven society and the modern division of roles between industries and customers.

claimPractices in open source hardware evolved to integrate mechanical hardware, but the terminology remained unchanged from its original electronic-focused roots.

measurementAn analysis of public documentation from 132 Open Source Hardware development initiatives showed that the diversity of these initiatives is reflected in the content and scope of their published documentation.

accountThe term Open Source Hardware originated with electronic hardware, which was the hardware on which open source software would run, as discussed in Bonvoisin et al. (2020).

claimOpen Design and Open Source Hardware are competing terms that can be partially explained by their different contexts of emergence.

claimOpen Source Ecology's 'Global Village Construction Set' is an iconic Open Source Hardware project consisting of 50 open source industrial machines designed to allow users to build a small civilization with modern comforts.

claimOpen Design is a term created by scholars to comment on new forms of product development, whereas Open Source Hardware is a term that emerged from practice and was coined by hardware developers to indicate compliance with the ethos of the open source movement.

claimOpen Source Hardware data provides an empirical anchor for studying Open Source Product Development (OSPD) practices, offering an alternative to speculative or programmatic research contributions in the Open Design literature.

claimOpen Source Hardware projects often focus on specific stages, such as feasibility assessment through first functional prototypes (e.g., Open Source Ecology, Apertus Axiom, and Echopen) or the maintenance and improvement of already published hardware (e.g., Circular Knitic and Lulzbot TAZ).

accountThe authors of 'Seven observations and research questions about Open Design and Open Source Hardware' developed seven observations based on six years of research on Open Design and Open Source Hardware, which they intend to serve as an agenda for further research.

claimWhile some pioneering businesses have built upon Open Source Hardware by releasing products or appropriating external designs, the authors of 'Seven observations and research questions about Open Design and Open Source Hardware' are unaware of any company that has led or participated in an Open Source Product Development (OSPD) process.

claimOpen Design and Open Source Hardware are rooted in values of economic sustainability, local autonomy, and human-centricity.

referenceThe DIN SPEC 3105 standard, published by DIN in 2020, refines the 'Open Source Hardware Statement of Principles 1.0' to establish minimal requirements for a product to qualify as open source.

claimThe term Open Design embraces practices that share some form of openness but diverge in fundamental aspects, such as Open Source Hardware and crowdsourcing.

claimThe authors distinguish between 'Closed and Open Source Hardware' (which refer to IP management strategies regardless of development process) and 'closed innovation and public innovation' (which refer to the closed process of developing either proprietary or Open Source Hardware).

claimBalka et al. (2010) assert that the concept of Open Source Hardware is inherently linked to the idea of a developer community.

claimIn Open Source Hardware projects where stakeholders are primarily laypeople, production processes are restricted to the capabilities accessible to the general public.

measurementAn analysis of the versioning control history of 256 repositories characterized Open Source Hardware development as a heterogeneous field that exists on a continuum between Open Source Product Development (OSPD) and public innovation practices, ranging from active contributor communities to dormant projects.

claimOpen Source Hardware and Open Source Product Development (OSPD) initiatives often mimic conventional, centrally structured product development processes to fit into existing prescriptive design methods.

claimNeither Huizingh’s nor Balka’s definitions of open source innovation reference the Open Source Definition or the Open Source Hardware definitions.

perspectiveStandardization efforts for Open Source Hardware need to be extended to include the definition of process openness to achieve transparency in both dimensions of Open Design.

claimThe authors of 'Seven observations and research questions about Open Design and Open Source Hardware' recommend six actions for research and policy to support Open Design and Open Source Product Development (OSPD): (i) encourage business involvement and industry-led open industrialization, (ii) clarify definitions through large-scale comparative studies, (iii) experiment with extreme openness, (iv) generate practical guidance for OSPD processes, (v) push standardization for both product and process openness, and (vi) consolidate the understanding of OSPD and Open Design as a socio-technical phenomenon.

measurementIn a study of 105 Open Source Hardware projects hosted on GitHub, the distribution of file changes across contributors confirmed the existence of collaborative development activity while revealing diverse governance structures ranging from centralized projects to loosely connected decentralized networks.

claimThe DIN SPEC 3105 standard, published in 2020, represents the adoption of Open Source Hardware concepts by a national standardization organization.

claimThe Open Source Hardware community is the primary school of thought that has provided a narrowed definition of openness as applied to products.

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSHW) is an instantiation of OSPD that possesses a history of practices and sectoral organization.

claimProduct characteristics, such as form, functionality, architecture, aesthetics, and complexity, are largely absent from debates regarding Open Design in literature and standards for Open Source Hardware.

claimGitHub is used by numerous Open Source Hardware projects as a data repository, and because it functions as a data versioning system with an issue tracking system, it is well-suited for later design phases or formal processes like engineering change management.

perspectiveThe authors of 'Seven observations and research questions about Open Design and Open Source Hardware' suggest that design processes where requirement management and product architecting are decentralized among a swarm of participants need to be experimented with at a larger scale to understand their relevance.

claimProcess openness in Open Source Hardware is currently not covered by the minimal requirements set by existing standards like the 'Open Source Hardware Statement of Principles 1.0' and DIN SPEC 3105.

claimOpen Source Hardware has not adopted open source development practices to the same level of maturity as Free/Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS), such as the Linux project.

claimThe goal of using reversible joining techniques in Open Source Hardware is to foster user agency throughout the product life cycle, supporting processes like customizing, repairing, recycling, and repurposing.

referenceThe Open Source Hardware Life Cycle, as illustrated in Figure 3, depicts the interplay between Open Source Product Development (OSPD), Open Source Hardware, and public innovation.

claimOpen Design, Open Source Hardware, and OSPD are emerging phenomena attempting to gain maturity and move beyond marginality to offer alternatives to conventional proprietary product creation.

claimCommentators including Müller-Seitz & Reger (2010), Raasch & Herstatt (2011), and Powell (2012) have highlighted limitations to the hypothesized isomorphism between Open Source Software and Open Source Hardware development practices.

referenceBoujut et al. (2019) investigated whether there is a specific task distribution pattern in Open Source Hardware projects.

perspectiveA detailed typology of Open Source Hardware development practices derived from large-scale comparative studies would assist in refining terminology and assessing the generalizability of research results.

claimThe Open Source Hardware Association defines open source hardware as hardware whose design is made publicly available so that anyone can study, modify, distribute, make, and sell the design.

claimThe Open Source Hardware Association (2020) defines Open Source Hardware as referring solely to product openness, whereas the broader concept of open source is generally understood to enable participative development processes.

claimThe dimensions defined in contributions regarding Open Design and Open Source Hardware are currently vague, arbitrary, and lack validation from practice or academia.

claimSerrano (2017) asserts that Open Source Hardware naturally induces collaboration.

claimThe low adoption of the term Open Source Hardware in mechanical engineering, engineering design, and design science may be due to the term hardware being used as a synonym for physical product.

Open Source Hardware - The Turing Way book.the-turing-way.org The Turing Way 57 facts

claimEffective adoption, reuse, and development of Open Source Hardware (OSH) requires that hardware documentation and relevant information be shared in a way that is easily accessible at no cost.

claimThe type and amount of content shared for Open Source Hardware (OSH) projects depends on the complexity of the hardware and the importance of community aspects, with recommended content including project documentation, technical documentation, and community interactions.

procedureTo ensure clarity in Open Source Hardware documentation, creators should link the Bill of Materials to design files by using matching reference designators or providing diagrams that explain the correspondence between parts and design files.

claimThe GOSH forum serves as a platform for finding collaborators for Open Source Hardware (OSH) and related projects.

claimA Bill of Materials for an Open Source Hardware project is a list or spreadsheet describing part numbers, putative suppliers, costs, and a short description of components.

claimOpen Source Hardware creators should share original design files in both original and accessible ready-to-view formats to maximize the ability of others to view and edit the design.

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSH) provides control to users because if a supplier goes out of business, users or third-party companies possess the necessary information to keep the systems running.

claimA market-ready product in Open Source Hardware (OSH) is a design that has been polished and documented to the point where it is ready to be used by hardware producers.

procedureTo increase the visibility, reach, and reproducibility of an Open Source Hardware (OSH) project, creators should: (1) use commonly used platforms that have discovery pages, (2) include project metadata such as a short description, license statement, and project context, (3) add an Open-Know-How manifest YAML file, and (4) create a press kit or media content to facilitate sharing on blogs or websites.

procedureOpen Source Hardware project documentation should include a functional overview of parts or modules, a description of necessary software, and an overview of the project's current state, development status, and future plans.

claimDeveloping good quality hardware and making it open source entails an important aspect of community building.

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSH) designs facilitate reproducibility by allowing for the replication, verification, and reproduction of experiments and data, while also providing users with better control over device calibration.

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSH) supports sustainability by providing the information necessary for local repair and maintenance, which extends the lifespan of devices and reduces waste.

claimIt is recommended that Open Source Hardware project creators provide a list of skills required to build, use, or maintain the hardware, as different roles (builders, maintainers, end-users) require distinct skillsets.

procedureOpen Source Hardware project documentation should include a general description of the hardware's identity and purpose, written for a general audience, before detailing technical specifications.

claimUsing archives that assign persistent identifiers, such as Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs), helps guarantee that specific versions and releases of an Open Source Hardware (OSH) project remain available over the long term.

referenceBonvoisin and Mies (2018) established that there are different degrees of openness for Open Source Hardware (OSH) projects.

claimOpen source hardware projects should consider including local or global hardware manufacturers as partners, in addition to the user and contributor roles common to open source software.

claimGitHub, GitLab, Wikifactory, and hackaday.io are commonly used platforms for sharing Open Source Hardware (OSH) projects.

claimPrototyping in Open Source Hardware (OSH) is the process of testing ideas to address a specific need.

procedureThe development process for Open Source Hardware (OSH) projects involves scoping the project, identifying potential collaborators or manufacturers, creating a roadmap, and selecting a license.

procedureTo make hardware reusable and modifiable by others, the source must be shared via an appropriate license, typically through specific online platforms.

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSH) promotes inclusiveness in science by providing affordable equipment in resource-scarce environments, reducing the impact of import restrictions and bureaucracy, and enabling more students to engage in hands-on learning.

claimOpen Source Hardware documentation should categorize parts as custom parts, off-the-shelf parts, or complex modules to provide unambiguous references.

claimOpen source hardware (OSH) is defined as the design specifications of a physical object that are licensed to allow anyone to study, modify, create, and distribute the design and the object itself.

claimOpen Source Hardware design information consists of schematics, blueprints, logic designs, and Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings or files, which may include text, binary files, and software.

claimOpen Source Hardware documentation must prioritize safety instructions because makers are not always formally trained engineers and may struggle to differentiate between safe and dangerous manipulations.

procedureOpen Source Hardware (OSH) projects should at a minimum provide an Open Hardware License and a README file containing basic information to orient newcomers.

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSH) contributes to scientific quality by allowing researchers to build upon the knowledge of others, where contributors may offer novel solutions to design problems or identify errors in designs.

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSH) projects typically originate as a response to a concrete need, such as the requirement to process samples, measure new parameters, or conduct measurements outside of a laboratory setting.

procedureSource files for Open Source Hardware, such as CAD files, should be accompanied by textual and multi-media documentation, including guides for manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, and development.

claimTechnical documents for Open Source Hardware serve a purpose analogous to source code in software, providing the necessary information to study and replicate a hardware design.

claimOpen Source Hardware documentation should include a list of required tools and associated settings for both the software used for development and the machine tools used for replication.

claimAcademic researchers often publish Open Source Hardware (OSH) at the demonstrator stage by publishing peer-reviewed articles and archiving a version of the hardware to generate a Digital Object Identifier (DOI).

accountThe Turing Way chapter on Open Source Hardware was created by reusing documents from the Open Hardware Academy, Open Hardware Makers, and the UKRN primer on open science hardware.

claimProject creators may apply different licenses to different parts of an Open Source Hardware project.

claimUsing Open Source Hardware (OSH) allows researchers to acquire new skills and gain a better understanding of how specific tools capture data on phenomena or events.

claimOpen Source Hardware projects should provide assembly instructions, such as annotated photographs, videos, or annotated 3D renderings from multiple viewpoints, to help others make and modify the hardware design.

claimDeveloping Open Source Hardware (OSH) can require significant time and specific technical knowledge, and purchasing industrial hardware with professional client support may be more cost-effective for organizations lacking in-house technical support.

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSH) projects involving large files require the use of platforms and workflows specifically designed to support large file management.

claimOpen Source Hardware projects should share all code or firmware required to operate the hardware, document the build process, include links to dependencies, and provide an overview of the software's state (e.g., stable, beta, or experimental).

claimA demonstrator in Open Source Hardware (OSH) is a design that solves a specific need but is not yet complete or ready for replication, often because parts are not well-documented or require manual adjustments.

claimManufacturing instructions for Open Source Hardware projects should document the process for creating parts, especially if those parts are available from only a limited number of small or medium businesses.

procedureOpen source hardware documentation should provide information on where or how the hardware can be repaired, and instructions on how to dispose of or recycle the hardware if it is beyond repair.

claimResearchers and engineers who develop Open Source Hardware (OSH) increase the visibility of their work to a wider audience and enhance opportunities for networking and impact, particularly in community-based projects.

claimThe term 'hardware' in the context of Open Source Hardware refers to any physical, tangible object, including machines, electronic devices, biomaterials, and textiles, rather than being limited to electronics.

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSH) offers the advantage of simplicity because it typically has a lower price tag than conventional equipment, allowing users to obtain it while bypassing the bureaucracy of contracting vendors.

claimThe creation of replication tutorials, workshops, seminars, or training materials is important for the adoption of open source hardware designs, particularly for Do-It-Yourself environments or teaching opportunities.

claimThe primary goal of Open Source Hardware (OSH) is to share project documentation to enable others to reuse, build upon, improve, and derive new works from the original project.

claimDesign files for Open Source Hardware projects should include parts metadata, such as the manufacturing process, materials, dimensions, mass, and units, and ideally be created using free and open source software applications.

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSH) provides advantages in research by offering flexibility and speed, allowing users to customize and combine designs to test new research questions without depending on vendor timelines and bureaucracy.

procedureOpen source hardware documentation should include instructions for operation and maintenance, such as how to calibrate and test the hardware, and indicate necessary maintenance to ensure functionality.

claimThe UNESCO Open Science Recommendation, published in 2021, became the first policy document to include Open Source Hardware as a component of open science, considering it a pillar of scientific knowledge.

claimAn Open Source Hardware project should include a context description that reflects project maturity, complexity, author intentions, technical specifications, standards compliance (such as the DIN-SPEC standard), and estimates for budget and build time.

referenceTechnical documents for Open Source Hardware may include technical drawings, electronic schematics, computer-aided design (CAD) files, assembly instructions, and the firmware or software code required to run the hardware.

claimAdding an open license is a crucial step for making Open Source Hardware (OSHW) open, as it legally permits others to use, copy, distribute, or modify the project.

procedureOpen Source Hardware projects should share both raw and derived source files to enable modification, such as providing both modifiable 3D object files and print-ready files like .stl.

Exploring Open-Source Software Ecosystems for Hardware ... link.springer.com Springer May 1, 2024 37 facts

claimThe Open Source Hardware (OSH) movement was inspired by the Free/Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS) movement, which is generally traced back to the Free Software Foundation (FSF), the GNU Operating System, MINIX, and the Linux kernel.

referenceM. Moritz et al. conducted a case study on the economic value of open source hardware, specifically focusing on an open source magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, published in the Journal of Open Hardware in 2019.

referenceThe CERN Open Hardware License (OHL) (Ayass & Serrano, 2012) and the OSH DIN SPEC 3105-1 (Bonvoisin et al., 2020) stipulate that Open Source Hardware designs must grant users the fundamental rights to use, modify, share, and distribute hardware designs, including the distribution of physical artifacts for economic gain.

claimPolicy makers are encouraged to fund the Open Source Hardware (OSH) movement because OSH adds economic value and aligns with objectives related to climate, self-sufficiency, and the circular economy.

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSH) designers are encouraged to support Free/Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS) ecosystems by actively using the tools and providing feedback to developers to address current shortcomings in hardware-related FLOSS tools.

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSH) is defined by the Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) and DIN SPEC 3105-1 as physical artifacts whose designs are available publicly so that anyone can use, study, modify, replicate, and sell or distribute such hardware.

referenceLi and Seering (2019) analyzed value creation and capture mechanisms in open source hardware companies to determine if open source hardware possesses a sustainable business model.

referenceBonvoisin, Molloy, Häuer, and Wenzel (2020) examined the standardization of practices within the open source hardware community in the Journal of Open Hardware.

referenceThe European Commission published a 2021 report titled 'The impact of open source software and hardware on technological independence, competitiveness and innovation in the EU economy,' which analyzes the influence of open source paradigms on the European Union economy.

claimThe CERN Open Hardware License (OHL) allows Open Source Hardware (OSH) to contain proprietary hardware as separate modules, provided that the open parts of the hardware remain available for study, reuse, modification, and distribution.

referenceOpen-source hardware machine tools, such as 3D printers and laser cutters, rely on libre software to generate GCode commands from files like Standard Tessellation Language (STL) for 3D printing (Prusa, 2023) or Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) for laser cutting and engraving (Oster et al., 2011).

claimOpen-Source Hardware is inspired by Free/Libre and Open-Source Software and is gaining traction within the Maker movement.

claimThe Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) maintains an official definition of open source hardware.

claimMany Open-Source Hardware projects continue to rely on proprietary tools, which results in hardware designers being locked into closed platforms.

claimThe Open Source Hardware (OSH) community, software developers, researchers, and policy makers are encouraged to support the creation of a more harmonious ecosystem of libre software for Open Source Hardware to reduce fragmentation in user experiences and workflows.

referenceDIN SPEC 3105-1:2020-07 establishes requirements for technical documentation in open source hardware, published by the Deutsches Institut für Normung e. V. (DIN) in 2020.

claimThe Open Source Hardware (OSH) movement emphasizes physical design transparency, which may support the mitigation of hard-to-find software-exploitable hardware bugs, according to Dessouky et al. (2019).

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSH) has enabled hackerspaces, makerspaces, and other hardware enthusiast communities to tinker with hardware and popularize do-it-yourself (DIY) designs in various communication channels.

referenceKiCAD is an electronic design automation (EDA) tool that interacts with FreeCAD for the integration and development of Open Source Hardware (OSH) artifacts, facilitating the design of electrical schematics, the routing of printed circuit boards (PCBs), and the creation of Gerber files.

perspectiveOpen-Source Hardware could potentially contribute to a more sustainable society by enabling collaborative circular designs and reducing waste through longevity-oriented support for hardware.

claimThe Open Source Hardware (OSH) community should prioritize spreading awareness of the available ecosystem of libre software to ensure the longevity of projects created in open formats.

claimThe manufacturing of Open Source Hardware (OSH) involves identifying workflows to produce machines such as machine tools (e.g., Vise, Lathe) or digital fabrication machines (e.g., laser cutter, CNC mill, 3D printer), which supports concepts like distributed manufacturing in open production plans.

referenceBonvoisin, Mies, Boujut, and Stark (2017) explored the definition of 'source' in the context of open source hardware in the Journal of Open Hardware.

referenceDIN SPEC 3105-1 requires that open-source hardware files be provided in their original editable file format and in an export format processable by software generally accessible to recipients, as cited by Arndt et al. (2020).

claimThe Open-Source Hardware movement is gaining momentum through initiatives such as the CERN Open Hardware Initiative and Open Science Hardware communities.

referenceJ. C. Mariscal-Melgar et al. proposed a high-level node-based concept for open source hardware production in their 2022 paper titled 'Distributed manufacturing: A high-level node-based concept for open source hardware production'.

referenceCadena, Vera, and Moreira (2018) developed a low-cost Lagrangian drifter utilizing an open-source hardware and software platform, presented at the 4th International Conference on Control, Automation and Robotics.

referenceBoujut et al. (2019) investigated participation in design activities within open source hardware communities in the Proceedings of the Design Society.

referenceSeveral software tools provide complementary functionality to KiCAD: FlatCAM is used for PCB milling, LTspice and GNUCap are used for simulation, OpenRoad is used for layout implementation, and FreeCAD is used for integrating PCB physical representations into Open Source Hardware (OSH) designs.

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSH) guarantees the same rights of distribution as proprietary hardware and is suitable for distribution in the market for economic gain.

claimThe success of Arduino and RepRap 3D printers demonstrates that Open Source Hardware can be financially viable in highly competitive markets.

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSH) projects range in complexity from simple items like a bracket to complex systems like an open hardware architecture.

claimMany Open-Source Hardware projects utilize libre software tools for development.

formulaThe workflow (Wi) for Open Source Hardware (OSH) development is defined as the combination of different software ecosystems (E1…En) required for a hardware development cycle.

claimOpen-Source Hardware and software ecosystems enable collaborative development and manufacturing of physical artifacts.

claimOpen Source Hardware projects offer low barriers to entry, high customer loyalty (Li & Seering, 2019), high product differentiation (Hannig & Teich, 2021), and resilience against supply chain disruptions (Oberloier et al., 2022).

claimThe openness of Open-Source Hardware often focuses on the availability of the source files rather than the tools used to develop the hardware.

Open Source Hardware - Devopedia devopedia.org Devopedia Jun 3, 2019 25 facts

referenceElliot Williams authored the article 'Can Open-source Hardware Be Like Open-source Software?' published on Hackaday on February 27, 2018.

claimIn the spirit of open source, users of open source hardware should be able to study the design, modify it for specific needs, distribute it, and have the freedom to make and sell hardware based on the design.

claimCrowdfunding enabled creators of Open Source Hardware to secure upfront funding from potential users without relying on traditional investment routes or financial institutions.

claim3D printing contributed to the wider adoption of Open Source Hardware in the early 2010s by reducing prototyping and production costs and enabling faster design iterations.

referenceThe Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) maintains a set of frequently asked questions regarding open-source hardware.

claimThe advantages of open source hardware include benefiting from community support, contributions, and the establishment of an ecosystem around the product.

claimAs Moore's Law reached its limits, the need for application-specific silicon drove interest in Open Source Hardware, as open designs can help keep production costs down.

claimOpen Source Hardware is not a standard, and there is no single organization leading the movement, although the Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) aims to serve as the hub for the movement.

referenceJohn Hawley authored the article '8 ways to get started with open source hardware' published on Opensource on May 8, 2017.

claimOpen Source Hardware is defined by the sharing of design files, which may include architecture and design drawings, schematics, PCB layouts, bills of materials, HDL code, and production or assembly instructions.

referenceThe Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) provides an official logo for open source hardware.

accountBefore specific Open Source Hardware (OSHW) licenses were defined, people used Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) licenses for CAD drawings or firmware.

claimAdopting Open Source Hardware (OSHW) licensing does not prevent a creator from selling products commercially and being successful.

accountThe historical roots of Open Source Hardware include the ham radio community's practice of sharing knowledge and the 1970s practice of shipping computers as kits with included schematics, which fostered a culture of tinkering, experimenting, and collaborating.

claimOpen source hardware design documentation should include both original proprietary files and intermediate files in open formats.

claimAny license that prevents commercial use is incompatible with the definition of Open Source Hardware (OSHW).

claimThe Open Source Hardware Definition serves as the foundational document for defining licenses for Open Source Hardware.

accountThe maker movement, which began in the mid-2000s, supported the growth of Open Source Hardware by establishing magazines, platforms, and exhibitions, and by providing access to tools through maker labs, which democratized production.

claimOpen source hardware designs are likely to be more robust than proprietary designs because they enable faster prototyping and are continuously improved by multiple contributors.

claimOpen Source Hardware encompasses a broad range of fields beyond electronics and mechanical designs, including fashion, furniture, musical instruments, farm machinery, and bio-engineering.

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSHW) must be completely open without restrictions to be classified as such.

referenceLynnette Reese authored the article 'The Future of Open Source Hardware' published by Mouser in 2019.

claimThe definition of open source hardware can be expanded to include design file formats and access to tools or software required to manipulate those files.

claimBusiness models for open source hardware include charging for products made from open designs, providing technical support, maintenance, upgrades, training, and creating innovative services or online marketplaces around the designs.

claimThe CHIPS Alliance project is an initiative focused on advancing open source hardware.

Open-source hardware - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia smoothieware.github.io Smoothieware Apr 15, 2016 22 facts

claimPhonebloks is an example of open-source hardware.

claimOpen-source hardware is sometimes referred to as FOSH (free and open-source hardware) because it applies concepts from the free and open-source software (FOSS) movement to physical components.

claimThe sharing of logic designs using hardware description language (HDL) code is a form of open-source hardware enabled by reconfigurable programmable logic devices.

claimThe Open Source Hardware Central Bank is an initiative developed to provide sustainable community funding mechanisms for open-source hardware projects.

claimThere is significant evidence that sharing open-source hardware designs can drive a high return on investment for investors.

claimThe phrase 'free as in speech, not as in beer', formally known as 'Gratis versus Libre', distinguishes between the concept of zero cost and the freedom to use and modify information in the context of open-source hardware development.

quoteJavier Serrano, an engineer at CERN’s Beams Department and founder of the Open Hardware Repository, stated: “By sharing designs openly, CERN expects to improve the quality of designs through peer review and to guarantee their users – including commercial companies – the freedom to study, modify and manufacture them, leading to better hardware and less duplication of efforts”.

claimOpen-source hardware designs, including mechanical drawings, schematics, bills of material, PCB layout data, HDL source code, and integrated circuit layout data, are released under free/libre terms alongside the software that drives the hardware.

claimOpen-source hardware should encourage the creation and sale of hardware that respects users' freedom and privacy, and aims to ensure that users have control over their devices.

claimRichard Stallman, the founder of the Free Software movement, expressed skepticism in 1999 regarding the idea and relevance of what is now known as open-source hardware, which he referred to as 'Free hardware'.

perspectiveJoshua Pearce has argued that there is an ethical imperative for open-source hardware, particularly regarding open-source appropriate technology for sustainable development.

accountOpen-source hardware activity experienced a resurgence in the mid-2000s due to the emergence of projects and companies such as OpenCores, RepRap (3D printing), Arduino, Adafruit, and SparkFun.

claimIn 2012, Openhardware.org recommended the TAPR Open Hardware License, the Creative Commons BY-SA 3.0 license, and the GPL 3.0 license for open-source hardware projects.

claimOpen-source hardware typically means that information about the hardware is easily discerned so that others can manufacture it, which links the concept to the maker movement.

claimElectronics are one of the most popular types of open-source hardware.

claimOpen-source hardware (also known as OSH or OSHW) consists of physical artifacts of technology that are designed and offered by the open-design movement.

perspectiveRichard Stallman prefers and suggests the term 'free hardware design' over 'open source hardware', consistent with his earlier rejection of the term 'open source software'.

claimThe CERN Open Source Hardware License, while initially drafted to address CERN-specific concerns such as tracing the impact of the organization’s research, can be used by anyone developing open source hardware in its current form.

accountBruce Perens abandoned the Open Source Hardware (OSHW) Definition and the concerted efforts of those involved with it following the 2011 Open Hardware Summit and debates regarding licenses and the definition of open source hardware.

claimSome open-source hardware projects use existing free and open-source software licenses rather than creating new ones, though these software licenses may not align well with patent law.

claimIn a 2015 Wired article, Richard Stallman adapted his viewpoint on open-source hardware, acknowledging its importance while maintaining that there is no ethical parallel between free software and free hardware.

claimSharing open-source hardware designs allows the original creator to gain feedback and potential design improvements from the FOSH community.

Open-source hardware - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org Wikipedia 17 facts

referenceJérémy Bonvoisin, Robert Mies, and Jean-François Boujut published 'Seven observations and research questions about Open Design and Open Source Hardware' in the journal Design Science in 2021.

claimA major difference between developing open-source software and open-source hardware is that hardware results in tangible outputs that require financial investment to prototype and manufacture.

claimLicenses that prevent commercial use are not considered compatible with open-source hardware definitions.

claimVendors of chips and electronic components contribute to open-source hardware production by sponsoring contests that require participants and winners to share their designs.

claimWhile open-source hardware may reduce pressure on natural resources and local populations, it still relies on energy- and material-intensive infrastructures, such as the Internet.

claimOpen-source hardware initiatives may leverage cultural differences, environmental conditions, and local needs or resources while embracing hyper-connectivity to foster sustainability and collaboration.

claimIn both open-source hardware and software, products can be developed either by a closed team in a private setting or by a community in a public environment, with the former being more frequent.

claimResearchers have questioned whether open design and open-source hardware design processes require new design practices or tools, and whether openness is the key factor in open-source hardware.

claimOpen-source hardware includes both instructions on how to replicate the hardware and information on communication protocols (register documentation) required for software to communicate with the hardware, whereas open-source-friendly proprietary hardware only includes the latter.

claimOpen-source hardware consists of physical artifacts of technology designed and offered by the open-design movement.

claimJoshua Pearce and Elsevier introduced the scientific journal 'HardwareX', which features applications of open-source hardware for scientific purposes.

claimOpen-source hardware design information is typically made easily discernible so that others can replicate the hardware, which couples the concept closely to the maker movement.

claimOpen-source hardware faces challenges and contradictions as it must navigate tensions between inclusiveness, standardization, and functionality.

claimFree and open-source software (FOSS) and open-source hardware are both created by the open-source culture movement and apply similar concepts to a variety of components.

claimSharing open-source hardware designs can drive a high return on investment for the scientific community.

perspectiveVasilis Kostakis et al. argue that open-source hardware may promote values of equity, diversity, and sustainability, transcending traditional dichotomies of global-local, urban-rural, and developed-developing contexts.

claimTraditional firms can implement various business models for open-source hardware.

Brief History of Open Source Hardware Organizations and ... oshwa.org Open Source Hardware Association 15 facts

claimBetween 1998 and 1999, Graham Seaman made several attempts to define open source hardware.

perspectiveBruce Perens justified his withdrawal from the Open Source Hardware (OSHW) Definition efforts by citing concerns that the selected logo could not be trademarked and that the new licenses could not be legally enforced.

accountIn December 2010, Nathan Seidle proposed the adoption of an open source hardware logo created by a SparkFun designer to indicate that SparkFun products were open source.

perspectiveThinh Nguyen, legal counsel at Creative Commons, and Wiibanks advised attendees at the March 2010 Opening Hardware workshop to determine community norms for open source hardware rather than pursuing legal recourse.

claimOpen source hardware became known as a distinct field in the last decade due to the rise of the internet enabling design sharing, the commercial success of open source software, and the decrease in the cost of production tools.

accountThe open source hardware community split into two parallel efforts: one operating under the 'open hardware' banner led by Bruce Perens, and another operating under the 'open source hardware' (OSHW) banner.

claimOpen source hardware was preceded, influenced, and shaped by the open source and free software movements, the Homebrew Computer Club, hacking traditions, and the ham radio community.

claimThe Open Source Hardware (OSHW) logo was based on the logo adopted by the Open Source Initiative.

claimThe Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) purposes include organizing conferences and events, educating the public about open source hardware and its socially beneficial issues, organizing the movement around shared values and principles, facilitating STEM education through open source hardware, and collecting and publishing data about the movement.

referenceThe OSHWA resource list includes articles by Phil Torrone on Open Source Hardware published in Make magazine between 2007 and 2011, as well as organizational information from TAPR.

claimAyah Bdeir announced the selection of the Open Source Hardware (OSHW) logo at the Open Hardware Summit in 2011.

accountIn early 2010, Ayah Bdeir, a Creative Commons fellow and creator of the open source hardware module system littleBits, consulted with Creative Commons advisor John Wiibanks regarding the launch, operation, and protection of open source hardware enterprises.

perspectivePhillip Torrone argued against abandoning the Open Source Hardware (OSHW) logo, noting it was selected by public vote, and contended that most open source hardware developers could not afford the litigation costs associated with enforcing legal licenses.

claimMost open source hardware initiatives launched in the late 1990s faded within a year or two, with activity not returning as a hub until the mid-2000s.

claimAn unnamed company unsuccessfully attempted to trademark the label 'Open Source Hardware'.

Open Source Hardware Definition | OSHWA oshwa.org OSHWA 14 facts

claimThe Open Source Hardware (OSHW) statement of principles and definition were originally edited on the wiki at freedomdefined.org.

claimThe documentation for Open Source Hardware must clearly specify which portion of the design is being released under the license.

claimOpen Source Hardware licenses must not discriminate against any person or group of persons.

claimOpen source hardware provides individuals the freedom to control their technology, share knowledge, and encourage commerce through the open exchange of designs.

claimOpen Source Hardware licenses may require attribution to the licensors for derived documents and copyright notices on devices, and may require that this information be accessible to the end-user, though the license cannot specify a specific format for this display.

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSHW) requires that the design source be available in the preferred format for making modifications to it.

perspectiveThe signatories of the Open Source Hardware definition recognize that the open source movement is only one method of sharing information and they encourage all forms of openness and collaboration, regardless of whether those forms fit the specific Open Source Hardware definition.

claimOpen Source Hardware licenses must allow for modifications and derived works, and must allow those derivatives to be distributed under the same terms as the original work.

claimThe Open Source Hardware (OSHW) statement of principles and definition were developed by members of the Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) board and working group, along with other contributors.

claimOpen Source Hardware licenses must not restrict any party from selling or giving away project documentation, and cannot require royalties or fees for the sale of the documentation or derived works.

procedureThe distribution terms of Open Source Hardware must comply with the following criteria: The hardware must be released with documentation including design files, and must allow modification and distribution of the design files. Where documentation is not furnished with the physical product, there must be a well-publicized means of obtaining this documentation for no more than a reasonable reproduction cost, preferably downloading via the Internet without charge. The documentation must include design files in the preferred format for making changes, for example the native file format of a CAD program. Deliberately obfuscated design files are not allowed. Intermediate forms analogous to compiled computer code—such as printer-ready copper artwork from a CAD program—are not allowed as substitutes.

claimIdeally, open source hardware uses readily-available components and materials, standard processes, open infrastructure, unrestricted content, and open-source design tools to maximize the ability of individuals to make and use hardware.

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSHW) is defined as a physical object, such as a machine or device, whose design has been released to the public in such a way that anyone can make, modify, distribute, and use those things.

claimIf Open Source Hardware requires software to operate, the license may require that interfaces are documented well enough to allow for the creation of open source software, or that the necessary software itself is released under an OSI-approved open source license.

Definition | OSHWA oshwa.org Open Source Hardware Association 9 facts

referenceOpen Source Hardware (OSHW) design files must be provided in the preferred format for making changes, such as the native file format of a CAD program, and cannot be deliberately obfuscated. Intermediate forms, such as printer-ready copper artwork, are not acceptable substitutes for the original design files.

claimThe Open Source Hardware (OSHW) definition mandates that rights granted by a license must apply to all parties to whom the work is redistributed, without requiring the execution of an additional license by those parties.

claimThe Open Source Hardware (OSHW) Definition 1.0 is intended to help provide guidelines for the development and evaluation of licenses for Open Source Hardware.

claimThe source of Open Source Hardware, defined as the design from which the hardware is made, must be available in the preferred format for making modifications to it.

claimThe Open Source Hardware (OSHW) definition prohibits licenses from placing restrictions on other items that are aggregated with the licensed work but are not derivative of it, such as requiring other hardware sold with the item to be open source or mandating the use of only open source software external to the device.

claimThe Open Source Hardware (OSHW) definition requires that licenses be technology-neutral, meaning no provision can be predicated on any individual technology, specific part, component, material, or style of interface.

claimThe Open Source Hardware (OSHW) definition requires that licenses must not restrict the use of the work in any specific field of endeavor, such as business or nuclear research.

referenceThe Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) defines the documentation requirements for Open Source Hardware (OSHW) as requiring the release of design files that allow for modification and distribution. If documentation is not provided with the physical product, it must be available via a well-publicized method for no more than a reasonable reproduction cost, preferably as a free internet download.

claimThe Open Source Hardware (OSHW) definition states that license rights must not depend on the licensed work being part of a particular product, and if a portion of a work is extracted and redistributed, the recipients must retain the same rights as those granted for the original work.

Open Source Impact Study - OpenForum Europe openforumeurope.org OpenForum Europe 9 facts

claimThe European Commission published the study on the impact of open source software and open source hardware on the European economy, conducted by Fraunhofer ISI and OpenForum Europe, on 6 September 2021.

claimThe Open Source Impact Study recommends supporting the development and maintenance of open source software and hardware platforms and repositories, and providing incentives for uploading code generated in publicly funded R&D projects.

claimThe Open Source Impact Study recommends increasing R&D funding for open source software and open source hardware projects through programs like Horizon Europe and new initiatives targeting SMEs, startups, and individual developers.

claimOpenForum Europe and Fraunhofer ISI conducted a study on the impact of Open Source Software and Hardware on technological independence, competitiveness, and innovation in Europe for the European Commission.

claimThe Open Source Impact Study suggests offering research awards and prizes to open source software and hardware communities, students, and professors.

claimThe Open Source Impact Study recommends launching financial instruments, such as focused venture capital funds, to help open source software and hardware startups partner with established companies.

claimThe Open Source Impact Study recommends offering certification licenses to individuals with open source software and hardware skills and supporting research projects to increase contributor diversity.

claimThe Open Source Impact Study recommends treating open source software and hardware contributions from individuals and corporations as charitable donations for tax purposes.

claimThe Open Source Impact Study recommends providing entrepreneurial skills training for open source software and hardware startups, supported by financial backing from open source software and hardware foundations.

Unknown source 8 facts

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSHW) has the potential to radically alter global supply chains.

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSHW) remains dependent on supply chain logistics.

claimOpen source hardware is defined by the practice of sharing hardware design files.

claimThe Open Source Hardware definition and statement principles define the essence of open-source hardware (OSHW) as the sharing of design files for a piece of hardware.

claimA multi-case analysis on different Open Source Hardware (OSH) ecosystems would serve to determine if existing findings regarding how to leverage an OSH ecosystem for growth are useful.

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSH), also referred to as Open Hardware, is an emergent phenomenon that applies to physical products.

claimLicensing in open source hardware is difficult.

claimIn the YouTube video titled 'Open Source Hardware Basics', Alicia Seidle-Gibb discusses the fundamental concepts of open source hardware.

Open Source Hardware Definition - P2P Foundation Wiki wiki.p2pfoundation.net P2P Foundation Feb 9, 2019 8 facts

claimManufacturers of a derivative device based on open-source hardware must not imply that the device is manufactured, tested, warrantied, guaranteed, or sanctioned by the original designer, and must not use the original designer's trademarks without explicit permission.

claimSome large consumer electronics companies use proprietary, non-interoperable schematic capture and board layout programs, allowing them to release files in a "preferred form" that technically meets OSHW compliance but is useless to the community because the necessary tools are unavailable.

perspectiveBunnie Huang prefers PDF files over Eagle files for open source hardware documentation because he does not use or have the Eagle software installed, despite Eagle being a popular interchange format in the Arduino community.

claimUnder the draft definition of open-source hardware, a designer may require others to provide attribution when distributing design files or manufacturing devices based on the original design or its derivatives, and may require that derivative devices be released as open-source hardware.

perspectiveThe author advocates for requiring a human-readable schematic in a common format (such as PDF or PNG) as the primary form for interchange in all OSHW cases, with machine-readable formats remaining optional at the designer's discretion.

claimBryan Bishop stated that the draft definition of open source hardware is not a license or a legal mechanism, but rather a definition used to determine if a license qualifies as an open source hardware license.

claimThe OSHW definition clause requiring documentation to be released "in the preferred form for which a hardware developer would modify the design" was borrowed directly from the General Public License (GPL).

accountIn early 2010, Peter Semmelhack of Bug Labs proposed a meeting to discuss the issues and complications of manufacturing and doing business as an open source hardware company, which eventually evolved into a larger summit after he collaborated with Alicia Gibb and Ayah Bdeir.

A Quick and Dirty Guide to Open Source Hardware Licensing michaelweinberg.org Michael Weinberg Oct 6, 2017 6 facts

claimThe Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) is developing a tool to assist with the process of determining appropriate licenses for open source hardware.

procedureWhen posting licensing and documentation for open source hardware, it is advisable to separate licenses for different components, such as using Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 for documentation and the MIT license for software.

claimOpen source hardware licensing is complex because hardware is composed of multiple elements covered by different types of intellectual property, unlike open source software which is typically covered by a single copyright.

claimThe Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) is working to develop a more comprehensive guide on open source hardware licensing.

claimHardware branding is protected by trademark, and the open source hardware definition allows creators to choose not to license their trademarks to ensure the brand remains associated with the original creator.

claimWithholding blanket licenses on a trademark is a component of open source hardware practices because it allows others to build upon the hardware without implying that the original creator is responsible for the derivative works.

Open Source Hardware Basics - OSHWA Certification certification.oshwa.org Open Source Hardware Association 6 facts

procedureTo be considered open source under the community definition, a project creator must make information about the project publicly available and certify that they have chosen an appropriate open source license for the hardware, software (if applicable), and documentation.

claimOSHWA certification provides users with confidence that a specific project's definition of "open source hardware" aligns with the community definition.

procedureTo make hardware open source, a creator must follow two steps: 1) make source files, bills of material, and other information about the hardware available to the public so that users understand how the hardware works, and 2) license the hardware in a way that allows others to make use of and build upon this information.

claimThe OSHWA certification logo is used to identify projects that comply with the community definition of open source hardware.

procedureHardware developers who meet the requirements for making their projects open source are permitted to self-certify their projects as OSHWA-compliant open source hardware.

claimOpen source hardware is defined as hardware whose design is made publicly available so that anyone can study, modify, distribute, make, and sell the design or the hardware itself.

Defining open hardware - LWN.net lwn.net LWN.net Oct 18, 2023 6 facts

quoteArduino's introduction page previously stated: "All Arduino boards are completely open-source, empowering users to build them independently and eventually adapt them to their particular needs."

claimOpen-source hardware (or open hardware) refers to hardware that is developed in a manner similar to open-source software.

claimThe Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) definition of open-source hardware is made explicit in 12 criteria that are not unlike the ten criteria of the Open Source Definition.

claimRecent non-Pro Arduino boards, including the Arduino Nano ESP32 and the Arduino UNO R4 WiFi, do not mention "open" in their product pages or documentation.

claimArduino releases its "products for makers" as open-source hardware (though not OSHWA-certified), but releases its Pro line boards, such as the Portenta C33 and Portenta X8, without design files.

claimTo qualify as open-source hardware for printed-circuit boards (PCBs), creators must share mechanical drawings, electronic schematics, a bill of materials, and the design of the printed-circuit-board layout.

Open Source Hardware Association - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org Wikipedia 5 facts

accountThe Open Source Hardware Association announced its certification program for open-source hardware in 2016 at the Open Hardware Summit in Portland, Oregon.

claimThe Open Source Hardware Association acts as a hub for open-source hardware activity and cooperates with initiatives including the TAPR Open Hardware License, open-source development groups at CERN, and the Open Source Initiative (OSI).

referenceThe Open Source Hardware Association maintains a certification program for open source hardware, which includes specific requirements for certification.

perspectiveThe Open Source Hardware Association has actively promoted diversity and inclusive terminology within the open-source hardware movement.

claimThe Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) is a non-profit organization founded in 2012 that advocates for open-source hardware.

https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_... scholar.google.com Jérémy Bonvoisin, Jenny Molloy, Martin Häuer, Tobias Wenzel · arXiv 4 facts

claimThe DIN SPEC 3105 and the Open Know How Manifest Specification are two standards for Open Source Hardware currently being released that are seeking early users and contributors.

referenceThe article 'Standardisation in the field of Open Source Hardware' reviews past and current standardization initiatives in the field of Open Source Hardware.

claimEarly Open Source Hardware standardization initiatives focused on licensing, intellectual property, and documentation formats, whereas recent efforts focus on enabling users to exercise rights under open licenses and keeping projects discoverable and accessible online.

perspectiveFuture development areas for Open Source Hardware standardization include the creation of an open tool chain, modularity, and hardware-specific interface standards.

Open Hardware Licenses - P2P Foundation Wiki wiki.p2pfoundation.net P2P Foundation Jun 17, 2015 3 facts

perspectiveThe author of the Antipasto Hardware blog argues that current open source licenses are insufficient for open source hardware because most of them are merely repurposed open source software licenses that fail to meet a sufficient quality standard for widespread use.

perspectiveThe author of the Open Manufacturing list post argues that the Open Source Hardware (OSHW) community made a mistake by initially releasing their logo under a Creative Commons license, as this action denies the community a potential legal lever for control.

perspectiveLimor Fried (Ladyada) argues that non-commercial licenses for open source hardware projects restrict adoption and evolution by preventing companies from using, contributing to, or improving the designs.

Lesson 3: licenses and open science hardware ucla-imls-open-sci.info UCLA Library Jun 13, 2025 3 facts

claimMany Open Source Hardware (OSH) projects use software licenses like GPL or MIT, or Creative Commons licenses, without fully understanding their implications, which can lead to confusion or legal uncertainty.

claimCreative Commons licenses containing Non-Commercial (NC) or No Derivatives (ND) clauses are not considered truly open source because they restrict reuse and are therefore not suitable for Open Source Hardware (OSH).

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSH) projects often involve multiple license layers to cover different components, including hardware designs, documentation, software, and firmware.

Open Hardware Licenses - The Turing Way book.the-turing-way.org The Turing Way 3 facts

claimThe GNU General Public License (GPL), developed by Richard Stallman, is a popular copyleft license used for software within open source hardware projects.

claimThe MIT license and the FreeBSD license are permissive licenses used for software in open source hardware projects.

claimThe Creative Commons (CC) licenses, specifically CC0 and CC-BY, are permissive open source licenses used for documentation and data in open source hardware projects.

Open Source Hardware, How Open Do You Want It To Be? | Hackaday hackaday.com Jenny List · Hackaday Mar 7, 2025 3 facts

perspectiveThe author argues that a complex open-source hardware project should include all necessary files, such as the Bill of Materials and KiCAD files, rather than just providing limited resources like Gerbers and PNG schematics, to be considered properly presented.

claimA project can technically be classified as open-source hardware if it provides enough resources to manufacture the device and is released under an appropriate open-source license, even if it lacks comprehensive design files like the Bill of Materials or KiCAD source files.

claimThe author argues that releasing only minimal project files, such as Gerber files, is insufficient for a project to be considered truly open-source hardware, as it is equivalent to releasing a compiled binary in software.

Study about the impact of open source software and hardware on ... opensourcelab.stanford.edu Stanford Open Source Lab 3 facts

claimIf Open Source Hardware (OSH) follows the same development trajectory as Open Source Software (OSS), it could become a cornerstone of the future Internet of Things (IoT), the future of computing, and the digital transformation of the European industry by the end of the digital decade, according to a report published on 06 September 2021.

claimThe business ecosystem for Open Source Hardware (OSH) is developing fast, according to a report published on 06 September 2021.

claimThe level of maturity of Open Source Hardware (OSH) currently appears far lower than that of Open Source Software, according to a report published on 06 September 2021.

What's the definition of "Open Source Hardware?" - WIRED wired.com Wired Jul 16, 2010 3 facts

claimIf Open Source Hardware (OSHW) documentation is created using a proprietary CAD program, an open document format (such as PDF, IGES, or STEP) must be provided.

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSHW) documentation must include design files in the preferred form that a hardware developer would use to modify the design, and deliberately obfuscated design files are not allowed.

claimOpen Source Hardware (OSHW) documentation must be released with the hardware, or if not furnished with the physical product, there must be a well-publicized means of obtaining the documentation for no more than a reasonable reproduction cost, preferably via free Internet download.

Open Source Boosts Innovation in Software, Hardware and Beyond rdworldonline.com R&D World Mar 2, 2017 2 facts

claimThe mass usage of open-source hardware platforms like Arduino and Raspberry Pi has resulted in lower prices for these devices.

claimSchools, universities, and research laboratories widely utilize open-source hardware boards because they facilitate a 'learning-by-doing' teaching paradigm.

Open Source Hardware - JHU OSPO - Johns Hopkins University ospo.library.jhu.edu Johns Hopkins University 2 facts

referenceSoftware related to open source hardware projects can be licensed under any Open Source Initiative (OSI)-approved license, while project documentation can be shared under Creative Commons licenses.

claimThe current best practice for Open Source Hardware (OSHW) projects is to use separate licenses for hardware, software, and project documentation.

Study about the impact of open source software and hardware ... digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu European Commission Sep 2, 2021 2 facts

claimThe maturity level of Open Source Hardware currently appears significantly lower than that of Open Source Software, though the business ecosystem for Open Source Hardware is developing rapidly.

claimOpen Source Hardware could become a cornerstone of the future Internet of Things, the future of computing, and the digital transformation of the European industry if it follows the development trajectory of Open Source Software.

How open-source is shaping the future of innovation devopsonline.co.uk DevOps Online 2 facts

claimOpen-source hardware enables early-stage companies to provide sophisticated solutions in sectors requiring high accuracy and reliability, such as environmental monitoring and medical technology.

claimThe combination of open-source hardware and artificial intelligence in medical technology has the potential to address staff shortages and resource constraints by automating diagnostic processes or supporting remote healthcare in underserved areas.

What is open hardware? | Opensource.com opensource.com Opensource.com 2 facts

claimOpen source hardware differs from open source software because open hardware projects involve physical materials and monetary investment for production or prototyping, whereas software can be distributed with lower overhead.

claimHardware designs and inventions are subject to copyright and patent law, which open source hardware projects use to make designs publicly accessible.

Intro to Open Source Hardware (OSHW) | PDF - Slideshare slideshare.net SlideShare 2 facts

claimThe document 'Intro to Open Source Hardware (OHSW)' discusses relevant licenses applicable to open source hardware.

claimThe document 'Intro to Open Source Hardware (OHSW)' discusses the principles and practices of open source hardware (OSHW).

[PDF] Open Hardware and Collaboration - CERN Document Server cds.cern.ch CERN 1 fact

referenceThe paper titled 'Open Hardware and Collaboration' from the CERN Document Server introduces the concept of Open Source Hardware (OSHW) and attempts to answer questions regarding the perceived benefits and issues of OSHW.

[PDF] The impact of Open Source Software and Hardware on ... - OSSBIG ossbig.at European Commission 1 fact

claimThe study titled 'Study about the impact of open source software and hardware on technological independence, competitiveness and innovation in the EU economy' aims to investigate the economic impact of Open Source Software and Hardware on the European Union economy.

[PDF] Open Hardware - ResearchGate researchgate.net ResearchGate Nov 4, 2022 1 fact

claimThe Open Source Hardware Definition and the associated Statement of Principles serve as the foundational documents for Open Source Hardware (OSHW).

Open Hardware licenses curriculum.openhardware.space Open Hardware Curriculum 1 fact

claimThe OSHWA repository lists projects that have been verified by OSHWA to conform with their definition of open source hardware.

Open hardware best practices guide - UNESCO unesco.org UNESCO 1 fact

claimThe 'Open hardware best practices guide' discusses methods to encourage the development of a community of users who utilize and improve open-source hardware projects.