One and Only Solution for Remote Learning and Development in Embedded Industry

MikroElektronika (MIKROE), a pioneer in the embedded solutions industry, has introduced a ground-breaking innovation called Planet Debug, the industry’s first hardware-as-a-service platform. Designed to save time, reduce costs, and offer total design flexibility, Planet Debug allows developers, students, and institutions to remotely design, develop, and debug embedded systems.

One of the biggest pain points for embedded system designers is sourcing, waiting for, and assembling hardware components. With Planet Debug, this challenge is eliminated. Instead of purchasing costly hardware, designers can now reserve time on one of Planet Debug’s remote stations (Figure 1). These stations are equipped with over 130 development boards, including combinations of microcontroller (MCU) cards, peripheral boards, and display configurations.

Figure 1: Planet Debug’s remote stations with 130+ development boards, including MCU cards, peripherals, and displays — no need for costly hardware.

The process is simple: designers select the hardware configuration they need, and within a day, they can start developing their applications remotely via MIKROE’s NECTO Studio Integrated Development Environment (IDE). NECTO Studio allows developers to view real-time images of actual hardware running their code, ensuring they are working with the real thing, not simulations.

For many designers, this flexibility means they can experiment with multiple hardware configurations without committing to an expensive purchase. If they’re still exploring different approaches, Planet Debug allows them to try before buying, significantly lowering the barriers to entry for those new to embedded systems. 

The Benefits of Planet Debug for Education

The platform is especially valuable for students and universities, enabling remote learning and practical experience with embedded systems, without the need to own hardware. In many educational environments, resources are limited, and not every student can access expensive development kits. With Planet Debug, universities and students can share these remote resources, allowing for hands-on learning from anywhere in the world.

For example, a student in the USA can reserve time on a development board located in Mexico and remotely develop their project, viewing live results in real-time. The ability to access hardware remotely, test code, and debug systems from any location makes it a perfect fit for online courses, especially as remote learning has become the new norm. This flexibility also enhances international collaboration, with students and educators being able to work on joint projects without physical limitations.

Exploring Aquaculture from Mexico — Learning Beyond the Classroom

One of the standout features of Planet Debug is its global accessibility. Currently, setups are available in Europe, the USA (Minnesota), and Mexico, with plans to expand to other regions, including Asia. In particular, the Planet Debug station in Mexico offers something unique: a real-time view of fish swimming in the tank! Imagine being able to see the movement of marine life while working on your embedded system designs, as shown in Figure 2. This setup is perfect for marine biology studies, environmental monitoring, or simply adding an immersive experience to your learning or design process.

Through these innovative setups, students and designers can engage with real-world applications while developing their skills in embedded systems, making Planet Debug not just a tool for technical development but also for interactive, real-world learning.
 
Figure 2: Planet Debug’s Mexico station offers a unique feature: real-time fish tank monitoring alongside live programming.

Planet Debug: A Solution for Design Service Companies

Design service companies, particularly those involved in prototyping and product development, stand to gain significant advantages from Planet Debug. The ability to quickly configure and test various hardware combinations without purchasing multiple development kits is a game-changer for reducing overhead costs.

Time-to-market is crucial for companies, and Planet Debug helps speed up the development process by offering immediate access to hardware without the usual delays associated with shipping and setup. As product requirements change, engineers can quickly reconfigure their development environment remotely, responding to new specifications or market demands without needing to overhaul their setup. This flexibility is invaluable in an industry where agility is key to staying competitive.

Overcoming the Chip Shortage Challenge

The global semiconductor shortage has affected many industries, causing delays in production and development. However, Planet Debug offers a unique solution to this problem. Since developers are working with remote hardware, chip shortages do not impact their ability to continue developing and testing their applications. The platform ensures that hardware is always available, regardless of supply chain disruptions.

This advantage extends to educational institutions as well, where access to limited resources can delay students’ progress. With Planet Debug, universities and students are no longer constrained by hardware availability, ensuring that learning and innovation can continue uninterrupted.

Future Expansion and Global Accessibility

Currently, Planet Debug stations are available in several locations, including MIKROE’s headquarters, various Universities in Europe, and facilities in Minnesota, USA, and Mexico. Plans for expanding to Asia are in the works, further broadening the platform’s global reach. The service can be accessed by users from any part of the world, making it a truly global solution for embedded system design.

Nebojsa Matic, a MIKROE’s CEO, and founder of Planet Debug, sums it up perfectly: “Hardware-as-a-service is the future of design. It’s hard for people to grasp right now because there are so many pieces to the puzzle: the Click peripheral boards and SiBRAIN MCU cards based on standard sockets; the Fusion development boards, CODEGRIP and NECTO. But the logical end-game for us was always to combine them in the Planet Debug platform. It will revolutionize embedded design.”

A New Era for Embedded Design and Remote Learning

Planet Debug represents a significant shift in how embedded systems are designed, developed, and taught. Its unique hardware-as-a-service model offers unparalleled flexibility, cost savings, and accessibility for designers, students, and universities worldwide. By removing the need for costly hardware purchases and providing remote access to high-end development tools, MIKROE has created a platform that empowers users to focus on innovation and creativity, rather than logistics and hardware constraints.

For students and universities, it’s a perfect solution for remote learning and hands-on experience, ensuring that education keeps pace with technological advancements. For companies, it’s a cost-effective way to streamline the design process, reduce time-to-market, and stay competitive. And for marine biologists or any field requiring remote observation, Planet Debug opens new doors for exploration and discovery.

The future of embedded design is here, and it’s more accessible, flexible, and innovative than ever before.

Learn more at MIKROE.com