Apache NuttX RTOS on Spresense

More than 30 students gathered in Engineering East, many with limited or no prior experience in embedded systems. Equipped with Spresense development boards, camera modules, and audio components, teams had a single day to develop and present functioning prototypes. And they delivered.

We're taking a closer look at some of the standout projects that emerged from the 24-hour challenge at The University of Manchester. Featuring Sign Language Interpreter and Project AURA.

At Hack-A-Bot 2025, students brought their ideas to life with Sony’s IMX500, creating tech like SpeakUp, a sign language to speech translator, and an autonomous lab assistant robot—innovations designed to make campus life more connected and safe.

From caffeine-fueled ideas to real-world impact- see how students at Hack-A-Bot 2025 used Sony’s IMX500 to create tech that makes campus life safer and smarter. Featuring the award-winning project, BagAlert.

Participants will use the Raspberry Pi AI Camera with Sony's IMX500 integrated sensor and/or Sony Spresense microcontroller board to tackle critical issues in agriculture, from climate adaptation to supply chain resilience. The final pitch session will take place on Sunday, May 4.

The team’s approach is a swarm of UAVs working together, using Spresense-enabled technology to detect and track smoke in real time. These UAVs are equipped with chemical sensors, air samplers, and RGB/thermal cameras, giving them the ability to spot early signs of fire where traditional methods might fall short.

SeizureGuard is set to integrate Sony’s Spresense microcontroller in its next phase. This integration will allow the app to generate synthetic EEG signals on Spresense, with tunable parameters including noise levels, the presence of artifacts, and more.

Around 70 students, working in teams of 3-4, will engage in labs that explore critical aspects of autonomous vehicle design, including motor control, track detection, and robust system integration.

This is your chance to transform your ideas into impactful solutions that address India's most pressing socio-economic challenges.

The project demonstrates the potential of Edge AI for wearables, drones, robotics, and surveillance, using the Sony IMX500 Intelligent Vision Sensor to enable real-time AI processing directly on the edge.

Three teams, supported by the Sensing Solution University Program, stood out for their innovative projects, earning top awards for making music more inclusive and accessible with the help of advanced tools like Sony’s Spresense AI board.

For EPFL and Sony, this partnership is about empowering students to get hands-on with technology that makes a difference. From health monitoring to gesture-based drone control, these projects offer the tools, mentorship, and platform for students to push their skills and explore the possibilities of IoT.