Zephyr Project's 2026 Vision: Networking, Efficiency, and Ecosystem Growth

Overview

The Zephyr Project’s latest podcast episode highlights key developments poised to impact embedded systems in 2026 and beyond. The discussion spans from efficient JavaScript runtimes and innovative networking solutions to new hardware support and ecosystem expansions. These advancements collectively offer embedded developers more tools and options for creating sophisticated, low-power, and connected devices.

The push for efficient resource utilization is evident in the exploration of MicroQuickJS and driver optimizations. Network innovations, particularly 10Base-T1S multi-drop Ethernet, present compelling alternatives to traditional communication buses. Furthermore, the addition of new boards and the growing Zephyr ecosystem underscore the project’s increasing relevance in the embedded world.

Technical Implications

For Hardware Developers

• 10Base-T1S Adoption: The emergence of 10Base-T1S multi-drop Ethernet presents a compelling alternative to CAN bus in industrial and automotive applications. Hardware developers should evaluate this technology for its potential to simplify network topologies and reduce cabling costs. Consider the physical layer requirements, EMC considerations, and the availability of compatible transceivers when designing with 10Base-T1S.
• New Board Support: The addition of boards like the Cytron Motion 2350 Pro and Adafruit Prop-Maker Feather expands the range of applications that can be readily prototyped and deployed using Zephyr. Hardware developers should leverage these boards to accelerate development cycles and explore new product categories, such as robotics and prop making. Thoroughly review the board schematics and datasheets to understand the available peripherals and their limitations.

For Firmware Engineers

• MicroQuickJS Integration: The availability of MicroQuickJS, a lightweight JavaScript runtime, opens doors for developing user interfaces and application logic directly on Zephyr-based devices. Firmware engineers can leverage their existing JavaScript skills to create dynamic and interactive embedded applications. Investigate the memory footprint and performance characteristics of MicroQuickJS to ensure it meets the requirements of the target platform.
• Driver Optimizations and DMA: The enhancements to LED drivers, including RMT support for ESP32 and DMA support for Raspberry Pi Pico PIO, offer significant performance improvements for controlling LED strips. Firmware engineers can now offload LED control tasks from the CPU, freeing up resources for other critical functions. Study the driver APIs and DMA configurations to optimize LED control performance and minimize CPU utilization.

Real-World Applications

1. Smart Factory Automation: The 10Base-T1S multi-drop Ethernet can be used to connect sensors, actuators, and controllers in a smart factory environment. This simplifies the network architecture, reduces cabling costs, and enables real-time data exchange for process monitoring and control. Zephyr’s real-time capabilities and support for industrial protocols make it a suitable platform for implementing such systems.
2. Robotics and Motor Control: The Cytron Motion 2350 Pro board, with its high-current motor drivers, is ideal for robotics applications. Zephyr can be used to implement motor control algorithms, sensor fusion, and communication protocols for robot coordination. The board’s robust power stage and Zephyr’s real-time capabilities enable precise and reliable robot control.
3. Interactive Art Installations: The Adafruit Prop-Maker Feather, with its servo interfaces and LED connectors, is well-suited for creating interactive art installations. Zephyr can be used to control servos, LEDs, and other peripherals based on user input or environmental conditions. The board’s compact size and Zephyr’s low-power capabilities make it easy to deploy these installations in various locations.

Key Takeaways

• Lesson 1: The Zephyr Project is committed to providing developers with the tools and resources they need to create innovative embedded systems. The project’s focus on efficiency, networking, and ecosystem growth is evident in the latest podcast episode.
• Lesson 2: Evaluate new technologies like 10Base-T1S and MicroQuickJS to determine their suitability for your specific application requirements. Experiment with new boards and driver optimizations to improve performance and reduce resource consumption.
• Lesson 3: Stay informed about the latest developments in the Zephyr ecosystem by subscribing to the podcast, joining the community, and attending events like FOSDEM and Embedded World. Active participation in the community will help you stay ahead of the curve and leverage the collective knowledge of other developers.

Conclusion

The Zephyr Project’s continued evolution promises to empower embedded developers with greater flexibility, efficiency, and connectivity. By embracing these advancements, developers can create innovative solutions for a wide range of applications, from industrial automation to consumer electronics. The key is to remain engaged with the Zephyr community, experiment with new technologies, and adapt to the changing landscape of the embedded world.