Edgeberry: Transforming Raspberry Pi to edge IoT

Recently there has been a buzz about EdgeBerry, an innovative, open-source platform created by Belgium-based maker Sanne Santens. Edgeberry simplifies the development and deployment of IoT devices, by blending hardware, software, and mechanical integration possibilities. It can assist in the transformation of a Raspberry Pi into powerful IoT edge solutions, making it an ideal tool for industrial and residential applications.

The Edgeberry Baseboard is the key to it all

At the heart of the Edgeberry ecosystem is the Base Board, a versatile carrier board that connects to a Raspberry Pi through its GPIO header. While it differs from the typical HAT format, it provides a range of key features to streamline the setup of IoT devices. These include a two-color LED, a buzzer for notifications, a 3A step-down converter, and a 12V power jack. The expansion slot for  Hardware Cartridges is one of the platform’s most exciting features, enabling the addition of modular components that expand the Pi’s functionality.

Note that the  Base Board is flexible for hardware expansion. The base board brings all unused GPIO pins to an expansion slot, allowing for the attachment of modular Hardware Cartridges. This modularity adds tailored functionality to fit various IoT applications. Two cartridges are available: the Console & CAN Cartridge, which adds CAN-bus connectivity and a USB console, and the Sense’n’Drive Cartridge, which offers six digital outputs and an I²C sensor port. Both are useful for a wide range of industrial and residential IoT applications, and with the availability of a KiCad template, users can design their custom cartridges.

According to Santens, Edgeberry was developed with the goal of making edge computing simpler and more flexible:

“Edgeberry is an open-source ecosystem that enhances your favorite single-board computer with hardware, software, and mechanical integration possibilities, making it easier to explore the connected device aspect in your creative solutions.”

EdgeBerry has a software platform

The Edgeberry platform isn’t just about hardware. The accompanying Edgeberry Device Software connects to the Edgeberry Dashboard, enabling remote device management. This software allows users to manage connected devices, track their performance, and assign permissions via a web interface. Though still under development, the dashboard is accessible, allowing a centralized way to manage the Edgeberry setup.

Edgeberry’s hardware is licensed under the CERN OHL-W license and software under the GNU GPLv3, hosted on GitHub. This ensures that the community can freely access and contribute to the project.

For pricing, the Edgeberry Base Board is available for $47 on tindie, with additional hardware cartridges like the Console & CAN Cartridge and Sense’n’Drive Cartridge priced at $30 and $25, respectively. A 3D-printed enclosure is also available for an additional $21, offering a complete package for those looking to protect their setup.

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