Physical Computing: From Buzzword to Norm
In the early 2000s, a new concept emerged in the tech world – "physical computing" – where programming was no longer confined to screens and cyberspace. This idea of writing code for physical gadgets, like running motors or lighting up LEDs, was considered novel and had a buzzword all its own. However, this concept never really went away; it simply became so ubiquitous that it's now taken for granted.
As Tom Nardi and I discussed on our podcast, the early days of the Arduino revolution played a significant role in popularizing physical computing. This microcontroller-based platform provided a standardized board, a wide range of software libraries, and numerous examples to learn from. The result was an explosion of hobby projects that brought embedded programming to a wider audience, particularly among beginners.
For many, the Arduino "hello world" was also their coding "hello world." These individuals are now known as "physical computing" natives – they've grown up with the idea of writing code that interacts with the physical world. Fast-forward to today, and it's not uncommon to see hardware everywhere at events like FOSDEM (an open-source software convention). Why? Because many successful software projects now support open hardware, and others run on it.
The lines between big computers and microcontrollers are increasingly blurred as hardware platforms become more powerful. This has sparked excitement among coders who appreciate the tangible outcome of their work – seeing the letters they type cause something in the physical world to happen is incredibly rewarding, especially for those just starting to learn to code.
Moreover, everything these days seems to have a microcontroller inside it. Hacking on these devices is another flavor of physical computing, and with open licenses, version control, and unprecedented openness in open hardware, the open-source hardware world mirrors the open-source software ethos. Are we getting past the point where the distinction between hardware and software even matters?
Looking back, "physical computing" was perhaps just a buzzword for the final stages of blurring these lines. As technology continues to advance and become more integrated, it's essential to recognize the significance of this shift and celebrate its impact on the way we code and interact with the world around us.
The Evolution of Physical Computing
From its early days as a novelty concept to its current ubiquity, physical computing has come a long way. Here are some key milestones that highlight its evolution:
- Arduno and the Microcontroller Revolution (2000s): The Arduino platform introduced standardized microcontrollers with accessible software libraries, making it easier for beginners to start building projects.
- Open Hardware Movement (2010s): As open-source hardware gained momentum, more successful software projects began supporting open hardware platforms, and others integrated them into their development processes.
- The Rise of Microcontrollers in Everyday Devices (2020s): With advancements in technology, microcontrollers have become increasingly common in consumer electronics, IoT devices, and even cars. This has further blurred the lines between big computers and microcontrollers.
As we move forward, it's essential to acknowledge the significance of physical computing and its role in shaping our relationship with technology. By embracing this shift, we can unlock new possibilities for innovation, creativity, and community building around coding and hardware development.