The countdown has officially begun for one of the most anticipated gatherings in the maker community. As the dates approach, the energy surrounding the upcoming gathering is palpable, especially with the latest wave of announcements regarding the technical programming. For those who live at the intersection of code and copper, the reveal of the hackaday europe speakers and workshop leaders provides a roadmap of the cutting-edge topics that will dominate the conversation this year.
This event is not merely a series of lectures; it is a deep dive into the mechanics of how things actually work. From the granular level of silicon architecture to the sprawling complexity of decentralized mesh networks, the lineup promises to challenge even the most seasoned engineers. Whether you are a hobbyist looking to repurpose consumer electronics or a professional researcher interested in hardware security, the scheduled sessions offer a rare glimpse into the frontier of physical computing.
Deep Dives into Silicon and System Architecture
One of the most fascinating aspects of modern technology is how much we have abstracted away from the actual hardware. Most developers interact with high-level languages and polished operating systems, rarely seeing the raw electricity moving through gates. This event seeks to tear down those layers of abstraction, starting with a keynote that sounds like a dream for hardware purists.
Reconstructing the Past from the Ground Up
Imagine wanting to experience the golden era of computing, but instead of using an emulator or hunting for a dusty, failing motherboard, you decide to build the computer itself. Jeroen Domburg is set to take the stage to discuss exactly that. His presentation focuses on the creation of a retro-gaming PC built from bare silicon components.
This is not a simple matter of plugging chips into a socket. It involves designing a compact 486 Single Board Computer (SBC) that incorporates modern conveniences while maintaining the soul of the original architecture. For the enthusiast, this provides a masterclass in how to move beyond software emulation and into the realm of true hardware reconstruction. It addresses the common frustration of “black box” computing, where the underlying logic is hidden behind layers of proprietary code.
Optimizing the Microcontroller Environment
As embedded systems become more complex, the efficiency of the code running on them becomes a critical bottleneck. Federico Terraneo will lead a session that bridges the gap between high-level C++ programming and the harsh realities of microcontroller constraints. He will provide a tour of fluid kernel architecture and the Miosix Real-Time Operating System (RTOS).
Many developers struggle with the overhead that modern C++ can introduce when working with limited RAM and clock speeds. Terraneo’s insights, gathered over nearly two decades of experience, offer practical solutions for optimizing code. By understanding how a kernel manages resources, developers can squeeze significantly more performance out of inexpensive hardware, making it possible to run more sophisticated logic on simpler, cheaper chips.
Repurposing Consumer Hardware for Scientific Discovery
A hallmark of the hacking spirit is the ability to see potential in objects that others would consider electronic waste. This “upcycling” of hardware is not just about being frugal; it is about finding specialized tools in unexpected places.
From Gaming Consoles to Biometric Sensors
Edwin Hwu is presenting a project that perfectly encapsulates this philosophy. He has managed to transform a PlayStation 4 optical pickup—a component designed solely to read Blu-ray discs—into a high-speed dermal atomic force microscope. This is a staggering leap in utility.
By combining hardware hacking with deep learning algorithms, Hwu demonstrates how this repurposed device can assess skin nanotextures. This has profound implications for non-invasive biometric assessment, such as detecting physiological stress levels through microscopic skin changes. For the maker interested in medical or biological tech, this session provides a blueprint for how to turn consumer-grade sensors into legitimate scientific instruments.
The Low-Cost Frontier of Software Defined Radio
Radio frequency (RF) engineering is often seen as an expensive, high-barrier field. However, Anders Nielsen is set to challenge that notion by demonstrating how to build a high-performance Software Defined Radio (SDR) on a shoestring budget. His project aims for a 20MHz continuous bandwidth and 3GHz capability, all while keeping the Bill of Materials (BOM) under $50.
The technical core of this achievement lies in the use of a single Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) on a carrier board. This approach solves the common problem of “analog chaos” found in cheap SDRs, where signal interference and limited bandwidth make them nearly useless for serious work. For anyone interested in signal processing or wireless communication, this is a lesson in maximizing hardware efficiency through clever FPGA implementation.
Robotics and the Reality of the Natural World
In a controlled laboratory, robotics is a predictable science. In the real world, however, variables like humidity, grit, and temperature can destroy a machine in minutes. The upcoming sessions will explore how to build machines that don’t just survive, but thrive, in chaotic environments.
Engineering for Extreme Environments
Erin Kennedy will share lessons learned from a decade of deploying robots in the wild. Her experience covers everything from the fine, invasive dust of sandy deserts to the thick mud of wetlands and the intense heat of wildfire zones. These are not just “edge cases”; they are the fundamental challenges of field robotics.
Attendees will gain insight into nature-inspired design—building machines that mimic the resilience of biological organisms. This session addresses the practicalities of hardware maintenance and the structural engineering required to protect delicate sensors and actuators from environmental degradation. It is essential viewing for anyone moving their projects from the workbench to the outdoors.
Digital Simulations of Physical Intuition
While Erin focuses on the physical world, Stephen Coyle will look at how we perceive it through digital interfaces. He will explore the creation of electronic musical instruments that utilize digital simulations of inertia and gravity. This addresses a deep-seated problem in digital music production: the lack of “feel.”
When a musician plays a physical instrument, they rely on tactile feedback—the weight of a key, the resistance of a string, or the momentum of a drumstick. Digital instruments often feel “weightless” and disconnected. By simulating these physical properties within the software, Coyle aims to bridge the gap between digital precision and human physical intuition, opening up new creative possibilities for electronic composition.
The Future of Computing: Simplicity and Community
As our world becomes increasingly dominated by opaque, massive-scale computing, there is a growing counter-movement toward systems that are transparent, understandable, and inherently hackable.
The Vision for Ambient and Hackable Systems
Sylvain Huet will present a vision for ambient computing. Instead of devices that demand our constant attention through glowing screens and intrusive notifications, he proposes a future where technology blends seamlessly into the background of our lives. These systems are designed to be simple and, crucially, easy to modify.
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This concept fights against the trend of “planned obsolescence” and proprietary ecosystems. By advocating for bare-metal, hackable systems, Huet is championing a world where users actually own the logic of the devices in their homes. This is a vital discussion for anyone concerned with privacy, longevity, and the right to repair.
Cultivating the Next Generation of Makers
The sustainability of the hardware hacking community depends on how we engage the youth. Alex Ren will discuss the incredible work being done at Hack Club, an organization that has successfully engaged thousands of teenagers in hardware projects. From 3D printers built out of Lego bricks to running DOOM within a PDF file, the projects coming out of this community are proof of boundless creativity.
Ren will dive into the tools, culture, and community structures that allow teenagers to move from being passive consumers of technology to active creators. For educators and parents, this provides a roadmap for fostering technical literacy and a “maker mindset” in a way that is engaging and community-driven rather than purely academic.
Hands-On Mastery: Workshops and Practical Skills
Theory is only half the battle. To truly understand a concept, one must get their hands dirty. The workshop schedule for the event is designed to provide direct, practical experience in high-demand technical areas.
Securing Hardware Through Fault Injection
As cybersecurity moves closer to the physical layer, understanding how to break hardware is just as important as knowing how to build it. Benjaminas Sulcas will host a workshop dedicated to hardware fault injection. This is a specialized field used by security researchers to find vulnerabilities in microchips and embedded systems.
The workshop will cover technical methods such as power glitching—where the voltage to a chip is momentarily manipulated to cause an error—and Electromagnetic Fault Injection (EMFI). For those interested in a career in hardware security or penetration testing, this hands-on training is an invaluable opportunity to learn the tools and techniques used to stress-test the integrity of modern silicon.
Decentralized Connectivity with Mesh Networking
In an era of centralized internet infrastructure, the ability to communicate without a central hub is a critical skill. Davide Gomba will lead a practical session on mesh networking, focusing on the Meshtastic and Reticulum protocols. These tools allow for off-grid, decentralized communication using low-power radio hardware.
Participants will learn how to install, configure, and communicate across these mesh networks. This is highly relevant for emergency preparedness, remote field research, or simply building a private, censorship-resistant communication network. Understanding how to build a resilient, peer-to-peer web is a cornerstone of modern digital autonomy.
Mastering Transmission Line Theory
Finally, Michael Wiebusch will provide a deep dive into the physics of high-speed signals. While his demonstration involves a device that looks like a 2 Euro cable modem for an Arduino, the actual lesson is about transmission line theory. He will explain why electric signals in coaxial cables behave in specific ways and how to manage them.
This knowledge is essential for anyone working with RF, high-speed digital design, or even high-speed USB interfaces. Without a firm grasp of how signals travel through physical mediums, engineers often run into mysterious interference and data corruption issues. Wiebusch’s approach makes this complex topic accessible and immediately applicable to real-world design challenges.
Preparing for the Event
The diversity of the hackaday europe speakers and the technical depth of the workshops make this a unique opportunity for professional growth and personal inspiration. However, because the programming is so specialized, certain elements of the event require early planning.
Workshop tickets are known to sell out almost immediately after they are released. If you have a specific technical skill you want to master—whether it is fault injection or mesh networking—it is imperative to secure your spot well in advance. Additionally, the event offers a platform for attendees to participate via seven-minute Lightning Talks. This is a chance to share your own “hacks” and stories with a global community of peers, turning a passive learning experience into an active exchange of ideas.
As we look toward the future of hardware, it is clear that the most exciting developments are happening at the edges—where the code meets the physical constraints of the world. This gathering serves as a vital nexus for those pushing those boundaries.
