# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussions

• Participants discussed open hardware development across multiple domains, including EEG systems (shifting from a 32-channel design to opening up the Emotiv EPOC headset), Arduino-based sound-responsive light systems for Burning Man, and exoskeleton projects inspired by Berkeley and Sarcos designs.

• The community expressed strong interest in distributed manufacturing frameworks, with kanzure sharing work on "tangible kit" (an apt-get-like system for physical objects) and "Project Projector" (an SMS-based system for coordinating human manufacturing instructions).

• DIY biology initiatives were discussed, including genehacker's discovery of methods for producing Taq polymerase (used in PCR) at home and the Pink Army Cooperative (pinkarmy.org), an open-source pharmaceutical development project.

• Participants highlighted the need for better open-source CAD/CAM software, specifically discussing HeeksCAD/HeeksCNC, potential integration of OpenCASCADE bindings with OpenSCAD, and the lack of good standards for exchanging parametric data between different CAD programs.

• Advanced fabrication techniques were explored, including using laser cutters for lab-on-a-chip microfluidics and developing pick-and-place machine heads for RepRap 3D printers with OpenCV-based machine vision for automated circuit board assembly.

• The community showed interest in genetic programming and distributed computing, sharing resources like "genetic programming in the cloud" (halfbakedmaker.org) and discussing applications of FFT algorithms for signal processing.

• Practical 3D printing projects were shared, including a NEMA17 to NEMA14 adapter and a "minimendel" RepRap build in progress, with a notable distinction made between community-oriented RepRap printers and commercial MakerBot devices.