Xiaomi has launched a new IoT Software Platform called “Xiaomi Vela” at MIDC 2020 today(November 5) in China. Through this, Xiaomi aims to bring all the fragmented AIoT(Internet of Things) technologies under one roof.
What is Xiaomi Vela?
Xiaomi Vela is an IoT Software platform based on Open Source Embedded Operating System NuttX. It mainly has three parts/layers:
- Bottom Layer- NuttX Kernel
- Developer Tools
- Upper Layer- Vela Application Framework
NuttX is a real-time operating system (RTOS) with an emphasis on technical standards compliance and small size. Scalable from 8-bit to 64-bit microcontroller environments, the main governing standards in NuttX are from the Portable Operating System Interface (POSIX) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Further standard application programming interfaces (APIs) from Unix and other common RTOSes (such as VxWorks) are adopted for functions unavailable under these standards, or inappropriate for deeply embedded environments, such as a fork.
NuttX was first released in 2007 by Gregory Nutt as free and open-source software under the permissive BSD license. It is currently undergoing incubation at The Apache Software Foundation.
NuttX Kernel
Here, the underlying NuttX Kernel performs the basic task scheduling, cross-platform communication, file system, and other basic OS functions. Additionally, it contains device drivers, TCP/IP Protocol stacks, Power Management Component, and more.
Xiaomi Vela Framework
Xiaomi’s Vela Application Framework has two layers of its own. Accordingly, its Upper layer differs for different IoT platforms. However, the lower layer has system services including OTA(Over-The-Air), GUI, Local Storage, Scripting languages.
Preview Program Begins
That said, Xiaomi Vela can run on various chip platforms especially IoT devices. Thus it can unite different MCU hardware, software, communication protocols. The company mainly aims to support all application scenarios, and build an infrastructure for the IoT industry.
At the speech, Fan Dian also announced that Xioami’s IoT devices exceed 271 million. Including Mijia, 3800 partners are working on the company’s AIoT platform. The company has officially opened the preview program of Xiaomi Vela starting today. Accordingly, IoT companies including chip/equipment vendors. And developers are welcome to join the program.