MX4n

MX4n is a modular, open-source platform designed to simplify the development of autonomous systems and modular robotics. It combines a configurable hardware chassis with a software stack intended for perception, planning, and control pipelines. The aim is to provide reusable building blocks for education, research, and hobbyist projects.

The hardware component centers on the MX4n Core, a compact motherboard with expansion bays and standardized interfaces. It supports sensor and actuator modules via CAN, I2C, SPI, and USB-C, and provides scalable power management and thermal design. The form factor accommodates desktop benches, drones, and ground vehicles through interchangeable mounting kits.

The software stack comprises a runtime and library set that enable modular services to share data through a publish/subscribe bus. It emphasizes sandboxed components, reproducible configurations, and ROS 2-inspired messaging, while remaining independent of any single middleware. Developers can swap perception, localization, and planning modules without redesigning the system.

MX4n is developed by a community-driven project with open-source licensing, documentation, and tutorials. The repository is hosted publicly, with contributor guidelines and a continuous-integration workflow to validate hardware and software changes.

Applications include education programs, robotics research, and rapid-prototyping of autonomous agents for competitions. The project has been praised for its emphasis on modularity and accessibility, while some users note gaps in third-party hardware variance and the maturity of example deployments.

Related topics include modular robotics, ROS 2, open hardware, and autonomous systems.