Internship student - Evaluating Labgrid for Remote Device Access and Test Automation

Objective:
Investigate the feasibility of using Labgrid to enable remote testing capabilities and centralized device control for embedded systems or hardware platforms. The goal is to assess whether Labgrid can serve as the foundation for low-level device access while allowing higher-level component test logic to be built on top.

Scope of Work:

Understanding Labgrid:

• Study Labgrid’s architecture, including its components like the Coordinator, Exporter, and Target.
• Explore how Labgrid handles device access, resource locking, and remote control.

Use Case Definition:

• Define typical use cases within the organization where remote testing or ad hoc device interaction is needed.
• Identify the types of devices and interfaces (e.g., serial, USB, GPIO, network) involved.

Prototype Setup:

• Set up a Labgrid environment with one or more test devices.
• Demonstrate remote access and control of devices from different locations.
• Implement basic test scenarios using Labgrid’s pytest integration or custom scripts.

Integration Exploration:

• Investigate how existing test logic (e.g., component-level tests) can be layered on top of Labgrid.
• Evaluate compatibility with CI/CD pipelines or other automation tools.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Benefits:
  
  • Centralized device management
  • Reusability of device access logic
  • Scalability for multiple users and devices

• Challenges:
  
  • Complexity of setup and maintenance
  • Limitations in supported device types or protocols
  • Potential latency or reliability issues in remote scenarios

• Deliverables:
  
  • A technical report summarizing findings, including:
  • Architecture overview
  • Prototype setup and results
  • Integration possibilities
  • Pros and cons of adopting Labgrid
  • Recommendations for or against adoption, with justification.

Key Questions to Address:

• What would it take to move to Labgrid for low-level device access?
• How can component test logic be modularly built on top of Labgrid?
• What disadvantages or limitations might arise from this approach?
• How does Labgrid compare to other solutions (e.g., custom scripts, other frameworks)?