With the inventory firmware and software program, builders couldn’t modify their AWS DeepRacer gadgets to make use of the newest working techniques. Now, builders can improve or set up a {custom} working system (OS) by utilizing a newly launched bootloader, which extends the life of those {hardware} gadgets.
AWS DeepRacer gadgets are totally autonomous 1/18th scale race automobiles pushed by fashions educated by reinforcement studying. These {hardware} gadgets, when paired with a cloud setting for coaching and analysis of neural community fashions, present an schooling and improvement setting meant to assist builders get began with machine studying. As shipped, safe firmware on the AWS DeepRacer gadgets boots AWS-signed working techniques, together with variations of Ubuntu 16.04 and 20.04. These variations of Ubuntu are now not supported, making ongoing experimentation and analysis tough. To maintain these gadgets helpful so long as doable, you want a method to authorize {custom} and modified software program to run.
With our developer bootloader, you may set up {custom} working techniques exterior of these initially offered. It’s also possible to set up trendy Linux distributions, add {custom} {hardware} drivers, run {custom} and extra trendy software program stacks, construct novel instructional initiatives, and develop prototypes for brand new car algorithms. On this put up, we introduce the bootloader, focus on find out how to use it, and share hyperlinks to a neighborhood distribution that makes use of it.
Our resolution
Our staff developed a bootloader that gives self-service developer entry. The bootloader relies on the open-source shim challenge. With this developer shim, you may set up {custom} or third-party distributions onto your AWS DeepRacer gadget.
The developer shim targets builders aware of Linux boot processes and certificates administration. It’s significantly worthwhile for neighborhood members who wish to create and distribute {custom} AWS DeepRacer set up distributions and media.
On bootup, the developer shim blinks “DEVELOPER MODE” in Morse code on the AWS DeepRacer gadget’s built-in lights. After finishing this indicator, the shim transfers management to the put in OS. The intent is for transparency by clear visible indicators every time developer mode is energetic. These indicators show you how to perceive your gadget’s safety posture.
Ought to you have to return to the unique configuration, the method is totally reversible. You may observe the instructions for Replace Your Automobile to return the gadget to inventory configuration.
The developer shim works by three key parts:
1. Self-service certificates administration
When built-in signature verification fails, the developer shim checks for developer certificates in /EFI/DEVELOPER/certs/ on the gadget’s boot partition. You may handle your personal certificates utilizing customary instruments (OpenSSL, sbsign) whereas sustaining correct cryptographic verification.
2. Clear visible warnings
When developer certificates are in use, the system offers a transparent indication:
- On-screen warning (by HDMI) – Informs you of developer mode.
- {Hardware} indication – System lights blink “DEVELOPER MODE” in Morse code.
- Boot delay – Provides you time to watch the developer mode activation.
3. Customary verification workflow
The answer makes use of customary certificate-based signing instruments, making it accessible to builders already working with safe boot processes. With this technique, you may present your personal certificates whereas sustaining the cryptographic integrity of the boot chain and working system.
The open supply AWS DeepRacer neighborhood at deepracing.io used this developer shim to create a brand new {custom} distribution for AWS DeepRacer gadgets, constructed on an Ubuntu 24.04 / ROS2 Jazzy software program stack and that includes a Cloudscape-based consumer interface. As a sensible demonstration of the self-service bootloader strategy, it presents a ready-to-use resolution for builders who wish to get began shortly.
Pre-packaged and utilizing an set up course of similar to the unique AWS distribution, it comes able to deploy out of the field. The neighborhood prioritized racing efficiency, eradicating non-essential packages, together with the X Window System graphical interface. You may add the desktop expertise again in your self if wanted. Confer with the README for set up directions.
The developer shim permits the DeepRacing neighborhood to take care of and distribute up to date software program for AWS DeepRacer gadgets, extending their helpful life properly past the unique distributions. The distribution might be discovered at https://github.com/aws-deepracer-community/deepracer-custom-car.
The way to use it
You should utilize the bootloader along with your AWS DeepRacer gadget throughout a number of utilization patterns. You may improve utilizing a neighborhood distribution, use a normal third-party OS, and even create your personal {custom} OS. The precise steps rely in your alternative.
You may get began by putting in a neighborhood distribution, such because the Ubuntu 24.04 Neighborhood Distribution. This feature offers an set up technique with out requiring the developer to {custom} set up Linux and reconfigure its boot processes.
Possibility B: Third-party distributions
You should utilize the developer shim when putting in a third-party distribution akin to Ubuntu. Select this selection if you would like management over the set up course of. After putting in the OS, change the BOOTX64.EFI file with the developer shim and add the suitable certificates. This would possibly should be performed twice: as soon as for the set up media, and once more after set up. Seek the advice of the USAGE.md file within the developer shim package deal for steerage.
Possibility C: Customized OS
Should you’re constructing a {custom} OS for the AWS DeepRacer gadget, create a boot quantity on the gadget. Place the developer shim beneath EFI/BOOT/BOOTX64.EFI and your OS kernel or bootloader as EFI/BOOT/GRUBX64.EFI. Then set up your public certificates beneath the DEVELOPER/certs path. Seek the advice of the USAGE.md file within the developer shim package deal for steerage.
What to anticipate throughout early boot sequence
The gadget goes by a number of levels on boot. Upon power-on, the gadget firmware masses the developer shim (BOOTX64.EFI) and transfers execution to it. The shim then shows a warning on the display (when an HDMI monitor is hooked up) and blinks “DEVELOPER MODE” in Morse code on the gadget’s lights. This stage takes roughly 21 seconds. Very like the unique firmware’s bootloader or a shim bootloader on a normal PC set up, the developer bootloader then masses the working system’s kernel. Nevertheless, not like the firmware, the developer bootloader checks the signature of this kernel towards a neighborhood customizable certificates retailer saved in /EFI/DEVELOPER/certs. If the signature matches, the developer shim transfers execution to this working system kernel, and boot continues usually.
Pairing with self-managed AWS DeepRacer
With the bootloader shim and the self-managed resolution launched on January 26, 2026, you now have full management over each the cloud-based coaching environments and your bodily gadgets. Builders can customise the on-device software program stack, experiment with new ROS2 packages, and iterate on racing fashions with complete end-to-end flexibility. Go to DeepRacer on AWS for particulars on the self-managed resolution.
Getting began
To get began, first discover the DeepRacer on AWS Resolution after which obtain the developer shim at deepracer-developer-shim.zip. To create or modify the boot medium for the brand new {custom} working system, place the BOOTX64.EFI shim file into the EFI/BOOT listing. Retailer your chosen working system kernel as GRUBX64.EFI, and retailer the kernel’s public certificates in EFI/DEVELOPER/CERTS in x509 DER format. This would possibly should be performed for each the working system set up media and once more on the gadget itself after putting in from media. For extra detailed technical documentation, troubleshooting, and superior utilization, seek advice from the bootloader’s USAGE.md file contained throughout the zip file.
Alternatively, obtain the neighborhood distribution linked within the previous The way to use it part and observe the instructions for a recent set up with the developer bootloader already included.
Conclusion
Utilizing the bootloader, you may unlock your AWS DeepRacer gadget and proceed to make use of it as an schooling and improvement setting with the newest trendy working techniques, instruments, and software program stacks. It’s also possible to customise your personal working system set up or use neighborhood distributions.
To get began, obtain the developer bootloader at deepracer-developer-shim.zip and observe the directions within the USAGE.md file. After that, take a look at the Neighborhood Distribution and proceed your machine studying (ML) journey with the DeepRacer on AWS Resolution.
With the flexibleness launched with the brand new bootloader, your creativeness is the restrict on what you may implement on the gadget. What’s going to you construct? Be happy to share on https://builder.aws.com/.
Concerning the authors
