Empowered by the Ecosystem

Learning Embedded Rust with uFerris

Rust Week 2026 · May 18 · Utrecht, Netherlands

This workshop takes a different approach to learning embedded development. Instead of walking you through peripheral configurations step by step, I'll teach you how to teach yourself - by navigating the embedded Rust ecosystem, reading documentation effectively, and adapting existing examples to your own needs.

What You'll Learn

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

• Navigate the embedded Rust ecosystem - find the right abstractions, understand the abstraction layers, and know where to look for answers
• Read embedded Rust documentation - in the documentation, in crate source code, and in example repositories
• Apply the Instantiate → Configure → Control pattern - a mental model that works for every peripheral, every HAL, every driver crate
• Adapt existing examples to new use cases by exploring configuration options and control methods in the documentation

How This Workshop Works

Every hands-on module follows the same workflow:

1. Read - I give you a working example in the workshop repo
2. Understand - You study the code and map it to the documentation
3. Adapt - You modify the example to do something different by discovering new options in the docs
4. Extend - Stretch goals push you to navigate unfamiliar documentation independently

The Hardware

uFerris Megalops Baseboard

The uFerris Megalops Baseboard is a learning platform purpose-built for embedded Rust education. It's designed to give you a rich set of peripherals to explore without needing to wire anything up - just plug in and start coding.

Component	Quantity
Buttons	5
LEDs	3
RTC	1
LDR	1
Switches	2
Buzzer	1
Qwiic Connector	1
4-Digit Seven Segment Display	1

Xiao ESP32-C3

The Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-C3 is the brain of the uFerris board:

• Architecture: 32-bit RISC-V (single core, 160 MHz)
• Memory: 400 KB SRAM, 4 MB Flash
• Connectivity: WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5 (LE)
• Peripherals: GPIO, I2C, SPI, UART, ADC, PWM
• USB: Native USB-C (no external programmer needed)
• Power: USB-C powered, 3.3V logic

Why uFerris?

• Zero wiring - all sensors and peripherals are pre-connected on the PCB
• Consistent setup - every participant has the same hardware, so we can focus on software
• Rich peripheral set - GPIO, I2C, and more ready to explore from minute one
• Designed for learning - pin labels, clear silk screen, and documentation all matched to the workshop exercises

Fallback: Wokwi Simulation

If you have hardware issues during the workshop, a Wokwi simulation is available. See the Wokwi Setup page for instructions.

Prerequisites

• Rust toolchain with espflash installed (see Setup Guide)
• Basic Rust knowledge: variables, functions, structs, ownership
• Curiosity about embedded systems

Workshop by Omar Hiari - The Embedded Rustacean

Rust Week 2026 · Utrecht, Netherlands