Integrated Hardware & Software Capabilities
Connected systems are the foundation of modern technology. Smart, networked devices power the Internet of Things (IoT) and are embedded across homes, vehicles, offices, and industrial environments.
In the Connected Devices track, students integrate hardware, software, and applied AI to design and deploy user-centered products that solve real-world problems.
IoT devices and AI applications are continuing to grow rapidly
IoT and AI markets continue to expand rapidly, particularly in industrial and edge applications. Machine learning models are increasingly embedded directly into devices and cloud-connected systems, enabling intelligent data processing, automation, and real-time decision-making.
Skills You’ll Graduate With
MSTI Connected Devices students learn a wide range of hardware and software skills to build and deploy solutions using a wide range of technologies, including:
- Custom-built smart devices/IoT enabled devices
- Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR)
- Software solutions using AI/Machine Learning
- Drones and Remotely Piloted Vehicles
Some key skills in the Connected Devices track include:
- Prototyping and Physical Fabrication
- Developing/training and deploying Machine Learning and AI models
- Using sensors and electronic circuits, including PCB fabrication
- Collecting and processing data from hardware devices
- Power management
- Software integration, UX/UI design
- Ethical and reponsible technology
Connected Devices Computing Requirements
This track does not require any special computer requirements beyond those required by the University of Washington College of Engineering.
Most software used in the program is free or provided as part of the program, and includes software for 3D design (Fusion 360) as well as software for PCB layout, UX/UI design (Figma), and Hardware Programming (Arduino IDE).
Important
Additional hardware needed for projects is provided or may also be purchased with project funding. GIX maintains a number of different hardware and software platforms for development.
Minimum requirements as defined by the University of Washington College of Engineering (2025)
- Intel Core i5 (10th Gen or newer) AMD Ryzen 5 (4000 series or newer) or Apple M1
- 8GB RAM
- 256 GB Solid State Drive (SSD)
- Integrated Graphics card (Intel Iris Xe, AMD Radeon Vega, or Apple M1/M2)
- Windows 11 23H2 or greater, MacOS 13 (Ventura) or newer
Important
Some software used in the course does not support Snapdragon CPUs at the time of this writing.
As per UW College of Engineering guidelines (2025):
- Intel Core i7 (12th Gen or newer), AMY Ryzen 7(5000 series or newer, or Apple M2/M3
- 16GB of RAM
- 512GB or larger Solid State Drive (SSD)
- Dedicated GPU (e.g. Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon RX)
- Windows 11 23H2 or greater, MacOS version 13 (Ventura) or newer
Important
Some software used in the course does not support Snapdragon CPUs at the time of this writing.
Connected Devices Journey
Core Knowledge
Learn and practice fundamentals of physical fabrication, the prototyping process, user-centered design principles, and basic electronics hardware systems. Incorporate market research and business practices commonly employed in the technology industry.
Hardware/Software Lab
Design, build, and test a small-scale integrated hardware/software product, moving from prototype electronics to fabrication of customized Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). Conduct user research and testing, as well as business analysis of product markets.
Hardware/Software Project
As a student team, develop a protoype technology product, and practice the entire development cycle in a controlled lab setting. Move a product from a user-driven design stage to technology implementation to basic user and functionality testing. Some lab projects may also be sponsored by industry or community sponsors, and many are also entered in innovation competitions.
Connected Devices Capstones
Work with an industry sponsor to develop a real-world prototype technology solution. Industry sponsors bring problem spaces and target technologies, and students explore possible technology product solutions. Sponsors then work actively with MSTI teams to conduct user and problem space research, build a prototype solution in the labs, and then field/user test in the real world.