With the inventory firmware and software program, builders couldn’t modify their AWS DeepRacer units to make use of the newest working programs. 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} units.
AWS DeepRacer units are totally autonomous 1/18th scale race automobiles pushed by fashions skilled via reinforcement studying. These {hardware} units, when paired with a cloud atmosphere for coaching and analysis of neural community fashions, present an training and growth atmosphere meant to assist builders get began with machine studying. As shipped, safe firmware on the AWS DeepRacer units boots AWS-signed working programs, together with variations of Ubuntu 16.04 and 20.04. These variations of Ubuntu are not supported, making ongoing experimentation and analysis tough. To maintain these units helpful so long as attainable, you want a option to authorize {custom} and modified software program to run.
With our developer bootloader, you’ll be able to set up {custom} working programs outdoors 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 tasks, and develop prototypes for brand new car algorithms. On this publish, we introduce the bootloader, talk about how you can use it, and share hyperlinks to a neighborhood distribution that makes use of it.
Our resolution
Our workforce developed a bootloader that gives self-service developer entry. The bootloader is predicated on the open-source shim challenge. With this developer shim, you’ll be able to set up {custom} or third-party distributions onto your AWS DeepRacer machine.
The developer shim targets builders acquainted with Linux boot processes and certificates administration. It’s notably helpful for neighborhood members who need 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 machine’s built-in lights. After finishing this indicator, the shim transfers management to the put in OS. The intent is for transparency via clear visible indicators each time developer mode is energetic. These indicators assist you perceive your machine’s safety posture.
Ought to it’s good to return to the unique configuration, the method is totally reversible. You may observe the instructions for Replace Your Automobile to return the machine to inventory configuration.
The developer shim works via three key components:
1. Self-service certificates administration
When built-in signature verification fails, the developer shim checks for developer certificates in /EFI/DEVELOPER/certs/ on the machine’s boot partition. You may handle your individual certificates utilizing customary instruments (OpenSSL, sbsign) whereas sustaining correct cryptographic verification.
2. Clear visible warnings
When developer certificates are in use, the system supplies a transparent indication:
On-screen warning (via 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. Normal 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’ll be able to present your individual 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 units, 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 affords a ready-to-use resolution for builders who need 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. Consult with the README for set up directions.
The developer shim permits the DeepRacing neighborhood to keep up and distribute up to date software program for AWS DeepRacer units, extending their helpful life nicely past the unique distributions. The distribution could be discovered at https://github.com/aws-deepracer-community/deepracer-custom-car.
The right way to use it
You should utilize the bootloader along with your AWS DeepRacer machine throughout a number of utilization patterns. You may improve utilizing a neighborhood distribution, use an ordinary third-party OS, and even create your individual {custom} OS. The precise steps rely in your alternative.
You will get began by putting in a neighborhood distribution, such because the Ubuntu 24.04 Neighborhood Distribution. This selection supplies an set up technique with out requiring the developer to {custom} set up Linux and reconfigure its boot processes.
Choice B: Third-party distributions
You should utilize the developer shim when putting in a third-party distribution corresponding to Ubuntu. Select this feature if you need 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 may have to be carried out 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.
Choice C: Customized OS
In case you’re constructing a {custom} OS for the AWS DeepRacer machine, create a boot quantity on the machine. 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 machine goes via a number of levels on boot. Upon power-on, the machine firmware masses the developer shim (BOOTX64.EFI) and transfers execution to it. The shim then shows a warning on the display screen (when an HDMI monitor is hooked up) and blinks “DEVELOPER MODE” in Morse code on the machine’s lights. This stage takes roughly 21 seconds. Very similar to the unique firmware’s bootloader or a shim bootloader on an ordinary PC set up, the developer bootloader then masses the working system’s kernel. Nonetheless, not like the firmware, the developer bootloader checks the signature of this kernel in opposition to a neighborhood customizable certificates retailer stored 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 units. 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 Answer 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 may have to be carried out for each the working system set up media and once more on the machine itself after putting in from media. For extra detailed technical documentation, troubleshooting, and superior utilization, consult with the bootloader’s USAGE.md file contained inside the zip file.
Alternatively, obtain the neighborhood distribution linked within the previous The right way to use it part and observe the instructions for a contemporary set up with the developer bootloader already included.
Conclusion
Utilizing the bootloader, you’ll be able to unlock your AWS DeepRacer machine and proceed to make use of it as an training and growth atmosphere with the newest trendy working programs, instruments, and software program stacks. It’s also possible to customise your individual 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 Answer.
With the pliability launched with the brand new bootloader, your creativeness is the restrict on what you’ll be able to implement on the machine. What’s going to you construct? Be at liberty to share on https://builder.aws.com/.
In regards to the authors
Don Barber
Don is a Senior Options Architect Supervisor working with AWS Strategic Accounts. Together with serving to clients implement disruptive know-how at scale, Don was an inaugural member of the AWS DeepRacer pitcrew, ran the primary company league occasions, helped invent neighborhood racing and digital stay racing, and designed most of the AWS DeepRacer workshops, immediately impacting 1000’s of builders to get began with AIML. Don is proud to assist lengthen the lifespan of the AWS DeepRacer units via this launch.
Lars Lorentz Ludvigsen
Lars is a know-how fanatic who was launched to AWS DeepRacer in late 2019 and was immediately hooked. Lars works as a Managing Director at Accenture, the place he helps shoppers construct the following era of sensible related merchandise. Along with his position at Accenture, he’s an AWS Neighborhood Builder who focuses on growing and sustaining the AWS DeepRacer neighborhood’s software program options. Lars’s AWS Neighborhood Builder weblog is obtainable at https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/machine-learning/creator/larslorentzludvigsenamazon-com/.
