Who we are

Hummel Automation is the consulting and R&D company of Lionel Hummel, a computer engineer with over two decades of experience writing cutting-edge software. His career has brought forth a tremendous number of embedded computing and related products spanning eighteen years with Motorola and several additional years as an independent consultant. Some highlights include:

Have you ever heard of a computer designed to not crash? Lionel helped architect significant components of the operating system, debugged hardware, and developed the firmware and factory support software for Motorola's FX Series fault-tolerant computer.
He conceived and led the implementation of one of the first device driver architectures that allowed for extensive code reuse across hardware as well as operating systems. The same core software supports a wide range of SCSI controllers and was reused for boot, diagnostics, and multiple flavors of UNIX™ and real-time operating systems.
As part of the group that developed Audi's QNX-based hands-free calling and telematics unit, he combined GSM and Bluetooth development with his expertise working with and debugging hardware-intensive systems.
Back before everyday personal computers could run GCC effectively, and years before "open source" came into the mainstream, he orchestrated the production of a freely distributable C compiler package for the Amiga. It was widely regarded as commercial grade long before much free software had acquired that reputation.
Using Python and other open-source technologies, he created the simulation and test software for OnStar's turn-by-turn navigation system, which downloads spoken driving directions to millions of GM vehicles over the Internet.

Lionel has worked with a wide variety of processor and bus architectures, especially PowerPC. Projects have also involved ARM, MIPS, Intel, 8/16-bit microprocessors, and special-purpose hardware. He is versed in modern software engineering techniques and best-in-class solutions already out there in the market. Logic analyzers, debuggers, and test fixtures are counted among his friends. He develops mainly in C/C++, Python, PHP, assembly and Java as needed, and of course, English.

What we do

Consulting and R&D Services

From specification through software bring-up through automated testing and production, we know how to make high-margin products that please customers. We'll happily work remotely or on-site with your team and customers to create a great product anywhere you are in the life cycle. Hummel Automation can work for you directly or as a sub-contractor: We are happy to cooperate with other consulting firms and vendors to ensure your needs are met.

Embedded, Connected Computers are our Fortè

Most computers do not sit on desktops or peoples' laps, yet the typical software engineer's expertise stops at that level. Software provides over 90% of the functionality in most smart devices, yet exhibits only a fraction of the reliability and pleasant user experience as most hardware it goes into. Hummel Automation delivers upon the unique requirements for computers that do amazing things behind the scenes.

Open-Source Friendly Solutions

We favor open-source tools whenever the licensing is compatible with your objectives. Open-source reduces costs, saves time, spurs innovation, and is a trustworthy approach for many customers and producers concerned about the long-term. But we are not religious about the issue: Closed-source software has an important place too, and our experience at navigating licensing requirements gives you the best of both worlds.

Work with the Best

We are experts in UNIX™-family operating systems - Linux, Mac OS X, and QNX - and the computers that run them. With the best tools and top-notch engineering, we can help you toward the pinnacles of usability, reliability, and affordability.