Open Arsenal

The universal device layer

OpenFabric is an open, modular Hardware Abstraction Layer specification designed to create a universal device layer for edge computing systems. It provides a standardized interface between software applications, AI platforms, automation systems, and physical hardware, allowing diverse devices to be accessed through common capability-based interfaces instead of vendor-specific integrations. By separating hardware capabilities from hardware implementations, OpenFabric enables greater interoperability, portability, and long-term flexibility across rapidly evolving edge environments.

The specification provides a complete foundation for managing edge hardware through modular core components. These include device identity and discovery, capability management, sensor abstraction, compute acceleration, communication interfaces, storage management, power monitoring, security hardware integration, diagnostics, firmware management, and event-driven hardware communication. This architecture allows applications to discover and utilize available hardware capabilities dynamically while maintaining compatibility across different device manufacturers and platforms.

OpenFabric is designed to support a wide range of emerging technologies, including edge AI systems, robotics, industrial automation, smart infrastructure, autonomous devices, and distributed IoT networks. Optional plugin modules extend the platform for specialized environments such as AI accelerators, vehicle systems, drones, energy systems, medical devices, and federated edge networks. Through its modular design, OpenFabric provides a foundation for building open hardware ecosystems that reduce vendor lock-in and enable the next generation of connected intelligent devices.

This specification is released under the AGPL-3.0+ license and is free to use with required attribution. Attribution-free deployments may obtain a Specification Branding License, with fees based on usage, deployment scope, and environment size.