All prototypes so far have split the workload into two parts.

 A small microcontroller for the direct device interaction, and a larger linux server for the interpretation of the received commands and storage of the sensor data. The first prototype was based on a custom Arduino shield, and an offsite server, connected via the Ethernet shield. In this case the Arduino actually interpreted some of the inputs directly.

The second prototype is still based on an Arduino compatible Atmega328, but in this case the offsite linux server has been replaced with a raspberry pi connected directly via the serial interface. This reduces latency issues and encapsulates the whole control station in a fairly compact package.

The reduced latency also means that almost all decision making can be left to the raspberry pi. This is a first step to a completly rule based automation system.