Meet TestBot: Architecture, Modules, and Core Capabilities

In today’s fast-evolving embedded systems landscape, the need for scalable, repeatable, and production-grade testing has never been more critical. With devices becoming smarter, more connected, and more safety-relevant, testing must move beyond manual processes and embrace intelligent automation. That’s where TestBot comes in.

TestBot is our internally developed, modular, and extensible automated testing framework, purpose-built for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) validation of embedded devices. From consumer IoT gadgets to automotive ECUs and industrial controllers, TestBot adapts to diverse testing needs while improving efficiency, accuracy, and traceability.

Why We Built TestBot

Testing embedded systems isn't easy. It requires more than just code validation — you must verify how the software interacts with sensors, protocols, displays, and real-world electrical conditions.

Manual testing is:

• Time-consuming
• Error-prone
• Not scalable
• Difficult to trace or reproduce

TestBot addresses these challenges with automation, reusability, and intelligent test design.

What sets TestBot apart:

• Modular and distributed testing architecture
• Seamless integration with physical hardware jigs
• Support for industry-standard protocols (CAN, UART, I2C, etc.)
• CI/CD-ready for fast iterations
• Easy-to-configure Test Methods for domain-specific validation
• Professional test reporting (PDF, JSON, HTML)

TestBot Architecture: Modular, Scalable, Intelligent

The architecture of TestBot is designed around a client-server-agent model, making it scalable across test benches and projects.

1. TestBot Server (Application Core)

• Central controller that manages all test execution
• Provides a web-based UI and RESTful APIs
• Manages users, test definitions, logs, test history, and reporting
• Schedules test execution across connected agents

2. TestBot Agents

• Lightweight microservices installed on local machines, Raspberry Pis, or embedded Linux boards
• Control hardware interfaces (GPIO, UART, CAN, etc.)
• Execute Test Methods and return results to the server
• Allow distributed, parallel testing

3. Hardware Test Jigs

• Custom-made jigs tailored for DUTs (Devices Under Test)
• Include relay boards, power control, fault injection circuits
• Enable repeatable electrical connections and stimulus-response validations
• Fault injection (open circuit, short, voltage sag) supported

Core Modules of TestBot

Test Management Module

Organize your testing logically and reuse scripts across projects:

• Test Sets – Complete test suites for specific firmware or device versions
• Test Groups – Logical clusters (e.g., Communication, Boot-up, Power tests)
• Test Methods – Smallest reusable test building blocks (e.g., Read Voltage, Send CAN Message, Validate LCD Output)

Each Test Method supports parameters, dependencies, and expected outcomes.

Hardware Abstraction Module

No need to rewrite code for different DAQs or I/O boards:

• Supports:
• GPIO toggling
• UART, RS232 command exchange
• CAN, LIN messaging
• I2C/SPI read/write
• Analog/digital signal measurement
• Power supply toggling and measurement

Abstracted through standard API adapters.

Execution Engine

• Manages multi-agent test execution
• Handles parallel execution, sequencing, and dependencies
• Timeout management and error recovery
• Regression test support

Report Generator

• Generates reports in PDF, JSON, HTML formats
• Captures timestamped logs, graphs, and optional screenshots
• Suitable for certification and compliance (e.g., ISO 26262, FDA, IEC 62304)

Key TestBot Terminologies

Test Set: Full collection of tests for validating a specific product or release.

Test Group: Logical grouping of tests (e.g., Safety Tests, Protocol Tests).

Test Method: Reusable, atomic function — “Send CAN Frame,” “Measure Voltage,” “Validate GUI”.

Test Agent: Local execution engine interfacing with real hardware.

Test Jig: Physical interface for connecting DUT to TestBot hardware stack.

Test Parameters: Input values or configurations used by Test Methods.

Execution Queue: Manages and prioritizes test runs across agents.

Hardware Profile: Defines the I/O layout and interfaces available on a test bench.

Stimulus Configuration: Defines triggers or events generated during the test (e.g., power cycle, signal pulse).

Measurement Point: A configured hardware input (ADC, logic analyzer, etc.) used to validate output.

Expected Result Definition: Validation logic (range check, signal match, timing criteria).

Error Log Analyzer: Captures and parses error messages from DUT logs or serial output.

Getting Started with TestBot

Step 1: Define your DUT’s I/O and hardware profile

Step 2: Create reusable Test Methods

Step 3: Group Methods into meaningful Test Groups and Test Sets

Step 4: Deploy agents to target benches

Step 5: Run tests manually or via CI pipelines

Step 6: Review detailed Test Reports

Built for Real-World Testing Challenges

TestBot is already used in production environments across multiple domains:

• Automotive ECUs (Body control, infotainment, diagnostics)
• Industrial IoT (Sensors, controllers, gateway devices)
• Medical Devices (Wearables, diagnostics, FDA-regulated products)
• Consumer Electronics (Smart plugs, home hubs, wearables)

Conclusion

TestBot is not just a tool — it’s a complete ecosystem designed for the future of embedded product validation. Whether you’re validating 100 test points or scaling to a fleet of 1,000 units across test benches, TestBot delivers consistency, repeatability, and quality.

Looking to reduce QA bottlenecks, improve traceability, and release faster?

Start with TestBot — your partner in embedded test automation.