AWS DeepRacer gets a custom OS bootloader and developer mode support
AWS ML Blog · rss · 2026-07-21
AWS DeepRacer now supports custom operating systems through a new bootloader
AWS ML Blog announces a new developer bootloader for AWS DeepRacer devices, allowing users to install custom or third-party operating systems instead of being locked to the stock firmware.
What changed
- Developers can now use a bootloader based on the open-source shim project.
- The bootloader checks developer certificates in /EFI/DEVELOPER/certs/ and can boot custom signed kernels.
- The device shows clear warnings during boot, including an on-device “DEVELOPER MODE” Morse-code light indicator and an HDMI warning screen.
Why it matters
- Older DeepRacer shipping OS versions such as Ubuntu 16.04 and 20.04 are no longer supported.
- The new boot path lets the community install modern Linux distributions, custom drivers, and updated software stacks.
- AWS says the change helps extend the life of the hardware and supports community distributions, including an Ubuntu 24.04 / ROS2 Jazzy build used by the DeepRacing community.
The post is both a hardware lifecycle update and a detailed boot/security implementation note.
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