This paper introduces the current developments of the SPIF (Syst`eme de Prototypage `a Implantation rapide et Faible coˆut) project. The goal of SPIF is to provide a low cost environment for quick prototyping of embedded distributed real-time applications. The hardware platform is built with reusable, standard off-the-shelf components. SPIF is the name of the testbed itself, a mobile autonomous robot controlled by an embedded real-time system, SPIF-OS. Ada95 is supported as an high level efficient tool to engineer real-time embedded software. Ada95 extends the original model by providing distribution capabilities. Both hardware and software have been developed at the ENST Computer Science Department.