This paper presents the architecture of an autonomous, multipurpose station, which executes dynamically uploaded applications. The station hardware is based on an embedded Java processor, which runs the system software and applications. The system software is built on top of a flexible, lightweight, efficient, and secure mobile object platform, which is able to receive mobile code and to execute it, while protecting the station from faulty applications. Mobile code is used for application upload, as well as for remote configuration and maintenance of the autonomous station. Applications executing on the station may be charged for their resource consumption. This paper also outlines an initial application of the autonomous station, which has been recently deployed in a pilot project.