In this paper we present the architecture of an autonomous, multi-purpose station which securely executes dynamically uploaded applications. The station hardware is based on an embedded Java processor running the system software and applications. The system software is built on top of a flexible, lightweight, efficient, and secure mobile object kernel, 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. The autonomous station relies on resource accounting and control in order to prevent an overuse of its computing resources. Moreover, applications executing on the station may be charged for their resource consumption. This paper also describes an initial application of the autonomous station, which has been recently deployed in a pilot project: Based on the architecture of the autonomous station, we have designed and implemented an on-demand bus stop.