Introduction
In recent years, embedded systems have become integral to our daily lives. These systems, from smartphones to smart homes, play a crucial role in powering various devices and appliances. As we enter 2023, technology advances rapidly, paving the way for even more innovative embedded development. In this article, we will explore technologies shaping the landscape of embedded development in 2023. From artificial intelligence (AI) to edge computing, these technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with and utilize embedded systems. So, let’s dive in and see how these technologies are reshaping the future of embedded development.
Technologies that are shaping embedded development
Embedded Linux
Due to the variety of CPUs, networking protocols, and firmware that Linux can handle, it is widely used in embedded systems. There is also almost nothing that embedded engineers can’t achieve with Linux thanks to the Yocto Project, which offers a versatile and open-source collection of tools for developing unique Linux-based systems.
Given this, it should be no surprise that several exhibitors at Embedded World 2023 offered Linux customization services based on the Yocto Project. Manufacturers of electronics and companies specializing in creating embedded software were among them. Automotive, healthcare, agricultural, telecommunications, and industrial applications were among the many used cases.
Integration of the Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) has been a popular term for some time, and its influence on the creation of embedded software is only increasing. Even more systems and gadgets are likely to connect to the Internet and communicate with one another in 2023. The functionality and interoperability of IoT devices are improved by creative solutions developed by embedded software developers thanks to this connection.
IoT integration enables embedded software developers to use cloud computing and data analytics to gather information and provide consumers with tailored experiences. Consider an intelligent home system, for instance, that analyses your energy use trends and automatically modifies the temperature settings to maximize energy efficiency. The seamless integration of embedded software with IoT technology enables this degree of intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence
Incorporating AI into almost any business procedure or product dealing with massive data is not new. What is more recent is embedded AI, or AI that is integrated into hardware to handle standard model maintenance, data gathering, and data preparation tasks for these devices’ algorithm-based functionality. Field-programmable gate arrays FPGA boards, regularly employed in computer vision-based solutions for industrial and automotive industries, are therefore widely present at Embedded World 2023.
Local AI will improve a device’s overall performance when the cloud is not an option by reducing energy use and speeding up computation times. Embedded AI won’t replace cloud platforms. Instead, it will complement the cloud’s capacity to employ AI, as embedded AI on the edge will still require its assistance to provide value.
Using the edge
Another trend that is influencing the development of embedded software is this one. Cloud data processing under traditional computing methods creates latency and bandwidth issues. Also, edge computing brings data processing closer to the point of origin. By doing this, the time between event stimuli and system reaction will be shortened. Embedded software developers are using Edge computing to create intelligent gadgets that can analyze data locally and make choices instantly without significantly relying on online access. This trend is significant for applications that need minimal latency, such as driverless cars and industrial automation systems. Embedded software developers allow quicker and more effective data processing, opening up a new world of possibilities by pushing computer power closer to the edge.
Security is always a concern when there is transportation. As a result, AUTOSAR (AUTomotive Open System ARchitecture) has become a popular choice for software architecture among many automotive software developers, including ourselves. However, Zephyr, a new operating system, rapidly gained popularity and was created with ISO 26262-1:2011 in mind. It will soon be available, making connection design for automotive applications more straightforward.
Wireless
Wireless home networks are also prevalent and practical. Since wireless technologies are reasonably priced and currently used in contemporary structures, they impact embedded development. Here is a case study that exemplifies how wireless technology will modernize a system and improve the comfort of working and living there. Sirin Software created TowerIQ, a technology for the first configuration and provisioning of in-building radio communication equipment, in response to receiving an outsourced embedded firmware development job.
For manufacturers of wireless devices, maximizing battery-powered devices for low power consumption and good uptime is a big problem. Technologies for tracking and reducing the energy consumption of wireless embedded devices are thus continually being developed. Engineers optimize embedded systems with the help of energy monitoring and visualization. Improvements can also be made with upgraded Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules, which use less power at the hardware layer.
Internet safety and privacy
Security and privacy have been elevated to the top of the issues for embedded software developers due to the growing interconnection of devices and systems. A greater emphasis on incorporating strong security measures into embedded systems is something we can anticipate.
Embedded software developers employ secure coding practices, encryption techniques, and cutting-edge authentication procedures to safeguard sensitive data and maintain user privacy. With its decentralized and tamper-resistant features, blockchain technology is having an impact on security as well. It provides solutions for safe data storage and transactions.
Smart house
Even if it appears at first look that this technology has not advanced much, the income generated by the Smart Home business proves otherwise. There are many intelligent home trends nowadays, and the embedded software development process of technology is getting more complicated. Applications that let you manage your smart home remotely are popular. With outdated technology, embedded devices might be programmed to turn on and off at specific times or days. The newest trend allows us to turn on gadgets with a monitor or geolocation sensor.
Another significant development for businesses demanding embedded systems programming is home automation systems. Because they are voice-activated, the technology will be helpful for the elderly and crippled. Working with a company like Sirin Software would be advantageous since they provide embedded programming and hardware development services. The technology is simple to implement.
Systems for distributed computing
The discipline of developing embedded software is also becoming more and more focused on distributed computing systems. In distributed computing, complex work is divided into manageable chunks executed on various hardware or software. Applications that demand high performance or fault tolerance will benefit the most from this strategy. For instance, a system that must analyze enormous volumes of data in real-time, like a video streaming service, might take advantage of a distributed computing architecture.
Cloud computing
An effective tool for developing, deploying, and managing embedded software is cloud computing. Embedded software developers will benefit from cloud computing by saving time and money and increasing their products’ scalability and dependability.
It might be challenging to stay current with trends. Developers must stay current on these topics to build intelligent, connected, and secure systems. We can create a future where embedded systems improve user experiences, facilitate real-time decision-making, and stimulate innovation by embracing these trends.
Business automation
Developing embedded hardware and software for embedded systems is crucial to improving industrial automation solutions. A new trend emerges every year, such as better ways to upgrade technical equipment or improved equipment monitoring. Businesses are interested in creating embedded systems because fewer flaws and more excellent specialized equipment safety lead to higher product quality and risk reduction.
Embedded development in 2023 influenced the automation procedure. There will be a high demand for technology that enables embedded systems to operate industry machinery remotely. The embedded system collects information that can be uploaded to the cloud and monitored and controlled remotely over the Internet.
Graphical user interfaces (GUIs)
They are essential for making embedded systems more intuitive and user-friendly. GUIs can provide visual feedback, interactive menus, buttons, sliders, and other widgets that allow users to control and monitor embedded systems. GUIs can also display rich graphics, animations, and multimedia content that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of embedded systems. To develop GUIs for embedded systems, developers need cross-platform software tools that can support various hardware platforms, operating systems, and display technologies.
Open-source software
It is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. Open-source software offers many benefits for embedded developers: lower costs, faster development cycles, higher quality, greater flexibility, and broader community support. Open-source software can also foster innovation and collaboration among embedded developers by allowing them to share their code and ideas with others. Some examples of popular open-source software for embedded development are Linux, FreeRTOS, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and TensorFlow Lite.
Conclusion
Embedded software development is continually expanding with new technology and trends appearing often. Embedded software engineering businesses will ensure that their systems are effective, dependable, and able to satisfy the demands of their clients by keeping up with current developments.