Embedded engineering is a rapidly growing field that plays a crucial role in empowering the technology we use in our daily lives. From smartphones and laptops to cars and appliances, embedded systems are at the heart of the devices that make our lives more convenient and connected. As technology advances and new opportunities arise, embedded engineers are faced with the exciting challenge of keeping up with the latest trends and developments. In this blog, we'll explore the future of embedded engineering and take a closer look at some of the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Opportunities in the Landscape: The Growth of Embedded Systems in Today's World
Internet of Everything (IoE): IoE is one of the most significant opportunities for embedded engineers. Defined as a network of connections between people, things, data, and processes it will add intelligence and improved cognition across the connected environment. With billions of devices connected to the internet, embedded engineers can create new and innovative products that can collect and analyze data, integrate with processes, provide insight, automate tasks, and improve efficiency.
Embedded Intelligence (EAI): The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into embedded systems is another exciting opportunity for embedded engineers. Embedded AI works on network devices and provides common model management, data obtaining, and data preprocessing functions for AI algorithm-based functions. With the ability to send inference results to AI algorithm-based functions on the cloud, EAI utilizes the ever-increasing computing capabilities of devices, while offering advantages such as lower data transmission costs, as well as ensured data security and real-time inferencing and decision-making. This can be used to improve decision-making, automate tasks, and provide a more personalized experience for users.
5G and Wi-Fi 7: The rollout of 5G networks and the introduction of highly reliable bandwidth connectivity by Wi-Fi 7 is expected to have a significant impact on embedded systems, providing faster and more reliable connectivity for devices. This will enable new use cases such as real-time control and automation and facilitate the growth of the internet of everything.
Navigating the Challenges: Debugging Complex Systems in Embedded Engineering
Security: As embedded systems become more connected, data privacy and security will be critical. Historically, data security has been implemented at the device level - be it a smartphone or a laptop or any other smart connected device. However, in future, privacy and security measures would be implemented at multiple layers between IoE endpoints. Embedded engineers must ensure that the systems they design are secure against cyber-attacks and data breaches.
Testing and validation: As the complexity of embedded software in devices is growing, the testing and validation of embedded systems, including functional testing, stress testing, and performance testing are becoming critical in terms of efficiency and coverage.
Green software engineering in embedded systems: Energy consumption and sustainability are issues that embedded device manufacturers and embedded software engineers need to face. Right-to-repair in some of the developed countries imply that designs must ensure that devices last longer. Green software engineering will need embedded engineers to consider multiple factors like connectivity, low power operations and diagnostics to meet the demands of green design.
Embracing the Potential and Overcoming the Obstacles of Embedded Engineering
Embedded engineering is a challenging and exciting field that is constantly evolving. The opportunities and challenges presented by the internet of everything, artificial intelligence, and fast-low-latency networks are driving the development of new and innovative products. Embedded engineers must stay current with the latest trends and developments, and be prepared to tackle the challenges of security, power consumption, and complexity. Despite the challenges, the future of embedded engineering is bright, and we can expect to see many exciting new products and technologies in the years to come.
About the Author
Satish Burli
Head - Embedded Systems, Tech Mahindra
Satish Burli heads the Embedded Solutions practice at Tech Mahindra Engineering Services. An alumnus of NITK, Suratkal and the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Satish has over 25 years of experience in semiconductors, communication technology and its application across automotive, IoT, industrial and consumer electronics. Satish has worked across product engineering companies, semiconductor OEMs and startups developing IPs/solutions. He is an avid cricket fan and loves trekking and travelling
