Embedded Systems Take the Center Stage

The role of embedded systems has fundamentally changed. They aren’t just running individual devices anymore. They play a central role in modern infrastructure and products. Defense, healthcare, transport and even our national security rely heavily on embedded systems to connect sensors, execute real time control, enable autonomous operations and, ultimately, uphold our security. Embedded systems are deeply integrated into the operational technology that is the fabric of our infrastructure. A good example of this is the role vehicles now play as active components of critical infrastructure. Embedded systems inside modern vehicles continuously process sensor data and make real time safety decisions, such as automatic braking and stability control. In other words, they directly influence the safety and reliability of the transport system as a whole.

To borrow a phrase from another hero: with great power comes great responsibility. These embedded devices make immediate and crucial operational decisions, rather than just passing data upstream. The implication of this is that embedded systems are no longer merely providing localized device functionality, but have a strategic role in influencing system behaviour, performance and reliability.

Even though embedded systems have become the main character, we know that the hero has vulnerabilities. As these systems become more interconnected, it also introduces new attack surfaces. By default, this demands robust cybersecurity features to stave off any threats that can compromise the systems. Embedded security is no longer optional, but necessary to uphold infrastructure availability and safety. The regulatory frameworks require verification, update and security requirements, which in turn moves responsibility down the stack.

Embedded systems are so tightly woven into essential infrastructure and consumer products, that recognizing this and investing in this reality positions a company better for the future.

There are three things that need to be taken into account:

• Being ready for, and compliant with, regulations like CRA (Cyber Resilience Act) and industry/product specific standards to avoid loss of market access and/or legal implications. Lifecycle support, secure development practices and verification are becoming increasingly mandatory, even in embedded systems.

• Planning for upgrades and lifecycle management. Embedded systems can often outlive the original technologies built upon, with lifecycles measured in decades. Maintainability, updateability and long term security reduces technical debt and long term cost.

• Investing in talent to stay ahead of the competition. Integrating embedded systems can improve performance and reduce operational costs by enabling real time control, predictive maintenance and optimization of systems. Skilled engineers unlock the full value of embedded systems.

A shift towards increasing embedded systems integration is not only an afterthought. It is necessary both technically and commercially for companies to make better and more informed decisions on how to design, build and maintain their products.

You can reap the benefits of edge processing and cutting long term cost by maintainability, updateability and long lifecycles. But to do this, you must take responsibility for security, compliance and lifecycle management.

Embedded systems have taken the center stage. They’ve got the lead role now. Prepare your organization and get the right talent.

Anders Webb is a Sales Manager at Witted.