It’s evident that technology is accelerating at breakneck speed in the modern era. It’s the era of technology, and the decade of artificial intelligence. AI has brought massive changes to our daily lives. Cloud platforms release updates every other week, and mobile phones have become impressively faster.

But what about embedded systems? These are the computers found in automobiles, appliances, medical tools, and industrial machinery. They seem to be decades behind.

Why, then, aren’t these vital systems, on which we depend every day, developing at the same rate as other technological fields? Let’s study more about the causes.

What Are Embedded Systems?

Let’s get to the background first before answering the prominent question. A computer created to carry out a very specific function and fitted into a larger device is called an embedded system. An embedded system is made for a single task. This is why it’s different from our laptops or smartphones, as they run a multitude of apps.

Here are a few common examples:

• The microwave’s microcontroller controls heating and timing.
• The system inside your car checks the tire pressure or controls airbags.
• The chips that perform life-saving operations inside medical devices.

These systems may not seem glamorous, but they’re everywhere. Indeed, over 98% of all microprocessors are used in embedded systems, according to VDC Research. They are working hard, but not making noise like other technological systems.

Why Do They Feel Behind the Curve?

People often think about: why do embedded systems appear antiquated in comparison to consumer technology? There are a plethora of important factors.

1. Extended Product Lifecycles

Mobile phones and other consumer electronics are replaced every two to three years. Conversely, embedded systems frequently have a 10- or even 20-year lifespan. Sounds fascinating?

Here are some examples: an airplane’s navigation system and a hospital’s MRI machine. They are ridiculously expensive. Nobody wants to swap those out every few years. The newest processor is not nearly as important as reliability and long-term support.

Therefore, embedded systems dont run after ultra-modern features. The embedded system developers utilize tried-and-true, reliable hardware and software. They naturally feel behind because of that.

2. Regulatory and Safety Restrictions

Safety is the top priority in sensitive sectors such as healthcare and aerospace, where even tiny negligence can take lives. An update that malfunctions a pacemaker will be lethal. On the other hand, malfunctions in smartphones will not be devastating. 

For this reason, embedded systems in vital applications must undergo strong certification and testing procedures. After certification, systems are rarely updated unless absolutely required. This process can take years.

Development timelines for medical devices may be prolonged by years due to the FDA approval process. The main priorities in this process are reliability and compliance.

3. Resource Constraints

If we compare to consumer electronics, embedded systems operate on substantially smaller hardware. They have just a few kilobytes of RAM and minimal storage. The processing power is also limited.

Why? It’s because a lot of embedded devices are made to be small and inexpensive. They are power-efficient. For instance, if your washing machine had a powerful processor. It will cost massively.

Developers are unable to simply install the newest operating systems or software frameworks due to these hardware limitations. Rather, they use lightweight code in comparison to modern technology.

4. Sensitivity to Cost

Cost is the critical factor for a lot of manufacturers. Even 50 cents per unit can add up to enormous savings if you are building millions of devices. Businesses continue to use less expensive but old-school components for embedded systems. There isn’t much motivation to switch to the newest chip or board as long as the part performs its function well. Innovation is unavoidably slowed down by this cost-driven strategy.

5. Issues with Legacy Code 

There is a lot of legacy code in the world of embedded systems. Decades-old platforms and programming languages fuel a large number of devices.

Why don’t businesses update? It is costly, dangerous, and time-consuming to rewrite software for millions of devices. Plus, the new code may not work with the outdated hardware that is still in use.

As a result, rather than starting from scratch, developers frequently maintain and patch older code. Although it’s safe, progress seems to be slower.

6. Distinct Priorities

In the tech industry, the primary values are speed, features, and user experience. The priorities of embedded systems are entirely different:

• Stability: Systems must function without hurdles for many years.
• Efficiency: Minimal energy consumption is paramount
• Durability: Devices frequently operate in challenging conditions, so they must be durable

It’s not feasible to pursue the newest innovations when these are your objectives. A reliable system that works is more important than one with glitzy new features.

Are Embedded Systems Actually Falling Behind?

Despite their apparent lack of functionality in comparison to consumer electronics, embedded systems are actually performing well what they were intended to.

They place more importance on dependability and safety than on frequent upgrades. And that’s a need, not a weakness. According to Statista, the global embedded systems market is expected to grow from its 2022 valuation of $108 billion to over $163 billion by 2028. These systems are obviously not “stuck in the past.” Every year, they subtly power a larger portion of our planet.