AI in Embedded Systems and Perspectives on Security. Embedded World 2024 Overview

AROBS Transilvania Software development > Blog > AI in Embedded Systems and Perspectives on Security. Embedded World 2024 Overview

At Embedded World, experts and leaders come together to discuss the latest trends in embedded software development, hardware innovations, and industry challenges. AI in embedded systems, security and tech sustainability were the main topics of discussion at the event.

Part of our embedded specialists, together with our colleagues Silvan Morariu, Head of Automotive at AROBS, and Cosmin Stanciu, Business Group Manager specialized in Aerospace at AROBS Engineering, attended the conference this year together in Nuremberg between April 9-11.

Our colleagues’ involvement helps us empower our status in a competitive field, strengthening our expertise in embedded systems for automotive, aerospace, medical, and more. Let’s discover the main highlights of Embedded World 2024.

AI in Embedded Systems – a Continuous Innovation Process

As our colleagues confirmed, artificial intelligence in embedded systems was among the key topics that have been discussed at Embedded World 2024. A lot of information is buzzing about AI and what it can do to help with any industry need, or wish. It is truly fascinating how AI is making a difference. With faster development of devices and autonomous systems, this technology teaches us about what could be possible. Thanks to its capacity to learn and operate autonomously businesses can adapt their devices to any need. Constant improvement is now possible. Smart sensors and self-learning algorithms are able to identify opportunities that weren’t considered before.

When it comes to AI in embedded systems, there are plenty of innovations. Some providers showcased their work at the event, offering a hands-on experience. One provider introduced a microcontroller that leverages AI models and software optimization rather than integrating NPUs (Neural Processing Units), to align with customer needs. The demand for AI acceleration drove other producers to optimize FPGAs to deliver high-performance solutions with low power consumption and smaller footprints.

Another interesting device showcased at Embedded World 2024 was an assistance system for bicycles. The e-bike of the future is already here – it has an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) with three cameras that help people cycle safely. Users can monitor traffic behind them and, thanks to more advanced functionalities, are not allowed to use the bicycle when they aren’t wearing a helmet. We see that AI not only makes businesses more efficient, but also improves everyday lifestyle.

AI in embedded systems has been also showcased as a useful enablement of various software tools that are now more and more used to make software engineering more efficient when it comes to design and development – and to help verification and validation setup for both embedded and non-embedded systems to operate better.

Security, a Vital Focus

The growth of interconnected devices makes safety an essential standard. To avoid any financial or data loss, or even damage to the public image, organizations started to implement more rigorous security and resilience measures against external threats. Recent data indicates that embedded security market is growing due to the expansion of IoT devices and AI & ML integration, and businesses are investing more in keeping systems and devices safe.

In embedded systems, security is closely intertwined with artificial intelligence, so it’s not surprising that security practices and policies were discussed at Embedded World 2024. The EU Cybersecurity Act and the EU Resilience Act were mentioned to underscore the importance of proactive strategies. Speakers recommend an approach that prioritizes addressing current threats and anticipating potential risks is essential for the system to operate flawlessly. What’s more, as processors became more powerful with less resources, specialists also developed more secure embedded systems, allowing even key management for military grade security.

We have seen now hands-on that basically, all embedded devices that are part of the highly standardized vertical markets (like automotive, aerospace, or medical) are now expected to comply with at least a basic set of cybersecurity requirements. It is essential to ensure that their firmware cannot be read/modified or configured through unauthorized access and their external communication, over any physical media, is encrypted.

Final Thoughts

A highly anticipated event, Embedded World 2024 brought together the embedded community from around the world. The event covered the most recent trends in powerful hardware, software, services, and tools that use less resources and, indeed, are more sustainable. In addition to connecting with experts, attendees engaged in workshops on AI in embedded systems and security.

In conclusion, the trends predicted for 2024 are already happening! According to Forbes, the increasing number of smart devices shifts the focus to safety and privacy even more, generative AI is more integrated in wearable devices, and edge computing is evolving faster to improve autonomous systems, which is extremely useful for self-driving cars.

Our team is eager to learn continuously and develop secure and adaptable embedded systems that are tailored to the customer’s needs, no matter the industry. Let’s embed success together in business!

Image Source: NürnbergMesse/ Thomas Geiger, https://nuernbergmesse.canto.de/v/press/album/S9PKA?display=fitView&viewIndex=0&gSortingForward&gOrderProp=name&referenceTo=&from=fitView&column=image&id=k7cpm05dmh7o1cfvjiuo9ale1t