What Role Do Embedded Systems Have in IoT?

A decade ago, smartphones were not as widespread as they are today. Fast forward to the present, and the rapid advancement of Internet of Things (IoT) applications has led to millions of devices connecting to the Internet globally. From smart homes to automated vehicles, IoT has revolutionized how we interact with technology.

Before the advent of IoT, embedded systems had already laid the groundwork for modern connectivity. Since the 1970s, microcontrollers and integrated circuits have enabled embedded systems to serve specific purposes, and they have been instrumental in driving the development of IoT devices today.

What is an Embedded System?

Traditionally, an embedded system is often a tiny computer system integrated into an electrical or mechanical system.  An embedded computer system has a specific function like an electric bike, washing machine, or internet router, an embedded computer system has a specific function. 

The market size of embedded systems was valued at $140 billion in 2022 and will reach $173 billion by 2032.

A special kind of embedded system called an Internet of Things (IoT) embedded system is made to function with other devices to create an IoT network. Usually, they are linked to sensors that gather information about the outside environment. After processing, the data is sent to the cloud or other devices that can be used for analysis and action. They can be programmed using various tools like C++, Java, and Python.

How Does an IoT Embedded Systems Work?

The heart of the IoT embedded system is a microcontroller. It is a small chip that comprises a processor, memory, and input/output peripherals. The chip is responsible for operating the device and processing the data collected from the sensors. 

In addition to the microcontroller, the IoT embedded system will include various sensors and input devices. Sensors include motion sensors, humidity sensors, pressure sensors, etc. While input devices contain cameras, microphones, and GPS receivers.

Importance of Embedded Systems in IoT Devices

An essential component of the IoT ecosystem’s foundations is embedded systems. An embedded system’s importance in the IoT arises from the fact that, without these systems, many devices that make up the Internet would not work as they do now.

Embedded systems will allow data to be sent and frequently evaluated locally, even though the internet is necessary for data transmission to and from IoT devices to online (cloud) services.

Here’s why IoT devices need embedded systems:

1. Optimizing Resources

IoT devices usually have constrained energy, memory, and computation capabilities. The purpose of embedded software development services is to maximize the utilization of these resources, guaranteeing the seamless and effective operation of the device.

2. Effective Communications

IoT gadgets must communicate with one another and the internet. Specifically made to oversee communication protocols like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and others, embedded software makes sure that data is transferred effectively and safely. These are part of the broader set of IoT protocols that ensure devices speak the same language for data exchange

3. Real-Time response

Security systems, industrial automation, and healthcare monitoring are just a few IoT applications that demand real-time response. Embedded software is engineered to react promptly to input and events, guaranteeing smooth system operation.

4. Security

IoT security is a major concern since hackers can access IoT devices. Higher security can be provided via embedded software, ensuring harmful assaults cannot access the device or its data.

5. Customization

Applications for IoT devices range widely, from industrial automation to household automation. Customizable embedded software can be used for data analytics, motion detection, temperature monitoring, and other specialized applications.

Applications of Embedded Systems in IoT

Embedded systems are the backbone of many IoT applications across industries. Here are some noteworthy examples:

1. Smart homes

Embedded systems facilitate the automation and management of security, HVAC, lighting, and air conditioning systems in smart homes. Embedded systems are necessary for smart lighting, locks, and thermostats to function well, react to user commands, and communicate with other smart devices.

2. Healthcare

Medical equipment like smart inhalers, glucose monitors, and wearable fitness trackers are powered by embedded systems. These systems gather and analyze medical data, giving patients and healthcare professionals real-time monitoring and alerts that enhance patient care and health outcomes. IoT software development is predicted to transform healthcare by lowering response times and costs and improving patient care. 

3. Agriculture

Embedded systems are used in agricultural IoT applications to optimize farming procedures. Embedded systems are used by devices such as soil moisture sensors, weather stations, and automatic irrigation systems to efficiently manage resources and monitor environmental conditions, hence improving crop output and sustainability.

4. IIoT

Embedded systems are used in industrial Internet of Things applications to monitor and regulate production processes, increase operational efficiency, and guarantee safety. IIoT devices’ embedded systems gather data from equipment, look for anomalies, and allow predictive maintenance to cut expenses and downtime.

Challenges of IoT Embedded Systems

There are numerous parallels between designing software for embedded devices without Internet connectivity and building embedded software for the Internet of Things. Similarly, when developing software for an Internet of Things product, certain challenges become even more important.

1. Security Issues

The security of an IoT device might be the biggest and most important coding issue. The software helps lessen security risks even though the hardware options that enable devices to connect present a big challenge.

A device connected to a wider network has a higher attack surface area than a disconnected one. What is the size of this problem? According to Nokia’s endpoint security software, 32.72% of malware infections were detected on IoT devices in 2020. And Nokia did indeed see that. IoT infection rates have been comparable to those reported by other security software partners.

2. Restricted memory

For various reasons, including cost, embedded systems typically lack the massive amounts of memory and computing power of a computer. Because of these hardware constraints, embedded software must be as lightweight and efficient as possible.

Every feature and every piece of code must have a reason for existing. It is not possible for an embedded system to directly access gigabytes of memory. It is unlikely to have megabytes at all.

3. Software Updates

The main benefit of an Internet of Things (IoT) gadget is its connectivity, which allows cloud services and any connected smartphones or embedded software to benefit from over-the-air updates.

Software updates can close security holes discovered in software libraries used to code the device software and bugs that weren’t discovered during testing. Updates for devices can also increase the marketability and relevance of the product by adding new features or improving current ones for end users.

However, embedded software development teams must code, test, and have methods that work in tandem with application developers and other experts in a product team to maintain the required rate of development.

Conclusion

IoT advancements are constantly occurring. As more and more industries recognize the potential for linked devices to significantly improve their business operations, technology is progressing beyond the consumer level.

Whether it’s supply chain management using RFID to assist Industry 4.0 changes or IIoT-enabled technology. Alternatively, a customized medical gadget that uses IoMT to control a patient’s co-morbidities: IoT offers enormous promise for a wide range of corporate applications.