Embedded World 2017: Key Trends Shaping the Embedded Systems Landscape

The world’s largest embedded systems conference unfolded this week in Nuremberg, Germany, drawing over 1,000 exhibitors across four expansive halls. With 15 tracks and 36 sessions, the event covered a spectrum of topics—from Systems Engineering and Wireless Technologies to the IoT, Security, and Software Engineering—offering attendees a panoramic view of the industry’s future.

Amid the dazzling displays and rapid innovation, a few clear themes emerged that signal the direction embedded technology is taking.

High‑Level Tooling Replaces Low‑Level Debugging
For decades, embedded developers dove deep into registers, bits, and bytes. Today’s product cycles demand faster time‑to‑market and tighter budgets, making that level of low‑level work impractical. The Renesas Synergy Platform exemplifies this shift. Its Software Synergy Platform (SSP) v1.2.0 bundles qualified MCU drivers, an RTOS, middleware, and a Wi‑Fi framework, abstracting the hardware so developers can start from day one with high‑level APIs and configuration blocks.

Throughout the venue, vendors showcased visual block‑based development and automated code generation. Cypress Semiconductor’s PSoC IDE allowed developers to drop modules onto the design canvas and connect them, while Microchip’s Atmel Studio produced human‑readable, vendor‑verified code. The trend mirrors the PC world’s evolution two decades ago, moving developers above the silicon and into application‑centric design.

Security and the IoT at the Forefront
ARM’s announcement of the Cortex‑M23/M33, featuring TrustZone, underscored the industry’s focus on secure, IoT‑ready processors. Exhibitors highlighted new Wi‑Fi and connectivity modules—Redpine, for instance—and demonstrated sensor networks for smart cities, security bridges, and smart cameras. Sessions from IAR showcased techniques to optimize IoT devices for both performance and energy efficiency.

Deep Learning and Image Processing Gaining Momentum
SCISYS presented an autonomous rover equipped with optical cameras and an NVIDIA chipset, enabling real‑time environmental mapping and defect detection. ARCURE’s playful “Johnny 5” exhibit further illustrated how AI and robotics are becoming integral to embedded systems.

With nearly 1,000 exhibitors, Embedded World 2017 offered a snapshot of an industry in rapid evolution. If you attended or have insights to share, please comment below.

Jacob Beningo is an embedded software consultant who has worked across more than a dozen countries, driving improvements in product quality, cost, and time‑to‑market. He has authored over 200 articles, is a sought‑after speaker, and holds a Master’s Degree in Engineering from the University of Michigan. Contact Jacob, visit his website, and sign up for his monthly newsletter.