One industry that ‘is booming right now is the auto industry.
With gasoline and diesel cars facing a production ban beginning in 2030, vehicle electrification is rapidly gathering steam. The artificial intelligence technology is being developed at a fast rate because there are regularly announced new applications and integrations.
With the increasing integration of smart technology into our daily lives, consumers now demand that their purchases include adaptive features that provide greater insight and control as well as personalized insights. Additionally, the Internet of Things is connecting an increasing number of our machines and gadgets, including our cars, as Industry 4.0 leaves its mark on various forms of technology.
For engineers today, working in the automotive industry is an exciting place to be because of all of the aforementioned factors that influence various projects and ideas. Demand for automotive embedded systems is rising, but with all of these new possibilities come formidable obstacles for engineers to overcome.
As a dedicated recruitment agency in the electronics and embedded systems field, there are numerous opportunities for automotive embedded systems engineers. This article also discusses what is the current role of embedded systems in the automotive sector, what are the new technology trends in the automotive industry, and what are the current challenges of engineers. It’s a great time to be building new software and systems for vehicles.”
The Importance of Embedded Software in Automotive Systems
Automotive embedded systems control various car features, including engine performance, navigation, airbag deployment, adaptive cruise control, sensors, parking systems, anti-lock braking, and in-car entertainment. As automotive technology advances, these interconnected systems ensure cars operate more efficiently, quickly identify issues, and provide drivers with greater control over their experience.
Embedded systems play a vital role in modern vehicles, offering consumers more personalized experiences by giving them control over features and providing data on performance and efficiency. Many systems drivers rely on, like GPS navigation and parking assistance, are powered by embedded software.
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has further highlighted the importance of embedded systems. These systems manage battery distribution, monitor energy usage, and track vehicle performance. Additionally, EV charging technology depends on embedded systems, enabling communication between charging stations and vehicles for optimized charging processes.
Embedded systems also help improve the user experience by allowing manufacturers and charging stations to gather data on energy usage and charging times. Energy providers can monitor peak usage and efficiency, while technicians can spot problems and provide faster fixes.
Intelligent transportation systems, which are improving public transport, traffic management, and emissions, rely heavily on embedded systems. These systems offer traffic reports, provide real-time traffic instructions, and share data with larger traffic management systems. Additionally, smart sensors in cars alert drivers to potential dangers and improve safety through features like adaptive cruise control and airbags.
Emerging Innovations Transforming the Future of the Automotive Industry
Numerous features that are now standard on all types of vehicles are already made possible by embedded systems in cars. However, the use of these systems and software is still evolving, offering a variety of fascinating prospects for embedded systems engineers employed in the automotive sector.
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems
In relation to safer driving, embedded systems hold great promise in the field of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Vehicles can perform emergency stops and “read” traffic signs thanks to sensors and software. As this technology advances, our cars will be able to react to dangers and offer helpful assistance in more ways, promoting safer driving.
Electric Vehicles
Although they are not a recent invention, electric cars are rapidly gaining popularity among consumers. Better infrastructure for electric vehicles and the quantity of charging they require are necessary as a result of the growing demand for this technology.
One major area of focus is lengthening the time it takes for a car to charge. Embedded systems can assist with this by offering real-time data that can be used to modify the charging procedure and make it more efficient. Drivers may be able to use this technology to view nearby chargers and check availability as the number of charging stations increases, which could cut down on wait times and simplify trip planning.
Autonomous Vehicles
ADAS technology and development is fundamental to fully autonomous vehicles, and this means that engineers working on embedded systems can be part of this new and exciting development within the automotive industry. Although still in their very beginnings, self-driving cars have a long road ahead before we can reap their benefits, but embedded systems will be integral to that journey.
Artificial Intelligence
AI technology has an expanding list of uses, and in the automotive sector, it can complement embedded software to promote safer driving. There is a lot of potential in terms of the types of data that embedded systems can connect and the recommendations and enhancements to the driving experience that AI can make based on this data. One example of this is currently headlights that automatically dim when another vehicle approaches.
Smart Vehicles
“Smart” cars are the last topic we’ll discuss due to its potential for embedded system development. Some of the features of this concept—autonomous driving options, intelligent transportation system connectivity, and more effective energy management—have already been covered. Vehicles that can read a driver’s vitals and adjust their settings according to their energy or mood, or that offer recommendations to increase a driver’s road safety—which may have an impact on their auto insurance—could take this a step further.
Many customers may want their cars to use fuel more efficiently and have a smaller environmental impact due to climate change and the growing demand for financial efficiency. Additionally, there is a great deal of promise for “smart” car technology that tailors energy consumption and route recommendations to the driver’s preferences and offers advice on how to drive in a “greener” manner.
Key Challenges for Automotive Embedded Systems
The future uses of embedded systems in cars present many exciting prospects, but there are also some major obstacles that engineers need to be aware of and ready for.
The security of the networks and embedded systems utilized in automotive technology is the first of these. The likelihood of networks being hacked and having crucial data stolen or altered increases with increased connectivity. New safety regulations and more stringent testing methods are required in tandem with the development of new automotive embedded systems to guarantee that drivers are not being endangered.
Speaking of risk, when creating embedded software for automobiles, a higher standard of consumer safety must be taken into account. As you may already be aware, early autonomous vehicle testing has demonstrated that faulty technology can seriously compromise passenger safety. Developing new features that give vehicles more control carries similar risks.
If something goes wrong in a car, you put not only the driver and their passengers’ safety at risk, but also the safety of other drivers and bystanders. When attempting to implement new technologies or guarantee the safety of a new system, the automotive industry’s high stakes for consumer safety may cause obstacles and setbacks.
Finally, it can be more difficult to successfully debug systems or roll out updates for automotive embedded systems engineers. Finding a solution can be more difficult in networks with more connected devices because more devices and systems are affected when something goes wrong. It is also commonly known that updating software and firmware across a large number of vehicles is a significant challenge when attempting to update devices connected by the Internet of Things.
Wrap up
There are many fascinating opportunities presented by technological advancements in the automotive sector, particularly for embedded systems engineers. In addition to the potential to create safer and more environmentally friendly vehicles, smart systems and intuitive technology can also collect more data to provide drivers with better instructions on everything from how to drive to the best route. Moreover, embedded technology will be required in many ways to support the required infrastructure and enhanced user experience as 2030 and complete vehicle electrification approach.