Embedded Systems are playing an important role in technological developments and advancements across various industries, ranging from consumer electronics to advanced robotics and industrial automation. These systems are designed to provide integrated hardware and software components, enhanced performance, and real-time operation. Because of all these features and characteristics, they are being widely used in numerous applications across various industries. This chapter is meant to explain some of the most common applications of embedded systems.
Embedded Systems Applications
Some of the common applications of embedded systems across different industries are explained here –
Global Positioning System (GPS)
GPS is a technology used in navigation systems to synchronize data related to locations, velocity, and time zones. It uses satellites and receivers for this purpose. Vehicles and mobile devices widely make use of GPS systems to provide navigation functionalities. Embedded systems are provided in all GPS receivers to allow them to use the global position system. Embedded systems perform the processing of signals received from satellites to provide real-time navigation, location tracking, etc.
Medical Devices
Embedded systems are also used in most modern medical equipment that is employed for monitoring and treating patients. Some of the common examples of embedded systems in medical devices are –
- Health monitoring devices – Devices used for tracking vitals like heart rate, pulse rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, etc. are equipped with embedded systems to process captured data and display the readings.
- Implantable devices – Embedded systems are also used in devices like pacemakers.
- Diagnostic tools – Embedded systems are also used in various diagnostic tools to process sensor data and send it to a doctor or healthcare professional for analysis.
Automotive Industries
In the automotive industry, embedded systems are used to improve driving experience and safety. The following are some key applications of embedded systems in automotive industries –
- Embedded systems are used in infotainment systems to provide navigation, entertainment, and vehicle monitoring functionalities.
- Embedded systems are also used in driver assistance systems to provide features like adaptive speed control, driving warnings, collision avoidance, etc.
- Embedded systems are also used to enhance safety features in vehicles, such as anti-lock braking systems, enhanced airbags operation, pedestrian recognition, etc.
Hence, the integration of embedded systems in vehicles makes them safer and more convenient.
Home Entertainment
Today, embedded systems are integral parts of most electronic entertainment devices, ranging from a simple audio system to a smart TV and automatic washing machine. These systems provide the following key functionalities –
- Connectivity to the Internet and other networks
- Remote-controlled operation or interaction
- Integration of apps and streaming functionalities, etc.
Hence, embedded systems are making home entertainment devices smarter and enhancing user experiences.
Automated Fare Collection
Embedded systems are also used in automated fare collection systems in public transportation. Hence, they are also playing an important role in making public transportation convenient.
The main components of public transportation making use of embedded systems include –
- Ticket machines
- Smart card readers for passengers
- Automated gates, etc.
The primary aim of integrating embedded systems into automated fare collection units is to reduce manual intervention.
Fitness Trackers
Embedded systems are widely used in fitness trackers to monitor and analyze the activities of the users. These systems collect data like steps taken, body temperature, heart rate, pulse rate, oxygen level, etc. through sensors and process them to provide actionable suggestions to improve and maintain their health.
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
Embedded systems are also used in ATMs to provide connectivity with the bank’s server and manage the transactions securely. In an ATM machine, embedded systems are responsible for the following functions –
- Providing user interface
- Reading card data and commands
- Establishing communication with the host bank server
- Verifying the details provided
- Performing cash counting and showing transaction details, etc.
Hence, in an ATM machine, embedded systems are responsible for ensuring secure and efficient transactions.
Manufacture Industries
Manufacturing industries are using embedded systems like PLC automation, DCS, etc. to automate their processes. Embedded systems allow to implement following key functionalities in a manufacturing unit –
- Automation of assembly and production lines.
- Detect errors and defects to assure quality.
- Automate operations in hazardous areas, enhancing safety, etc.
Therefore, the use of embedded systems in manufacturing industries enhances the safety and operational efficiency of the plants.
Electric Vehicles and EV Charging Stations
Embedded systems are also used in electric vehicles and their charging stations. They are used for the following main purposes –
- Providing infotainment systems
- Displaying the vehicle’s performance and conditions
- Creating user interfaces to display charging status and instructions
- Detect issues and provide maintenance alerts
- Optimize the energy utilization, etc.
Hence, embedded systems make electric vehicles and their charging stations more efficient and user-friendly.
Self-Service Kiosks
Embedded systems are also used in self-service kiosks installed at locations like retail stores, airports, theaters, railway stations, etc. In these kiosks, embedded systems enable the following functionalities –
- Automated ticketing and checkouts
- Vending services
- Automated cash collection
- Providing information and instructions, etc.
Hence, embedded systems improve the reliability of operations and user experiences in the public places.
Conclusion
So, this is all about applications of embedded systems. In this chapter, we have discussed some of the common applications of embedded systems in various industries, from home entertainment to public transportation and manufacturing.