Public Becoming Aware of "Embedded" Systems
Normally the purview of the severely geekish, embedded digital systems have risen into public view of late due to the controversy over Toyota's "sudden unintended acceleration" problems. Many claim the fault lies somewhere within Toyota's operating software, which the company strongly denies, stating forcefully that the problem is somehow mechanical (though not necessarily traceable to pesky floor mats).
So now people are saying, "Hey, that electronic system that helps run my car is pretty important." And there are similarly "embedded" electronic systems in every manner of modern consumer product from cars to planes to audio/video equipment, medical devices, cell phones, appliances, toys - virtually any product with a power supply or batteries.
Embedded systems are, therefore, central to our daily lives, and people have to create, test, and maintain each and every one of these systems. Over the years, how many of us have heard auto mechanics complain bitterly about losing "control" over more and more aspects of our vehicles as more and more internal vehicle systems have become computerized, including — relevant to beleaguered Toyota — electronic traction control and anti-lock braking systems?
There is no going back - the trend will continue despite the lamentations of old-school mechanics and, um, bumps in the road like Toyota's acceleration issues. In the near future cars will be essentially driving themselves with an integrated GPS navigation system, auto-follow cruise control, and collision avoidance systems. More loss of "control," yes, but think of the increase in convenience and safety - as long as the systems work properly.
It is very likely, then, with so much at stake, that the public will become more and more aware of the crucial embedded systems that run the devices that facilitate so much of contemporary life; and we will demand ever more perfection from the developers who create and maintain them. It's comforting to see them discussing such dead serious arcana as "Debugger Tips: 8 ways breakpoints can save your next software project."
Follow Technorati