Wherever you’re reading this right now, you’re probably no more than 50cm away from an embedded system. Your mobile phone. Your laptop. Your smart speaker. Even the device controlling your heating in the next room.
Embedded systems are everywhere. They’re the invisible technology quietly powering our everyday lives. But while they’ve always been essential, the pace of change has accelerated rapidly in recent years — driven by one major force: the Internet of Things (IoT).
IoT has transformed embedded systems from standalone components into connected, intelligent ecosystems. And that shift is unlocking applications and innovation we’ve only just begun to explore.
“IoT hasn’t just enhanced embedded systems — it’s fundamentally redefined what they’re capable of. We’re moving from reactive technology to systems that can learn, adapt and make decisions in real time.”
— SGI, Embedded & IoT Specialists
A potted history of embedded systems
Embedded systems date back to the 1960s, when they were originally developed to collect real-time flight data during the Apollo space programme. From there, they evolved into missile guidance systems, automotive fuel injection, and eventually the consumer and industrial technologies we rely on today.
The release of Intel’s first commercially available microprocessor in 1971 marked a turning point, accelerating adoption across industries. Yet for decades, embedded systems largely performed fixed, predefined functions — reliable, but limited.
That’s no longer the case.
AI and embedded systems
The emergence of AI has radically expanded what embedded systems can do. Modern devices can now analyse data locally, make decisions instantly and, in some cases, exceed human capability.
Embedded AI operates at the edge — on the device itself — rather than relying on cloud-based data centres. This enables faster response times, improved security and real-time insights across industries such as aviation, finance, manufacturing and healthcare.
But the real breakthrough comes when AI-enabled embedded systems are connected through IoT.
The impact of IoT
Connecting embedded systems to the internet has been the most significant development the sector has seen in recent years. IoT enables devices to communicate, share data and respond dynamically to their environments — turning isolated systems into intelligent networks.
This shift has been building steadily, and adoption continues to grow across almost every industry.
Where IoT-enabled embedded systems are making an impact
Personal devices
Smart homes, wearables, fitness trackers and voice assistants all rely on IoT-enabled embedded systems. They monitor, adapt and respond to user behaviour — often without us even noticing.
Healthcare
Remote patient monitoring is transforming care delivery. Embedded systems in wearable devices can track vital signs such as blood pressure, glucose levels and ECG data, alerting healthcare professionals when intervention is needed.
Transportation
From vehicle tracking and route optimisation to fuel efficiency and predictive maintenance, IoT-enhanced embedded systems are streamlining transport operations and enabling smarter, safer mobility.
Manufacturing
IoT-enabled embedded systems monitor equipment performance in real time, triggering alerts and preventive maintenance before failures occur, reducing downtime and maximising efficiency.
IoT and innovation
What makes this moment so exciting isn’t just what IoT embedded systems are already doing — it’s what’s still to come.
Today, they help us heat our homes before we arrive, track our health metrics and flag issues before they escalate. Tomorrow, they’ll solve challenges we haven’t even identified yet.
That unknown potential is what’s fuelling innovation across every industry.
The future is embedded systems.
The future is IoT.
Together, they’re creating a powerful space for research, development and innovation.
Ready to build your IoT dream team?
Or searching for your next opportunity in embedded systems and IoT?
Contact SGI’s Embedded & IoT recruitment experts today and let us connect you with the talent shaping the future of technology.
