1. Why is it said that embedded systems are “impacting” and “changing” university majors?
The essence of embedded systems is “dedicated computer systems”. As a bridge between the physical world and the digital world, its core value lies in the “intelligence” and “networking” of everything. This is precisely the core of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0).
1. The impact and change on computer science:
· Traditional computer science: More focused on general computing, software engineering, algorithm theory, and large system architecture (such as cloud computing, databases, Web backends).
· Changes brought by embedded systems:
· Shift of focus: Computing no longer exists solely in the cloud and data centers; edge computing and on-device intelligence have become crucial. This means that algorithms and software must consider resource-constrained environments (power consumption, computing power, memory).
· Integration of software and hardware: The knowledge barrier for pure software engineers has been broken. An excellent AI algorithm engineer cannot efficiently deploy models on cameras or drones without understanding the characteristics of embedded hardware. Computer science students now need to learn deeper knowledge of operating systems and compiler principles, and even understand some hardware drivers and architectures.
· New tracks emerging: Development of IoT devices, deployment of edge AI, and software for autonomous driving systems all require computer talent to possess embedded thinking.
2. The impact and change on electrical/automation engineering:
· Traditional electrical engineering: Primarily focused on high voltage (power generation, transmission, and transformation) with low voltage (electronic technology) as a supplement.
· Changes brought by embedded systems:
· Comprehensive intelligence: Traditional relay and PLC control systems are being replaced by smarter controllers based on embedded processors (such as ARM Cortex-M/R series, RISC-V). This is the core of “smart grids” and “smart manufacturing”.
· Software and hardware define everything: Through embedded software, the functions and performance of devices can be flexibly changed, achieving “software-defined vehicles” and “software-defined power electronics”. Electrical engineers are no longer just designing circuits; they also need to write control algorithms and communication protocols.
· New tracks emerging: New energy (photovoltaic inverters, energy storage system BMS), electric vehicles (VCU, MCU, BMS), industrial robot controllers, etc., are all products of deep integration between embedded systems and electrical engineering.
3. The impact and change on civil/architectural engineering:
· Traditional civil engineering: Structure, materials, construction management.
· Changes brought by embedded systems:
· Smart buildings and smart homes: Building automation systems (BA), security systems, smart lighting, and environmental control are all composed of networks of embedded devices.
· Structural health monitoring: Embedding sensor networks in bridges and dams to monitor stress, vibration, and displacement in real-time, collecting and processing data through embedded systems to achieve predictive maintenance. This is the physical foundation of “civil informationization” and “digital twins”.
· Intelligent construction: Construction robots, 3D printed buildings, and drone surveying all have embedded systems as their control core.
2. Will embedded systems become a “new hot track”?
There is no doubt about it. However, it does not appear out of thin air; it is an “evolutionary form” of traditional engineering under the wave of intelligence.
· Market demand driven: From consumer electronics (smartwatches, TWS earbuds) to automobiles (smart cockpits, autonomous driving), from industry (industrial internet, robotics) to agriculture (smart irrigation, drone seeding), almost all industries are seeking “intelligent” upgrades, and the hardware carrier for intelligence is embedded systems.
· National strategic support: National strategies such as “Made in China 2025”, new infrastructure (5G base stations, new energy vehicle charging piles, big data centers, artificial intelligence—these all rely on embedded devices), and “East Data West Computing” (where edge computing is an important part) have greatly increased the demand for embedded talent.
· Rising salaries: Due to high technical barriers (requiring both software and hardware skills), excellent embedded engineers, especially those skilled in AIoT (Artificial Intelligence + Internet of Things), automotive electronics, and RTOS (Real-Time Operating Systems), enjoy very attractive salaries and long career lifespans.
3. Why is it inaccurate to say “replace”?
1. Division of labor and collaboration: Society needs division of labor and cooperation. Embedded systems are responsible for the “edge side”, while traditional computer science is responsible for the “cloud side” and “algorithm development”; embedded systems achieve “perception” of civil structures, while civil engineers are responsible for “structural design” and “safety assessment”. They are complementary rather than substitutive.
2. Foundation of knowledge systems: An excellent embedded engineer needs a solid foundation in computer architecture, operating systems, circuit principles, and C language, which are core to computer and electrical engineering. Without these foundations, embedded development is like a source without water.
3. Professional barriers still exist: An embedded expert can design the best vehicle controller, but they may not understand the mechanical principles of the vehicle’s powertrain or the mechanical properties of the vehicle’s body structure. These professional barriers still exist; they just need to collaborate across fields with embedded technology.
4. Advice for university students and prospective students
1. For computer science students: Do not just indulge in pure software and upper-level application development. Deeply study operating systems (especially the Linux kernel), compiler principles, and computer organization principles. Try to work on some embedded-related projects, such as developing applications on Raspberry Pi or STM32, to understand how software and hardware work together. This will give you a significant advantage in the future fields of edge computing and AI deployment.
2. For electrical, automation, and electronics students: Strengthen your programming and software skills! Do not be satisfied with just using MATLAB/Simulink for simulations. Master C/C++, learn an RTOS (such as FreeRTOS), and understand the hardware driver development process. Combining your hardware design skills with embedded software skills will make you a scarce talent in the fields of smart hardware, power electronics, and robotics.
3. For civil, mechanical, biomedical, and other students: Establish an “embedded mindset”. Think about how your field can become smarter and more efficient through the integration of sensors, controllers, and actuators. Even if you do not write code yourself, understanding the principles and potential of embedded systems will allow you to propose more innovative solutions in projects.
Conclusion:
Embedded systems are not meant to replace computer, civil, or electrical engineering; rather, they inject new life into these long-established fields, endowing them with new capabilities to adapt to the times. The future hot tracks will be “computer + embedded”, “electrical + embedded”, “civil + embedded”… This kind of integrated cross-disciplinary field.
Therefore, you have keenly perceived the trend, but the future winners will not be those who choose one and abandon the other, but those who can integrate both (or more) into a composite talent.