Automotive

Embedded devices in automotive

Not long ago the closest thing to computer technology in your car might have been the CD player. Today’s cars are almost thinking machines, able to incorporate mini-computers or embedded systems that deal with everything from entertainment and cruise control to suspension control, navigation systems and airbag systems.

Within a few years, cars, lorries and buses will become more sophisticated – to a degree that would once have been unimaginable. Even before the advent of self-driving cars, which will involve massive use of embedded systems, cars will be able to sense, plan, communicate and, of course, drive, with minimal human involvement.

Now, however, there is little thought given to the embedded systems security planning that could be involved in this. But that cannot last, security and standards requirements will become part of the changes that intelligent vehicles will bring – and that includes software protected from hacking and bugs.