Avalue Technology News Center

Embedded computer systems have been around for years – decades even. It's these handy, self-contained components that power many of the devices we use on a daily basis, from the vending machines on subway platforms to the smartphones we depend on for life and work.

In recent years, however, embedded SBC computer systems have developed at a rapid pace, with exciting new applications and revolutionary capabilities. This puts us at the dawn of a new era. As embedded systems grow increasingly powerful, they allow us to leverage their potential in fresh and innovative ways.

Edge computing systems are going to become one of the key focuses of embedded computer technology over the next 12 months. We've already seen how edge systems – which gather and process data close to the source – have expanded significantly in 2024, but 2025 is going to be the year that they come into their own.

This is because business owners are now waking up to the true potential of edge systems. These computing systems are far more efficient and sustainable than traditional forces of data processing, as data does not need to travel far or be sent to external storage and processing locations. For this reason, they are also more secure – there is less opportunity to intercept data on its journey.

With this in mind, products like the ACS10-TGU compact system are going to grow in demand as businesses develop their own embedded edge systems.

While embedded SBC computers are valuable in powering AI, AI also influences the development of the systems themselves. Artificial intelligence modeling can optimize the deployment and configuration of embedded components, reducing the power demand and increasing the viability of the system.

AI is also playing a big role in the development of software to run on embedded computer components. Microsoft is already using AI solutions to guide computer coding, and so we are likely to see increased instances in which artificial intelligence is used to leverage the very best from SBC computer components – components like the highly powerful ARM-based RSC-3576.

Embedded computer systems are, by their very nature, more secure than traditional types of system simply because they are self-contained units that don't need to distribute their processing and storage elements. However, there are still vulnerabilities. As operations shift increasingly towards embedded systems, cybercriminals will shift their own focus, seeking to exploit these potential vulnerabilities.

Businesses are expected to increase their financial investment in cybersecurity in 2025 and adopt policies like automated security testing, secure firmware updates, and strong monitoring frameworks in order to keep their systems safe from potential breaches.

The regulatory framework is also becoming increasingly robust, and so organizations will need to make sure their hardware and software meet these evolving regulations.

Embedded computers are no longer on the periphery of computing technology – they are now at its forefront. This is why we are seeing growth in open-source operating systems, designed specifically to get the best out of embedded systems.

These include open-source projects like the ever-popular Linux, which means businesses will need to adopt hardware that is capable of running these operating systems designed for embedded computers. Components like the ARM-based RSC-IMX8M SBC computer are designed to support Yocto-based Linux developments.

Adopting open-source operating systems makes life significantly easier for system developers. Not only are they able to develop customized software solutions at a lower cost, better meeting the needs of the user, but they can also enhance security. Using open-source code means that more users are able to identify potential vulnerabilities, which can then be plugged before there is a breach.

Traditionally, embedded computer development teams have relied on physical hardware testing to find out what is working and what is not. This is fairly effective and can help teams understand how their components will work when deployed for real. However, it can lead to problems. For instance, potential issues are not identified until quite late in the process, which can lead to significant delays if the team then has to go back and resolve an issue they missed earlier on.

It's also expensive. Testable components need to be physically produced and then put through their paces. If these components don't work as expected – which invariably they won't, at least in those early iterations – the result is a whole lot of wasted time, money, and resources. It's simply not feasible, and it's holding back innovation.

But now that simulated testing is becoming increasingly capable, this is changing. Organizations can now gain comprehensive insight into component performance quickly and easily. There are no wasted resources, and no time and money is thrown down the drain either. By simulating the testing process, developers can predict precisely how the component is going to perform, and the obstacles to innovation are lifted.

Even if we simulate the testing process, we still need to produce the final embedded computer system. This means physical construction is still a big part of the process.

3D printing has a role to play here. With additively manufactured electronics (AME), organizations can quickly download a component file and then print that component within their own facility. The process of development and sourcing components becomes more streamlined.

By adding hybrid filament materials to the mix, organizations can even print conductive components, which means large sections of an embedded computer system can be developed using only AME.

Here at Avalue, we provide the embedded computer systems and SBC computer components you need, covering a wealth of different applications. Reach out to our team to learn more, or browse our product range and make your choice.