Elektor

Improving memory safety has become a priority for embedded developers, particularly as connected systems introduce new security risks. In this interview, AdaCore discusses how vulnerabilities in memory management can serve as entry points for cyberattacks, making it essential for embedded engineers to adopt proven DevSecOps practices. By integrating security into the development lifecycle, teams can proactively address risks rather than reacting to them post-deployment. The conversation also highlights the role of programming languages such as Ada/SPARK and Rust, which enforce stricter memory safety, along with advanced code analysis tools that integrate seamlessly into CI/CD workflows. Together, these approaches enable developers to build more robust, secure, and maintainable embedded systems. Watch the full interview: youtu.be/tVeMFIbA6Po

Elektor Lab Talk #44 — Embedded World 2026 x.com/i/broadcasts/1…

Modern vehicles rely on a complex network of sensors and actuators to monitor conditions and control critical functions. Understanding how these components work — from basic electronic principles to system-level integration — is essential for anyone working with automotive technology. This practical guide explores how sensors and actuators interact within vehicle systems, including communication protocols and real-world applications. Whether you're an engineer, technician, or advanced student, this is a valuable resource to better understand, test, and troubleshoot automotive electronics. Read the full article: elektormagazine.com/news/automotiv…

Learning embedded systems becomes more accessible when you combine hands-on experience with a structured approach. This ESP32 programming course with MicroPython offers a complete learning path, including a textbook, component kit, practical projects, and an online course. It guides you step by step through key topics such as digital and analog I/O, communication protocols, and working with sensors and actuators. Using MicroPython makes it easier to get started, while still enabling powerful real-world applications on the ESP32 platform. Ideal for students, makers, and engineers looking to build practical embedded and IoT skills. Explore the full course: elektor.com/products/esp32…

Getting started with embedded systems is easier when you combine hands-on learning with a clear structure. This Raspberry Pi Pico course with MicroPython offers a complete learning experience, including a textbook, component kit, practical projects, and an online course. It guides you step by step through programming, working with sensors and actuators, and building real-world applications. Using MicroPython makes it especially accessible, offering a simple and intuitive way to interact with hardware while developing practical skills. Ideal for beginners, makers, and anyone looking to explore embedded systems in a practical way. Explore the full course: elektor.com/products/raspb…

Learning embedded systems becomes much more effective when you combine theory with hands-on experience. This ESP32 programming course with Arduino C/C++ offers a complete learning path, including a textbook, component kit, practical projects, and an online course. It guides you step by step through essential topics such as digital and analog I/O, communication protocols, and real-world applications. Designed for students, makers, and engineers, it’s a practical way to build solid skills in modern IoT and embedded development. Explore the full course: elektor.com/products/esp32…

Learning embedded systems becomes much more effective when theory and hands-on practice come together. This Raspberry Pi Pico programming course combines C/C++ development with the Arduino environment, offering a structured and practical way to get started. With a complete kit, textbook, and online course, it guides you through everything from basic I/O to communication protocols and real-world applications. Designed for beginners as well as makers and engineers, it provides a solid foundation for working with modern microcontrollers. Explore the full course: elektor.com/products/raspb…

Getting started with embedded systems can be challenging — but the right combination of theory and hands-on practice makes all the difference. This Arduino Programming Course offers a complete learning experience, combining a textbook, component kit, and online training. From basic I/O to communication protocols and real-world projects, it’s designed to guide you step by step into microcontroller programming. Whether you’re a student, maker, or professional looking to strengthen your embedded skills, this is a practical way to build a solid foundation. Explore the full course: #section-info" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">elektor.com/products/ardui…

AI is reshaping engineering careers — not by replacing engineers, but by changing how they work, collaborate, and innovate. As the field evolves, there’s a growing need for professionals who combine solid technical expertise with adaptability and a mindset of continuous learning. AI is becoming an integral part of engineering workflows, influencing design, development, and problem-solving. This perspective from Würth Elektronik offers valuable insights into how careers in engineering are evolving and what skills will matter most moving forward. If you’re considering your next step or want to understand how AI is impacting the profession, this article is worth your time: elektormagazine.com/news/ai-engine…

As embedded systems grow more connected and software-driven, security needs to be built in from the very beginning — not added later. Approaches like DevSecOps and a stronger focus on memory safety are helping teams rethink how they design, develop, and maintain secure systems. This shift is not just about tools, but about mindset: integrating security across the entire lifecycle and addressing vulnerabilities at their root. If you’re working in embedded development or care about secure system design, this is a topic worth your attention. Read the full article: elektormagazine.com/news/modernisi…

The 555 Timer remains one of the most versatile and widely used ICs in electronics—and now the popular 555 Timer Projects Bundle is back. This bundle combines a book featuring over 45 tested projects with a kit of more than 130 components, making it a practical resource for both learning and hands-on experimentation. It’s a great opportunity to explore classic and creative applications of the 555 timer while saving 21%. Discover the full bundle here: elektor.com/products/555-t…

The Elektor MultiCalculator Kit demonstrates how multiple measurement and calculation functions can be combined into one compact tool. In this demo, the kit is used to perform various electronic calculations and measurements, showing how it can support practical tasks in the lab or during development. The device brings together different functions in a single platform for everyday use. Watch the demo and explore its capabilities. Read the full article: elektormagazine.com/news/elektor-m…

Need to weigh bulky objects such as bikes or large luggage? A new Elektor project shows how wireless scales can transmit weight measurements in real time. The concept uses multiple small scales placed under different parts of an object. Each scale sends its measurement wirelessly to a receiver module, which displays the individual readings and calculates the total weight. Each scale is built around an ESP32 module with a small OLED display and an HX711 A/D converter connected to a strain-gauge sensor. The system allows several scales to work together, making it easier to measure large or irregular objects. Read the full article: elektormagazine.com/news/wireless-…

PCIM Expo 2026 will bring the power electronics community together from 9–11 June 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany. The event gives visitors the opportunity to dive into the industry’s most important developments, identify relevant trends early, make valuable new connections, and gain insights along the entire value chain. Read the full article: elektormagazine.com/news/pcim-expo…

Build your own robots with the new Elektor Special: Robotics and Automation. This new Elektor Special shows how you can build your own robots with creativity, a little know-how, and inexpensive technology. The edition offers practical instructions and hands-on projects designed for engineers, makers, and robotics enthusiasts. Highlights include: • Practical instructions • Hands-on projects • 116 pages of robotics content For a limited time you can save 25%. Learn more or order your copy: elektor.com/products/elekt…

Applications are open for Electronica Fast Forward 2026. The startup platform powered by Elektor gives startups the opportunity to present their technology at electronica 2026 in Munich. Selected startups will be able to showcase their innovations and pitch their ideas during the event. Startups working in electronics, embedded systems, AI, IoT and related technologies are invited to apply. Read the full article and apply: elektormagazine.com/news/electroni…

Embedded World 2026 continues in Nuremberg with another busy day of innovation, demos, and conversations across the embedded ecosystem. Developers, companies, and researchers gathered to showcase new technologies in embedded hardware, software, development tools, and system architectures. The event brings together the global embedded community to explore the latest trends shaping areas such as embedded AI, edge computing, safety, and security. Follow the highlights from Day 2 and see what’s happening on the exhibition floor: elektormagazine.com/news/embedded-…

Explore the world of embedded systems and artificial intelligence with Elektor. The Embedded & AI page brings together projects, technical articles, industry news, expert interviews and videos focused on embedded development and AI technologies. It’s a place to discover practical engineering insights, new tools and real-world applications shaping modern electronics. You can also download the Embedded & AI 2026 Bonus Edition directly from the page and explore additional curated content on embedded design and AI. Start exploring and download the bonus edition: elektormagazine.com/embedded-and-ai

Exploring the DigiKey Booth at embedded world Exhibition&Conference 2026 At Embedded World 2026, DigiKey is showcasing how modern development platforms, rapid prototyping ecosystems, and AI-enabled hardware are transforming embedded engineering. Together with David Sandys, Senior Director of Technical Enablement and Engagement, we explored several demos highlighting how quickly engineers can move from idea to working prototype today. Some highlights from the booth: • XRP Robotics Platform + Red Pitaya – A robotics platform paired with a digital oscilloscope to visualize sensor signals in real time, helping students and engineers better understand the electrical behavior behind robotics systems. • FPGA Real-Time Video Processing – Using the Terasic DE25 FPGA board, video processing runs directly in hardware, demonstrating the deterministic performance and instant startup advantages of FPGA designs. • Edge AI Gesture Recognition – A demo powered by the STM32N6 processor shows how hand gestures can control games in real time, illustrating the potential of intuitive touchless interfaces using embedded AI. • Arduino Ventuno Q Platform – A new edge-AI platform combining a Qualcomm module with up to 40 TOPS of AI performance, capable of running tasks such as facial recognition directly on the device. • $1 Embedded Prototyping – A compact design based on the TI MSPN0 microcontroller shows how low-cost hardware can still support modular ecosystems like MikroE Click boards. • AI vs AI Robotic Chessboard – Built by DigiKey interns, this playful demo features a robotic chess system powered by the XRP platform where AI engines compete while the board physically moves the pieces. • Local IoT Data with MachineChat – Demonstrating how sensor data can be collected, aggregated, and visualized locally on hardware like the Arduino Uno Q without requiring cloud connectivity. • Multi-Vendor Thread Network – A particularly interesting demo shows platforms from NXP, Microchip, and ST working together within the same Thread network, coordinated through Home Assistant, highlighting DigiKey’s role in helping engineers integrate technologies across vendors. Across the booth, the message is clear: embedded development cycles are shrinking dramatically. With modular hardware ecosystems like Qwiic, STEMMA QT, Grove, and Click boards, engineers can now build complex prototypes in hours rather than weeks.

AI Meets Embedded Development at embedded world Exhibition&Conference 2026! At Embedded World 2026, Texas Instruments demonstrated how AI integration in the Code Composer Studio (CCStudio) IDE can significantly accelerate embedded development. The demo used a simple game running on an MSPF0 microcontroller, but the real story was the AI-powered workflow behind it. Developers can describe what they want using natural language, and the system translates that into working code optimized for the target device. What makes the approach particularly interesting is that the AI is connected to three critical parts of the development process: • Coding – The AI understands the SDK and documentation, allowing it to generate platform-appropriate code. • Device configuration – It can read the hardware configuration, understand available peripherals, and adjust settings directly through TI’s configuration tools. • Debugging – The AI can control the debug interface itself, flashing firmware, running the program, setting breakpoints, and inspecting variables to diagnose issues automatically. This last point is especially powerful. Instead of simply generating code and leaving developers to troubleshoot problems, the AI can actively debug the system, check sensor values, and determine whether the behavior matches expected conditions. The workflow also supports data collection and AI model training. Sensor boards capture real-world data, which can then be trained and optimized either on-device or on a standard PC. Developers can enter the pipeline at any stage depending on whether they already have data available. The result is a development process where AI helps move from idea → code → configuration → debugging → model deployment much faster than traditional embedded workflows. It also lowers the barrier for teams with limited AI or embedded expertise to build and deploy intelligent systems on microcontrollers. Embedded development is becoming increasingly complex. Tools like this show how AI-assisted workflows may become a key productivity layer for future embedded engineering.