Issue #174

Dear ,

Welcome to another edition of the Embedded Bytes newsletter!

This month, I feel like it’s the month of AI. I’ve been reading AI, writing AI, using AI, and creating with AI. For an embedded consultant, AI sure is on my brain!

To share a little bit about how I’m thinking about AI and using it, you can check out these two posts:

• Should you use AI to develop Embedded Systems?

• The Biggest AI Use Case Overlooked by Embedded

Also, don’t miss the latest episode of the Embedded Frontier Podcast, where I dive into the evolving role of AI in embedded software development.

Now, an important topic that I believe all developers should be watching is how build systems and SDKs are changing. To help see the benefits and use cases, check out my recent post:

• Getting Started with the New MCUXpresso SDK for NXP MCUs

Finally, join me at the Embedded Online Conference happening May 12–16, where I’ll be leading a workshop on Leveraging AI Agents for Smarter Development. Use promo code BENINGO25 for a $50 discount on your registration. (Prices go up $50 May 1, so register before the deadline!)

Thanks for tuning in—let’s keep pushing the boundaries of embedded development!

Happy Coding,

P.S. If you’re looking to sharpen your skills in Embedded Linux and Yocto, Mohammed Billoo is hosting an in-person training this May. Click here for details, and use code BEG25 to save $150.

Industry News and Cool Stuff

Getting Started with the New MCUXpresso SDK for NXP MCUs

(Beningo.com)

The move to the west-based MCUXpresso SDK is a significant improvement over previous SDKs. It simplifies dependency management, supports clean version control, and most importantly, it easier to integrate with modern tooling and workflows.

Should you use AI to develop Embedded Systems?

(Embedded.com)

It’s not a question of whether you should use AI to develop embedded systems. The question should be: Where can I safely use AI to develop a more robust embedded system faster and cheaper?

The Biggest AI Use Case Overlooked by Embedded

(DesignNews.com)

The biggest overlooked AI use case in embedded isn’t about edge inferencing. It’s about AI pair programming, and it’s already changing how modern embedded developers work.

Join the Conversation

Explore these topics and more with me on LinkedIn:

The future of embedded is pure software

Do you guess and hope the system won’t crash?

A pattern in the embedded development lifecycle:

Embedded Frontier Podcast

Listen on your favorite podcast app or watch with subtitles on YouTube.

Summary

In this episode of the Embedded Frontier podcast, Jacob Beningo explores the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in embedded systems development. He discusses the potential applications of AI, including code review, documentation, and generating code, while emphasizing the importance of adopting AI technologies to enhance productivity and efficiency in the field. Beningo also addresses the challenges and risks associated with AI, advocating for its integration into development workflows to stay competitive in the industry.

Takeaways

• AI has a unique role to play in embedded systems development.

• Documentation is a critical area where AI can assist developers.

• AI can help automate code reviews, making them more efficient.

• Using AI for generating code can speed up the prototyping process.

• AI can help document architectural decisions and trade-offs.

• The rapid evolution of AI technology presents both opportunities and risks.

• AI can serve as an augmentation tool for developers, enhancing their capabilities.

• Understanding how to effectively prompt AI is crucial for getting desired results.

• AI can help reduce technical debt by improving documentation practices.

• The integration of AI into workflows can lead to significant productivity gains.

2025 Embedded Online Conference

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how software is developed, tested, and deployed; yet most embedded engineers have barely scratched the surface of what AI can do for them. AI agents, in particular, have the potential to accelerate development workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance productivity in embedded systems.

But where do you start?

In this workshop, we’ll demystify AI agents and explore how embedded developers can integrate them into their daily workflow. We’ll begin with a one-hour lecture, covering key concepts such as AI agents, their architectures, and their role in embedded development. You’ll learn how to leverage AI tools for code generation, debugging, and optimization and see real-world examples of AI-powered automation in embedded projects.

The second hour will be hands-on, where participants will connect an AI agent to GitHub, explore practical AI tools, and experiment with automating everyday embedded development tasks. By the end of the session, you’ll have first-hand experience using AI in an embedded context and a clear roadmap to continue integrating AI into your workflow.

Key Takeaways:

• What AI agents are and how they apply to embedded systems

• How to connect an AI agent to GitHub for automation

• Exploring AI-powered tools for embedded software development

• Hands-on experience with AI-driven code generation and optimization

• Strategies for integrating AI into your embedded development workflow

Join us for this practical and forward-looking workshop to explore how AI can enhance your embedded software development processes today!

Struggling to keep your development skills up to date or facing outdated processes that slow down your team, raise costs, and impact product quality?

Here are 4 ways I can help you:

1. Embedded Software Academy: Enhance your skills, streamline your processes, and elevate your architecture. Join my academy for on-demand, hands-on workshops and cutting-edge development resources designed to transform your career and keep you ahead of the curve.

2. Consulting Services: Get personalized, expert guidance to streamline your development processes, boost efficiency, and achieve your project goals faster. Partner with us to unlock your team’s full potential and drive innovation, ensuring your project’s success.

3. Team Training and Development: Empower your team with the latest best practices in embedded software. Our expert-led training sessions will equip your team with the skills and knowledge to excel, innovate, and drive your projects to success.

4. Customized Design Solutions: Get design and development assistance to enhance efficiency, ensure robust testing, and streamline your development pipeline, driving your project’s success.

Take action today to upgrade your skills, optimize your team, and achieve success.