In the most alarming situations embedded systems stop working entirely, sometimes shutting down a piece of machinery or making it operate in an unsafe manner. Less obviously, they can generate erroneous information which can mislead other systems or human users. Embedded systems are used extensively to control and monitor engineering and manufacturing processes. They underpin the whole of the world s manufacturing and engineering base. Planes fly, and ships sail, based on embedded systems.
Pharmaceutical industries use embedded systems to create our drug supply.
Our food, drink and clean water come primarily from processes which depend on embedded systems. These systems are also vital in car manufacturing, national and international defence, railway networks, telecommunications, medical equipment, broadcast media and so on. Embedded systems are prime components of global infrastructure. They also control temperature, lighting, air conditioning and security access in many offices. And they also support point of sale equipment, cash dispensers and traffic management in a typical High Street.