21b IoT devices to ship with embedded RTOS by 2022
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IoT faces new computing challenges, notably with deployment and scaling, and its future will rely in part on using embedded real-time operating systems (RTOS), according to ABI Research.
The research firm has forecast that 21 billion IoT devices will ship with embedded RTOS by 2022.
RTOS support many IoT application features, such as small size, constrained processing resources, low power consumption, limited maintenance, and real-time computing.
“The tremendous expansion of the IoT revived the embedded RTOS market, with open source platforms springing up rapidly to jostle long-established proprietary players,” ABI Research research director Michela Menting said.
“While industrial demand for RTOS has a decade-long history, the development of new IoT applications in other segments – such as consumer, digital home, connected car, and smart cities – jolted demand for embedded RTOS.”
Supported by greater MCU capabilities and lowering price points, the embedded RTOS market is expanding rapidly.
Some of the most high-profile and innovative RTOS on the market include µC/OS, FreeRTOS, Integrity RTOS, mbed OS, MEOS, MQX RTOS, Nucleus RTOS, PikeOS, QNX, RIOT OS, ThreadX, VxWorks, and Zephyr.
Many open source operating systems popular with the IoT are increasingly adding real-time capabilities to compete in this lucrative market. Currently, the embedded RTOS market is highly fragmented, with hundreds of different platforms available.
“RTOS shows immense promise in terms of flexibility and application for all kinds of new IoT markets,” concludes Menting. “Although, developers will need to tackle issues of interoperability and standardization to realize its full potential.”
Questions & Answers
Q.What benefits do embedded RTOS offer for IoT devices?
What benefits do embedded RTOS offer for IoT devices?
Embedded RTOS support several IoT application features. These include small size, efficient use of constrained processing resources, low power consumption, minimal maintenance requirements, and the capability for real-time computing, which is crucial for many IoT applications.
Q.What is driving the increased demand for embedded RTOS in the IoT market?
What is driving the increased demand for embedded RTOS in the IoT market?
The development of new IoT applications in segments like consumer, digital home, connected car, and smart cities has significantly increased demand. This growth is further supported by enhanced microcontroller capabilities and decreasing price points for these technologies.
Q.Who are the key players in the embedded RTOS market, and what is its current state?
Who are the key players in the embedded RTOS market, and what is its current state?
The market includes both long-established proprietary players and rapidly emerging open-source platforms. Some prominent RTOS are FreeRTOS, mbed OS, QNX, and Zephyr. Currently, the embedded RTOS market is highly fragmented, featuring hundreds of different platforms.
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