Embedded systems refer to the use of software and electronics with a dedicated purpose within a larger system or product. Embedded systems are far more ubiquitous than the general-purpose computer found in almost every home. As such, there are many examples of embedded systems in daily life.

Where can embedded systems be found? Electric toys, pacemakers, and electric stoves all contain embedded systems. Thus, even the computer illiterate interact with this technology, often unknowingly.

Dr. William Stallings (MIT) points out that perhaps most electrically powered devices have an embedded system. He even suggests that virtually every electric device will feature one in the near future. This relates to the Internet of Things (IoT); It ranks as a major accelerator in the spread of embedded technologies.

Embedded systems are subdivided into the categories: stand alone, real time, networked and mobile. All four types of embedded systems are in daily life.

Here are 30 examples of embedded systems in daily life:

1. Digital alarm clocks
2. Electronic parking meters and parking pay stations
3. Robotic vacuum cleaners (‘robovacs’)
4. Smart watches and digital wrist watches
5. Washing machines and dishwashers
6. Home security systems
7. Air-conditioners and thermostats
8. Electric stoves, pressure cookers, and tea/coffee machines
9. Traffic lights
10. Vending machines
11. Fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
12. Printers, photocopy, fax machines and scanners
13. Digital and video cameras
14. Calculators
15. Remote control gate keys
16. Digital thermometers
17. Motion sensors
18. PDAs and hand-held computers
19. Lighting systems
20. GPS navigation devices
21. Heart rate monitors and pacemakers
22. CD players, iPods and MP3 players
23. Parking lot ticket machines
24. Cash registers
25. Digital signature pads
26. Electronic toys
27. Refrigerators and freezers
28. Electronic safes
29. WiFi routers
30. Automobile systems (cruise control, anti-lock braking system (ABS), transmission control, electronic fuel injection, suspensions systems, in-vehicle entertainment systems, etc.)

Suggest more examples of embedded systems in daily life in the comments below.