Using Java in Embedded Systems: Real-World Examples

Embedded systems are everywhere! Many of the gadgets we use daily such as home devices and industrial machines, are controlled by them. They are computers that have been made to do particular tasks. For years, writing embedded software in C or C++ has been popular because it is effective for accessing the hardware.

Did you realize that Java is making its mark in embedded systems? It is well known that Java is easy to handle, secure and portable, so the same program can be used on different devices with only minor changes.

We’ll review the reasons Java is a top choice for embedded systems, examine the problems it encounters and show real-life examples, including Electrocharge Connect from Embrox, a business focused on smart software for embedded devices.

Technologies and Tools for Embedded Java Development

Java’s ecosystem provides developers with useful tools and platforms to simplify and improve embedded development. The following technologies are important to be aware of:

Embedded Java Virtual Machines

• Oracle Java ME Embedded is a slimmed-down JVM, designed for use in small devices and IoT devices.
• IBM J9 is popular because it has a tiny space requirement and starts quickly, making it good for embedded systems.
• Zulu Embedded is an open-source Java distribution created by Azul Systems, aimed at embedded systems.
• GraalVM Native Image is a new technology that compiles Java applications into standalone native binaries which helps embedded devices improve their startup speed and save memory.

Frameworks and Libraries

• OSGi (Open Services Gateway initiative): A system and service platform for Java used in embedded systems to create applications that are both flexible and easy to maintain.
• Eclipse Kura is an open-source IoT gateway framework written in Java/OSGi, giving access to APIs for managing devices, collecting data and connecting to the cloud.
• A way to create rich user interfaces on embedded devices with the help of Java.

Programming Environments

• Eclipse IDE is a favorite IDE for Java development and also supports plugins for embedded and IoT development.
• NetBeans is a simple-to-use Java IDE and it also offers tools for embedded development.
• Maven and Gradle: Tools for automating building that take care of dependencies and compile Java projects easily.
• Using VisualVM or Java Mission Control, you can keep an eye on performance and find problems in your embedded Java applications.

Emulators and Different Hardware

• Oracle Java ME SDK is one of the tools that lets you test Java embedded applications on emulators, instead of using real devices.
• Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone and other Single Board Computers support Java and are excellent for building embedded Java projects.

Why Use Java for Embedded Systems?

Java is a good option for embedded development due to the unique features that help make programming simpler, safer and more flexible. Because of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), Java programs can be used on different devices without having to be reprogrammed. Besides, Java includes tools to avoid errors and security problems, handles memory automatically and supports doing several tasks at once, all crucial for dealing with the challenges in embedded systems.

Let’s take a quick look at why Java is useful in embedded systems:

Challenges of Using Java in Embedded Systems

Every technology has its challenges, and Java is no exception when it comes to embedded systems:

• Limited Resources: Embedded devices often have less memory and slower processors. Running Java programs needs a JVM, which uses extra resources.
• Performance: Because Java runs inside a virtual machine, it can be slower than programs written in C or C++.
• JVM Setup: Setting up Java Virtual Machines on small devices can be tricky and requires careful tuning.

To handle these issues, developers use special lightweight JVMs optimized for embedded hardware, like Oracle Java ME Embedded or tools like GraalVM, which help make Java faster and smaller.

Real-World Examples of Java in Embedded Systems

Let’s explore some real-world examples of Java in embedded systems development. Java’s unique features make it a strong candidate for building reliable and scalable embedded solutions across different industries.

Understanding these cases will give you insight into the practical benefits and challenges of using Java in the embedded world.

Read also: Unique Features of Java

Electrocharge Connect — Smart EV Charging by Embrox

Electrocharge Connect is an innovative smart electric vehicle (EV) charging system developed by Embrox. The system combines embedded hardware—charging stations equipped with built-in controllers—and server-side software responsible for real-time monitoring, management, and analytics.

Java forms the backbone of the embedded software running on the controllers within these charging stations. Using Java allowed the team to:

• Quickly scale the solution: Thanks to the JVM, the same Java code runs across different hardware platforms without rewriting it for each device.
• Ensure stable and efficient operation: Java’s built-in memory management and multithreading enabled reliable handling of multiple simultaneous charging requests.
• Seamlessly integrate with cloud services: Java powers the server-side components that collect data and manage communication between charging stations and the management platform.

Besides, Java security tools stop unauthorized access and ensure user data is protected which is essential for the reliability and safety of EV charging infrastructure.

It is clear from this project that Java can unite embedded controllers with cloud infrastructure, giving the EV market a strong, flexible and scalable solution.

Smart Home Automation with Java ME

In the smart home industry, devices like thermostats, lighting systems, and security alarms often run on Java ME (Micro Edition). For example, companies like Nest (now part of Google) have used Java ME in their smart thermostats.

Java ME allows these devices to receive over-the-air software updates seamlessly and operate reliably across different hardware models. It enables complex automation logic while maintaining security and system stability.

The portability of Java means developers can create updates that work on a wide variety of devices without worrying about hardware compatibility issues.

Medical Devices Using Java Embedded

Reliability of software is extremely important in healthcare. Siemens Healthineers relies on Java Embedded in a number of its diagnostic medical devices.

Java makes it simple to connect with a hospital’s IT systems and develop new features for devices faster. It is also important for meeting the tough security rules and regulations needed in medical fields.

Java is important in these systems because compliance and safety must be guaranteed.

Comparing Java with Traditional Languages (C, C++) in Embedded Systems

Embedded systems have traditionally been programmed using C and C++. They let developers directly use hardware and write code that runs very quickly which is key when working with devices that have low memory and processing power.

• Java has certain special features that appeal to many embedded projects.
• Java’s philosophy allows code to be used on different devices with only minor changes. This allows you to work more efficiently, especially if your project must run on different hardware.
• Java is easy to develop with because its syntax is simple and it handles memory automatically. As a result, common problems like memory leaks which are common in C and C++, are reduced.
• Java has security features such as bytecode verification and sandboxing which keep harmful code from harming the system. It is particularly crucial for devices connected to networks.
• Java makes it simple for embedded applications to manage sensors and user interfaces at the same time by using multithreading.

C and C++ lead the way in:

• Because there is no virtual machine involved, C/C++ programs are both quicker and use less memory than those written in other languages.
• Closer Access to Hardware: C and C++ give developers the ability to work with hardware registers and peripherals which can be important for quick or real-time applications.
• Memory, CPU and timing can be managed more precisely by developers using C++ than is possible with Java’s managed runtime.

At what point should you decide what to do?

If you have little hardware or need your program to run as fast as possible, C or C++ is the best option. Java is an excellent choice if you want development to be simpler, want your code to run anywhere and need strong security, especially when your device is well-equipped.

Best Practices for Developing Embedded Software in Java

If you want to build embedded software with Java, here are some tips:

• Write Efficient Code: Avoid using too much memory or CPU power.
• Choose the Right JVM: Pick a JVM designed for your device and application.
• Test Often: Use unit tests and emulators to catch bugs early without needing the real hardware all the time.
• Use Helpful Tools: Frameworks like OSGi can make managing Java code in embedded systems easier.

Following these tips helps create reliable and high-quality embedded software.

Conclusion

Java is no longer just for big desktop or web applications. It’s becoming a powerful tool for embedded systems too! Its portability, security, and multitasking capabilities make it a smart choice for many embedded projects.

The Electrocharge Connect project by Embrox shows how Java can build smart, flexible, and reliable embedded solutions. If you’re interested in embedded development, Java is definitely worth exploring.

Ready to start your embedded Java journey? The world of embedded systems is waiting!