- 02/23/2026
- Expert knowledge
- Systems & Software Engineering
embedded award 2026: Tools nominees
Automated tools increase efficiency and reliability at all levels of the embedded value chain. There are tried and tested tools that have been used for years. However, in order to further optimise development processes, the need for new tools is always there. A look at the nominees in this category is definitely worthwhile ...
An ahead of time AI compiler for constrained edge devices, a PCB design accelerator, and a certifiable unit testing solution for safety critical engineering
Ambiq HeliaAOT
Exhibitor: Ambiq Micro
Hall/Booth: 4-581
Ambiq HeliaAOT is an ahead of time compiler solution that enables modern AI models to run efficiently on highly resource constrained edge devices. While traditional AI runtimes introduce unnecessary overhead, high memory demands, and unpredictable memory usage, HeliaAOT converts trained models—such as TensorFlow Lite—into highly optimized, standalone C inference modules already at build time.
By eliminating a generic runtime, removing unused operators, and providing automatic, deterministic memory planning, HeliaAOT produces extremely compact, transparent, and energy efficient deployments. Hardware optimized transformations such as layer fusion, tensor reordering, and graph based optimizations significantly reduce code size and memory footprint while still enabling powerful, real time inference performance.
Developed specifically for Ambiq’s ultra low power SoCs with SPOT® technology, HeliaAOT delivers up to 10× smaller binaries, predictable execution, and industry leading efficiency—ideal for wearables, hearables, sensors, and other always on devices. With reduced energy consumption, smaller memory requirements, and extended device lifecycles, HeliaAOT also contributes to sustainable, resource efficient edge AI systems.
MODI Factory
Exhibitor: LUXROBO
Hall/Booth: 4-626
MODI Factory accelerates PCB design by removing one of the biggest bottlenecks in the workflow: the time consuming, error prone placement and routing of components. Even after a schematic is complete, small adjustments often trigger new routing issues and repeated layout iterations. For students, makers, and professional engineers, this drains valuable time and resources.
MODI Factory solves this with an AI based automation engine built on a data model created specifically for circuit design. Instead of relying solely on rule based heuristics or supply chain oriented component databases, the system uses around 180 component categories with an average of 40 electrical and functional parameters each. This allows the AI to understand the true design intent behind a circuit and perform placement and routing based on electrical behavior rather than abstract rules.
The result is more reliable automation, less manual rework, and more time for real design decisions. The same data structure also forms the basis for automatic simulation setup and future end to end workflow automation.
By structuring design knowledge into reusable data and reducing repetitive manual tasks, MODI Factory helps lower the barrier to hardware development, improves design quality, and contributes to a more sustainable and efficient PCB design ecosystem.
C/C++test CT
Exhibitor: Parasoft
Hall/Booth: 4-318
C/C++test CT removes a long standing conflict in safety critical engineering: although GoogleTest is the world’s most widely used unit testing framework, it has never been certifiable for standards like ISO 26262, IEC 61508, or IEC 62304. Companies were forced either to avoid GoogleTest or spend months creating their own qualification kits. C/C++test CT solves this by extending TÜV SÜD certification directly to GoogleTest, allowing teams to use the familiar framework immediately in regulated environments—without any internal qualification effort.
Beyond certification, C/C++test CT enhances GoogleTest with automated structural code coverage (including MC/DC), built in requirements traceability, and centralized compliance reporting. This transforms GoogleTest into a complete, audit ready testing solution for regulated industries, while retaining the developer friendly workflow engineers already trust.
Its USP: C/C++test CT is the first and only TÜV certified GoogleTest distribution. Unlike wrapper based solutions that validate only the output of an uncertified framework, C/C++test CT certifies the test logic itself. This reduces integration risk, simplifies audits, and shortens development and compliance cycles by months.
By standardizing testing, reducing redundant qualification work, and improving software quality, C/C++test CT supports sustainable engineering workflows—delivering higher safety with less effort and greater long term efficiency.