From work and leisure to health and well-being, the Internet of Things (IoT) has entwined itself in many aspects of our lives. Smart thermostats keep us cozy, the Apple Watch tracks our exercise goals, and smart feeders reward Fido with a treat when we’re away. The practicality and convenience of a connected life can’t be denied, yet many remain wary of stepping into the network.

The reality is, mishaps and breaches have broken users’ trust in IT and connected devices. Unreliability is the death of any tech, and even more so when our personal data and safety is at stake. So how do vulnerabilities continue to slip through the cracks? Oftentimes, the faults lie in the testing stage, where products are put through trials to ensure safety and reliability. The problem is, typical testing isn’t enough anymore with these complex, connected products. But a new type of quality testing has arrived to ensure that only the safest, most reliable products reach consumers. It’s the answer to calming users’ fears in both IT and this new tech, letting them take advantage of the comforts of the IoT without worries tainting the experience. 

Unpacking the Fear

Quelling fears begins with understanding them. An Alexa-avoidance or smart fridge-suspicion is well-founded; smart devices have had their fair share of malfunctions and vulnerabilities. A recent smart home data breach leaked 2.7 billion records. Devices aren’t optimized to interact with other devices. Connected children’s toys lack sufficiently robust software to protect kids’ data. So it’s no surprise that 58% of respondents in a Deloitte survey were worried about the vulnerability of their devices to breaches. 

There are clear reasons why this type of tech faces unique challenges. Integrated systems, those that involve the connectivity of physical and digital elements, bring many more opportunities for things to go wrong. The reality is, most products simply don’t go through proper testing to ensure that they’ve reached an appropriate level of reliability. 

Equipped for a New Game

A product’s “make or break” moment is in the testing phase. Typical IT software development testing is often done simply in operating systems using digital testing tools. Embedded testing, on the other hand, is tailored to each product, evaluating both the software and physical components.

Let’s consider a smart thermometer. Using traditional testing, we could check if the program functions and is coded correctly, then call it a day. Instead, if we were employing embedded testing, we would create a unique environment to check that the physical sensors are properly connecting with the software, and that the software is robust. Various scenarios and situations need to be simulated in real-world settings to prepare for any potential issues a user might encounter. Raising the temperature and humidity in the testing environment, disconnecting the WiFi, carrying out troubleshooting or physical repairs are all embedded testing methods suited to this product. From here, adjustments can be made. 

Smart locks are another important use case to consider where the stakes are higher. These locks are set to open remotely, grant access at certain times, or give certain users access, be it in a warehouse, office, or home. The software alone may function fine under normal conditions, but what happens when the wifi connection cuts out? How does the physical lock react? What happens if the software is hacked? Embedded testing addresses these concerns that other methods might overlook. With physical locks and doors, testers can simulate extreme cases that push the products to the limit to expose vulnerabilities before consumers ever encounter them. 

There’s Always a Catch

So why doesn’t everyone use embedded testing if it’s the secret to better IoT products, more trust in IT abilities, and therefore wider adoption? What it usually comes down to is no surprise: cost and effort. While traditional testing largely only requires a computer, this integrated method requires a physical workspace, specialized tools, and custom environments. In the increasingly online IT world, being location-bound can be a hindrance. 

Some products don’t just need a single product to test, but rather a fleet of them to test different scenarios simultaneously. The sheer volume of data collected further slows down the process. Although AI is being implemented more often to help with data analysis, many find implementing AI to be daunting in itself. 

Embedded systems are like onions: layer upon layer that each needs to be examined. Designs are only becoming more complex, so proper testing tailored to each product is no easy feat, and involves more steps than a typical IT department is used to. 

Bringing a New IoT Age

There’s no denying that the effort is real, but consumer trust in both IT and this new tech is also critical. In an age where a bad social media review or viral video can condemn a product to the graveyard of failed inventions, companies can’t risk cutting corners when it comes to testing. Products die, adoption stalls, and consumers are left more frustrated than ever.

Smart products are exciting for good reason. Connected devices can bring a new level of comfort and convenience to our lives, while applications in healthcare, accessibility, and safety can make a lasting impact. A new age of connectivity is on the horizon, and only diligent, real-world testing can ensure a bright new day.