2025-12-04 –, Walnascar
Philips needed advanced UI development and connectivity for a new range of Saeco connected coffee machines. The Xelsis models had to go to market in under two years, work seamlessly as a luxury home appliance should, and offer a next-generation experience for users. Of course it was based on Yocto :)
Setting the Stage: Embedded Software Development (5 minutes)
Challenges of embedded system development in modern industries
The growing need for custom, maintainable, and optimized software stacks
Why Yocto is a popular choice in this context
Philips Case Study Overview
The Role of Yocto in the Philips Project
How Yocto was chosen as the solution
Benefits of Yocto: Customization, scalability, long-term maintenance
How Yocto addressed Philips’ specific needs:
Custom Linux Distribution for Philips embedded devices
Real-time requirements, security features, and ease of integration
Key technical features of Yocto used:
Layered architecture
Recipe management for build automation
SDK generation for development consistency
Cross-compilation for ARM-based processors
Key Challenges & Solutions
Challenge 1: Customization and Integration
Challenge 2: Security
Challenge 3: Long-Term Support and Maintenance
Yocto’s Real-World Benefits for Philips
Time-to-market reduction through automated builds
Tailored, lightweight OS for embedded systems with optimized performance
Ease of scaling the system across different device families and models
Maintaining a single build environment for multiple product lines
Conclusion and Q&A
Ed Langley has over 20 years of embedded software development experience and has created operating systems on Linux (Yocto), Android, QNX, and Bare Metal for a host of devices.
As the Solutions Manager for Witekio UK, Ed has hands-on knowledge of the OEM pain points for sectors including:
● Consumer electronics
● Automotive (Infotainment and instrument cluster)
● Personal medical devices/wearables
● Industrial/intelligent building control
● Beverage vending/kiosk systems
On top of his vast OS expertise, Ed can consult on connected device security, testing, BSP customization and much more.