Embedded Executive Podcast Embedded Executive: embedded world in Germany is Nearly Here | Axel Sikora
Mar 4, 2026
Axel Sikora, professor and chairman of the Embedded World technical conference, leads research on reliable embedded systems and real-time secure wireless communication. He previews distributed edge AI with an octopus metaphor. He discusses how AI reshapes embedded design, the new application/use-case track, session selection for a packed program, and rising security and regulatory concerns.
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Conference Chair Who Is Also An Academic Practitioner
- Axel balances conference work with his full-time role as a professor leading the Institute of Reliable Embedded Systems and Communication Electronics.
- He uses research on real-time secure wireless communication to stay grounded and bring academic rigor to Embedded World planning.
Octopus Metaphor For Distributed Edge AI
- Embedded World frames distributed edge AI using the octopus metaphor to highlight decentralized intelligence in IoT systems.
- Keynote by Richly Monsich links octopus tentacle behavior to multiple distributed AI agents coordinating at the edge.
Edge AI Makes Systems Adaptive And Riskier
- Embedded World sees AI as a game changer shifting systems from static to adaptive and increasing efficiency while introducing new unpredictability and risk.
- Axel emphasizes that AI moves embedded systems toward intelligence but raises safety and security trade-offs that need discussion.