2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

The rise of AI technology, particularly Generative AI, has significantly transformed the landscape of higher education. Generative AI, such as ChatGPT, has been extensively studied in fields like Computer Science to assess its effectiveness in enhancing learning. However, its impact on more specialized areas like bare-metal embedded systems remains underexplored. Bare-metal embedded systems, comprising both hardware (e.g., microcontrollers, memory, input/output interfaces, and other peripherals) and software components (e.g., firmware drivers, real-time operating systems, and applications), present unique challenges that differ from more traditional areas of study. In this paper, several case studies have been conducted to examine the role of ChatGPT in the embedded systems domain. While ChatGPT proves to be a valuable educational tool, helping students quickly navigate complex documentation, such as lengthy datasheets, and offering insights into various system components, it cannot entirely replace the foundational knowledge required for mastering both hardware and software aspects of embedded systems. Practical experience and a deep understanding of embedded systems' intricacies are still essential for success in this field. Thus, while ChatGPT can complement learning and streamline the educational process, it serves as a supplement rather than a replacement for the technical skills needed to work effectively with embedded systems.