Best IoT Operating Systems in Japan

Mongoose OS is an open-source operating system available in two variants: Community and Enterprise. It offers reliable Over-The-Air updates, secure device provisioning, and remote management, ensuring trusted and proven performance in various applications. Released under the Apache 2.0 license, it allows for commercial licensing and support options. Mongoose OS has been integrated into numerous commercial products, with hundreds of millions of devices actively deployed in production settings. As a recognized partner of Google Cloud IoT Core, it is also recommended by Microsoft Azure IoT for its capabilities in OTA updates, automatic device management, and large-scale firmware deployment. The Azure IoT Hub showcases how to effectively manage firmware updates for devices using Mongoose OS through Over-The-Air capabilities, while Google Cloud IoT Core utilizes MQTT for seamless communication between devices. This robust platform continues to evolve, catering to the needs of developers and organizations focusing on IoT solutions.

VxWorks®, a leading real-time operating platform in the industry, provides all the performance, reliability, safety and security capabilities you need for the most critical infrastructure's embedded computing systems. VxWorks is a preemptive, deterministic RTOS that prioritizes real-time embedded applications. It has low latency and minimaljitter. VxWorks has many security features that address the evolving security threats connected devices face at every stage, from boot-up to operation to data transfer to powered off. VxWorks has been certified to IEC 61508, ISO 26262, and DO-178C safety standards. VxWorks is built on an extensible, future-proof architecture that allows you to quickly respond to changing market demands, customer needs, technological advancements, and preserves your investment.

Developed in collaboration with top chip manufacturers over a span of 15 years, FreeRTOS is now downloaded approximately every 170 seconds and stands as a top-tier real-time operating system (RTOS) tailored for microcontrollers and small microprocessors. Available at no cost under the MIT open source license, FreeRTOS encompasses a kernel along with an expanding collection of IoT libraries that cater to various industries. Prioritizing reliability and user-friendliness, FreeRTOS is renowned for its proven durability, minimal footprint, and extensive device compatibility, making it the go-to standard for microcontroller and small microprocessor applications among leading global enterprises. With a wealth of pre-configured demos and IoT reference integrations readily available, users can easily set up their projects without any hassle. This streamlined process allows for rapid downloading, compiling, and quicker market entry. Furthermore, the ecosystem of partners offers a diverse range of options, including both community-driven contributions and professional support, ensuring that users have access to the resources they need for success. As technology continues to evolve, FreeRTOS remains committed to adapting and enhancing its offerings to meet the ever-changing demands of the industry.

Arm Mbed OS is an open-source operating system tailored for IoT applications, providing all the essential tools for creating IoT devices. This robust OS is equipped to support smart and connected products built on Arm Cortex-M architecture, offering features such as machine learning, secure connectivity stacks, an RTOS kernel, and drivers for various sensors and I/O devices. Specifically designed for the Internet of Things, Arm Mbed OS integrates capabilities in connectivity, machine learning, networking, and security, complemented by a wealth of software libraries, development boards, tutorials, and practical examples. It fosters collaboration across a vast ecosystem, supporting over 70 partners in silicon, modules, cloud services, and OEMs, thereby enhancing choices for developers. By leveraging the Mbed OS API, developers can maintain clean, portable, and straightforward application code while benefiting from advanced security, communication, and machine learning functionalities. This cohesive solution ultimately streamlines the development process, significantly lowering costs, minimizing time investment, and reducing associated risks. Furthermore, Mbed OS empowers innovation, enabling developers to rapidly prototype and deploy IoT solutions with confidence.

Contiki-NG is a free and open-source operating system designed for the next generation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, emphasizing reliable and secure low-power communication along with standard protocols like IPv6/6LoWPAN, 6TiSCH, RPL, and CoAP. The platform is accompanied by comprehensive documentation, tutorials, a clear roadmap, and a structured development process that facilitates the integration of contributions from the community. By default, unless stated otherwise, the sources of Contiki-NG are available under the 3-clause BSD license, which permits users to utilize and share the code in both binary and source formats, provided that the copyright notice is preserved in the source materials. This licensing model supports an open collaborative environment that promotes innovation and community engagement in IoT development. Contiki-NG aims to foster a vibrant ecosystem for developers and users alike, ensuring that they can build upon and enhance the existing frameworks.

Torizon enhances developer efficiency and facilitates the creation of products that are easy to maintain. With integrated over-the-air updates and device monitoring, it enables earlier shipping, bug patching in the field, the rollout of new features, and quicker issue detection. The use of software containerization not only simplifies maintenance but also adds an extra layer of resilience. Regular validation on Toradex System on Modules (SoMs) ensures that developers can concentrate entirely on their applications without worrying about the operating system. Torizon supports an agile and iterative development process, allowing teams to adapt quickly to changes. Its seamlessly integrated remote update capabilities make deploying new software a breeze, while real-time device monitoring provides immediate insights into performance and potential problems, enhancing overall product reliability. This combination of features ultimately empowers developers to innovate and respond to market demands more effectively.

RT-Thread, short for Real Time-Thread, is an embedded real-time multi-threaded operating system. It has been designed to support multi-tasking, allowing multiple tasks to run simultaneously. Although a processor core can only run one task at a time, RT-Thread executes every task quickly and switches between them rapidly according to priority, creating the illusion of simultaneous task execution. RT-Thread is mainly written in the C programming language, making it easy to understand and port. It applies object-oriented programming methods to real-time system design, resulting in elegant, structured, modular, and highly customizable code. The system comes in a few varieties. The NANO version is a minimal kernel that requires only 3KB of flash and 1.2KB of RAM. For resource-rich IoT devices, RT-Thread can use an online software package management tool, together with system configuration tools, to achieve an intuitive and rapid modular design.

LynxOS has been utilized in countless embedded devices, demonstrating dependable performance for over three decades in various safety and security-sensitive markets. This operating system offers a proven method for running applications within a Unix-like environment, where a unified kernel manages all resources and application services, making it particularly effective for hardware designs that were developed before the advent of virtualization. We aim to ensure our customers purchase only what is necessary for their specific needs. While real-time operating systems (RTOS) can deliver significant advantages, they are not essential for every embedded system configuration. For a more extensive overview of our resources related to RTOS, we invite you to explore our Embedded Systems Learning Center, which provides valuable information to assist you in making informed software purchasing choices as you design or enhance your system and evaluate potential real-time platform vendors. Moreover, this center is a great resource to help you understand the trade-offs and benefits associated with various embedded system approaches.

MindSphere® stands out as a premier solution for industrial IoT delivered as a service. Leveraging cutting-edge analytics and artificial intelligence, it facilitates the development of IoT applications that span from edge devices to the cloud, utilizing data from interconnected products, facilities, and systems to enhance operational efficiency, improve product quality, and foster innovative business models. Constructed on the Mendix application platform, MindSphere enables clients, partners, and the Siemens team to swiftly create and integrate tailored IoT applications. Our knowledgeable team is ready to assist you with any inquiries and guide you in initiating your journey with MindSphere. By connecting assets and transferring data to the cloud, users can gather, oversee, and interpret information in real-time, thus capitalizing on applications and solutions that address genuine challenges. Additionally, you can develop applications that amplify the financial value derived from your data and benefit from an open development and operational environment, allowing for greater flexibility and innovation in your projects. The possibilities with MindSphere are extensive, paving the way for transformative advancements in your business operations.

Accelerate the deployment of your critical embedded systems with our commercial real-time operating system, development resources, and expert services. BlackBerry QNX provides a proven RTOS, hypervisor, and a suite of embedded software designed to enhance your success in various applications. Our platform is the preferred choice in industries such as medical technology, transportation, and automation, where it powers essential devices like ventilators, train control systems, and medical robotics. Regardless of whether your focus is on meeting safety standards, enhancing security, or optimizing performance, our comprehensive software solutions and tools can assist you in creating more dependable products. We are prepared to support you in enhancing security or safety measures, as well as refining your cross-platform development workflows. By utilizing our RTOS and hypervisor specifically designed for embedded systems, including variants that come pre-certified, we can help turn your innovative ideas into reality. Additionally, our modular microkernel design not only enhances reliability but also minimizes redundant OS development efforts across various products, making it a smart choice for businesses looking to streamline their processes. Ultimately, we are committed to empowering your projects with the best tools available.

Raspberry Pi Imager offers a fast and straightforward method for installing Raspberry Pi OS along with various other operating systems onto a microSD card, making it ready for your Raspberry Pi. To understand the installation process, check out our brief 45-second video tutorial. Begin by downloading and installing Raspberry Pi Imager on a computer equipped with an SD card reader. Insert the microSD card intended for your Raspberry Pi into the reader and launch Raspberry Pi Imager. You can explore a variety of operating systems available from both Raspberry Pi and external providers, allowing you to download and install them manually as needed. This tool streamlines the setup process and enhances your Raspberry Pi experience.

Tizen is a versatile and open-source operating system designed from its inception to meet the diverse requirements of all participants in the mobile and connected device landscape, which encompasses manufacturers, mobile network operators, app developers, and independent software vendors (ISVs). This platform is utilized commercially across various devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, wearable technology like the Gear S and Gear Fit, as well as smart home gadgets. Despite its broad applications, there has been a notable lack of focus on entry-level and budget-friendly IoT devices, such as home appliances that lack displays and wearable bands featuring minimal LCD screens. The aim of TizenRT is to broaden the reach of the Tizen platform to include these types of low-end devices, thereby enhancing its versatility and accommodating a wider array of connected technologies. By doing so, TizenRT hopes to foster innovation and accessibility in the IoT market, ensuring that even the simplest devices can benefit from advanced connectivity.

To set up your first user on an Ubuntu Core installation, you'll need an Ubuntu SSO account. This guide will detail the process of flashing Ubuntu Core onto a Raspberry Pi 2, 3, 4, or CM3. By the conclusion of these steps, your board will be fully prepared for either production use or testing snaps. Once the installation is complete, you will be ready to install snaps using the snap command. The Snap Store offers a variety of top-tier Linux applications packaged as snaps, enabling you to enhance your Ubuntu device and embark on your secure IoT journey. With this setup, you'll be equipped to explore numerous applications tailored for your needs.

Huawei LiteOS is a software platform designed specifically for the Internet of Things (IoT), combining an operating system with middleware. With a remarkably small kernel size of less than 10 KB, it operates efficiently on minimal power, capable of lasting up to five years on a single AA battery. Its quick startup time and secure connectivity features further enhance its usability. These attributes position Huawei LiteOS as an effective one-stop solution for developers, facilitating easier entry into the market and expediting product launch timelines. The platform offers a cohesive open-source API applicable across various IoT sectors, including smart homes, wearables, the Internet of Vehicles, and smart manufacturing. By fostering an open IoT ecosystem, Huawei LiteOS empowers partners to innovate swiftly and propel the development of IoT solutions forward. Its versatility and reliability make it an essential tool in the rapidly evolving landscape of IoT technology.

OpenWrt is an adaptable GNU/Linux distribution designed specifically for embedded devices, especially wireless routers. In contrast to many other router distributions, OpenWrt is engineered from the ground up to function as a comprehensive and easily customizable operating system for embedded systems. This design philosophy ensures that users can access all essential features without unnecessary bloat, thanks to its reliance on a modern Linux kernel. Rather than offering a single, unchangeable firmware, OpenWrt features a fully writable filesystem accompanied by optional package management. This versatility liberates users from the limitations imposed by manufacturers regarding application choices and configurations, allowing for tailored modifications to meet any specific application needs. Furthermore, for developers, OpenWrt serves as a robust framework that enables the creation of applications without the necessity of building an entire firmware image or distribution around them, thus simplifying the development process. Ultimately, this makes OpenWrt an appealing choice for both end-users and developers alike.

The MicroPython pyboard is a small yet powerful electronic circuit board that operates MicroPython directly on the hardware, enabling a low-level Python environment suitable for managing various electronic projects. This implementation of MicroPython is rich in features, including an interactive prompt, arbitrary precision integers, closures, list comprehension, generators, and exception handling, among others. Remarkably, it is designed to fit and function within a mere 256k of code space and 16k of RAM. MicroPython's primary goal is to maintain a high degree of compatibility with standard Python, facilitating seamless code transfer from desktop environments to microcontrollers or embedded systems. Additionally, this flexibility makes it an excellent choice for hobbyists and professionals alike, as they can leverage their existing Python skills in new hardware applications.

Developers experience significantly higher productivity levels when using Ubuntu compared to custom embedded Linux systems. By utilizing a shared platform, costs can be reduced, as licensing becomes more affordable, updates are more thoroughly tested, and maintenance responsibilities are distributed. The widespread familiarity and usage of Ubuntu facilitate seamless CI/CD processes, access to superior tools, quicker updates, and more reliable kernels. In this context, Linux itself does not provide a competitive edge; instead, leveraging pre-configured boards allows teams to concentrate on software that is distinctively aligned with their objectives. Managing a well-known environment and platform proves to be both easier and more cost-effective than operating a specialized operating system. Unsurprisingly, a larger number of Linux developers prefer Ubuntu, resulting in a richer and more diverse talent pool. By tapping into this expansive talent reservoir, organizations can benefit from Ubuntu's clear advantages across various metrics. Ultimately, productivity thrives on the principle of reuse, and developers can be empowered by accessing the widest selection of packages available. This strategy not only streamlines processes but also accelerates project timelines, leading to enhanced outcomes.

TinyOS is a freely available operating system under the BSD license, specifically crafted for energy-efficient wireless devices that are utilized in various applications like sensor networks, ubiquitous computing, personal area networks, smart buildings, and smart meters. Its development and support come from a global community comprised of both academic and industrial contributors, with an impressive average of 35,000 downloads annually. Recently, the transition to GitHub for hosting has been finalized, which involves gradually phasing out the existing TinyOS development mailing lists for bug tracking and issues, in favor of utilizing GitHub's tracking system. We extend our gratitude to all the dedicated developers who are actively enhancing TinyOS and facilitating pull requests for improvements, thereby fostering a collaborative development environment that benefits all users. This evolution signifies a major step forward in streamlining communication and collaboration within the TinyOS community.

By developing on the Windows platform, you become part of a global network of partners that encompasses a range of hardware and software solutions, integrations, and services. You can take advantage of our ever-evolving feature set and developer-friendly tools, ensuring a seamless experience in building devices. Windows IoT offers a guaranteed 10-Year OS Lifecycle Support through our Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC), with no unexpected costs involved. Furthermore, it maintains backward compatibility in accordance with Microsoft's application compatibility promise. Leveraging Windows IoT, you can utilize Azure services to create tailored IoT solutions that meet your specific needs. Azure boasts the most extensive portfolio of cloud services and capabilities, designed to align with the demands of various industries. Additionally, Windows IoT seamlessly integrates with existing device management solutions, enhancing your operational efficiency in the IoT landscape. The combination of these features empowers developers to innovate and streamline their projects effectively.

With the Toradex Easy Installer, TorizonCore can be set up effortlessly in just one click. You will find that the Graphical User Interface (GUI) and Debian containers equipped with the APT Package Manager allow for a quick and easy start. Moreover, a growing array of development tools, including the Flash Analytics tool, facilitates the rapid development of dependable products. Built with the Yocto Project and based on the Toradex Embedded Linux BSP, TorizonCore is open-source, allowing for extensive customization options. Additionally, Torizon seamlessly integrates with Visual Studio 2019, empowering developers to utilize a Windows development PC while benefiting from the robust Linux ecosystem. Although Toradex continues to offer support for Windows Embedded Compact / WinCE, transitioning to Torizon with Visual Studio presents a compelling opportunity for developers eager to embrace the advantages of Linux. This combination not only enhances productivity but also encourages innovation in software development.

Nucleus® RTOS empowers system developers to meet the intricate demands of modern embedded designs. By combining a robust kernel with essential tooling features, Nucleus is perfectly suited for applications that prioritize scalability, connectivity, security, power efficiency, and reliable deterministic performance. This real-time operating system is not only proven and dependable but also fully optimized for various applications. It has demonstrated success in demanding sectors that require stringent safety and security standards, including industrial systems, medical devices, airborne systems, and automotive applications. Nucleus features a stable deterministic kernel designed to occupy minimal memory, complemented by a lightweight process model that enhances memory partitioning. Additionally, it supports dynamic loading and unloading of processes, allowing for increased modularity in applications, thus providing developers with the flexibility needed for diverse project requirements. This adaptability ensures that Nucleus RTOS can effectively cater to the evolving landscape of embedded technology.

The Device OS provides a user-friendly programming framework that simplifies the creation of applications for your devices. With just a single line of code, you can securely transmit messages to the web. There are four essential communication primitives available for interaction with the web via the Device Cloud. This platform stands out as the only IoT solution that offers a complete integration of hardware, software, connectivity, and cloud infrastructure right from the start, enabling you to quickly and safely execute OTA updates of any size. The setup process is straightforward, allowing you to implement remote updates within minutes without the need for custom integrations. Our distinctive Intelligent Firmware Release feature incorporates context awareness, allowing fleet-wide OTA firmware updates to be completed in mere minutes. Moreover, Particle supports both individual device and fleet-wide OTA functionalities that effortlessly scale with your fleet, accommodating everything from prototypes to full-scale production. This ensures that as your needs evolve, the platform can adapt accordingly.

At the core of every embedded operating system lies a kernel, which plays a crucial role in task scheduling and multitasking to guarantee that the timing demands of your application code are fulfilled, even as you frequently enhance and modify that code with new functionalities. However, Micrium OS offers more than just a kernel; it includes a variety of supplementary modules designed to assist you in addressing the specific requirements of your project. Furthermore, Micrium OS is available completely free for use on Silicon Labs EFM32 and EFR32 devices, allowing you to integrate Micrium’s high-quality components into your projects today without incurring any licensing costs. This accessibility encourages innovation and experimentation, ensuring that developers can focus on creating robust applications without the worry of financial constraints.

We work alongside both open-source communities and commercial entities to ensure that MIPS is well-supported across many leading Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) as well as emerging IoT-targeted Operating Systems. Furthermore, we have created the MIPS Embedded Operating System (MEOS), which incorporates Virtualization extensions specifically designed for deeply embedded applications and the IoT sector. As MIPS’ proprietary real-time operating system, MEOS is prioritized for updates, ensuring it is the first to incorporate new cores and architectural advancements. The latest release, version 3.1, introduces a virtualization library that transforms MEOS into a hypervisor compatible with MIPS cores featuring the MIPS Virtualization module. Additionally, we are committed to fostering the development of open-source real-time and IoT operating systems by providing engineering resources and supplying necessary development hardware and tools whenever feasible. This collaborative approach not only enhances the ecosystem but also accelerates innovation in the field.

RIOT serves as the backbone for the Internet of Things in a similar way to how Linux supports the broader Internet. Developed by an enthusiastic global community that includes companies, academic institutions, and hobbyists, RIOT is a free and open source operating system. It is designed to accommodate a wide range of low-power IoT devices and microcontroller architectures, including 32-bit, 16-bit, and 8-bit systems, as well as various external devices. The primary goal of RIOT is to uphold essential open standards that foster a connected, secure, resilient, and privacy-conscious Internet of Things. It features strong security measures such as DTLS for transport layer security, encryption via IEEE 802.15.4, Secure Firmware Updates (SUIT), and a suite of cryptographic packages alongside crypto secure elements. Furthermore, RIOT's modular design allows it to be customized according to specific application requirements. The project maintains compatibility with all widely used network technologies and Internet standards, demonstrating a commitment to innovation and often being an early adopter in the field of networking. Overall, RIOT represents a collaborative effort to shape a secure and efficient IoT landscape.