Vibe coding, the use of large language models (LLMs) within development environments, introduces both intriguing possibilities and serious caution flags.
On the surface, AI-assisted code generation can accelerate development tasks, from generating embedded code to configuring PLCs or robotics systems, Electronic Design wrote. LLMs can quickly produce example programs, explain syntax or provide compilation steps, potentially saving time in early prototyping.
However, the unpredictable and imprecise nature of prompt-driven code generation makes it risky for mission-critical industrial applications. Unlike structured design tools like UML or precise programming languages, AI-generated code often lacks traceability, determinism and full context-awareness — qualities that are non-negotiable in safety-critical and real-time control environments.
The integration of generative or agentic AI into embedded control systems must be approached with skepticism and rigor, Electronic Design warned. While there's industry pressure to adopt these tools quickly (often from leadership influenced by market hype), controls engineers must prioritize system reliability, cybersecurity and long-term maintainability.
Learn more about vibe coding in this article from Electronic Design.
