National Instruments CEO Discusses Cyber-Physical Systems

Dr. James Truchard, CEO of National Instruments, highlighted the importance of programming heterogeneous multiprocessor computer systems during a keynote address at the National Science Foundation-sponsored Workshop on Cyber-Physical Systems in Austin, Texas. The workshop brought together key academic and industry researchers to explore the new government research area involving computer-based systems that exhibit a deeply integrated, real-time interaction between computer and physical components. Truchard discussed the design and control of embedded systems using National Instruments' LabVIEW graphical programming environment and real-time FPGA-based hardware platforms. He emphasized the need for domain experts to drive the development of cyber-physical systems and make them available to the science and engineering masses.

Key Takeaways:

• National Instruments' CEO, Dr. James Truchard, discussed the importance of programming heterogeneous multiprocessor computer systems for controlling cyber-physical systems.
• Truchard highlighted the need for domain experts to drive the development of cyber-physical systems and make them available to the science and engineering masses.
• National Instruments has pioneered the development of virtual instrumentation software and hardware that have revolutionized the way engineers approach measurement and automation applications.
• The NI LabVIEW embedded design and prototyping platform combines the LabVIEW graphical development environment with off-the-shelf measurement and control hardware for design, simulation, rapid prototyping, implementation, validation, and verification of embedded systems.
• Truchard cofounded National Instruments in 1976 while working at The University of Texas at Austin.
• National Instruments has been named one of the 100 best companies to work for in America by FORTUNE magazine for the past seven years.

Statistics:

• National Instruments has 4,000 employees.
• The company has direct operations in nearly 40 countries.
• National Instruments has been named one of the 100 best companies to work for in America by FORTUNE magazine for seven consecutive years.

Sources:

• "National Instruments CEO Discusses Cyber-Physical Systems in Keynote Address at National Science Foundation Workshop." National Instruments, 16 Oct. 2007.
• "About National Instruments." National Instruments, www.ni.com.
• "LabVIEW: A Powerful Development Environment for Engineering and Scientific Applications." National Instruments, www.ni.com/labview.