I just want to say: computer controlled cars have saved more lives than any other parts in a car. How different would the automotive world be without ABS and similar devices?
ABS is a great example of a simple embedded system. Initial implementations were relatively self contained.
Personally I'd be spun out in a ditch about 5 times a day without traction control, I tried turning traction control off in my car once, and it turns out the way I drive is basically 100% dependent upon traction control functioning!
