Wittenstein high integrity systems (WHIS) are experts in embedded Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) technology with a specialisation in safety certified software. WHIS supplies advanced RTOS and Middleware components across a broad range of market sectors and applications, from basic embedded designs, up to complex safety systems demanding the highest levels of certification.
Interview with Maria Brown, Marketing Executive at Wittenstein.
A brief description of the company and its activities.
Maria Brown: Our flagship product, SAFERTOS®, is a pre-certified RTOS designed to meet rigorous functional safety standards, including ISO 26262 and IEC 61508. It is trusted by global leaders in automotive, medical, aerospace, and industrial sectors, supporting systems such as ventilators, surgical robots, ADAS, and industrial automation.
WHIS was honoured with the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, the UK’s most prestigious business accolade. This recognition celebrates our global success, with products delivered to over 46 countries and a 100% certification success rate in final applications.
We’re also proud to be recognised as one of the Best Places to Work, reflecting our commitment to innovation, engineering excellence, and a supportive workplace culture.
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
M.B: WHIS specialises in the development and support of safety-critical RTOS solutions. Our core activities include:
- Engineering and certifying SAFERTOS® for various safety standards.
- Providing upgrade paths from FreeRTOS to SAFERTOS®.
- Offering consultancy and support for safety-critical software development.
- Delivering training and resources to help teams navigate certification processes.
What’s the news about new products/services?
M.B: While our streamlined upgrade path from FreeRTOS to SAFERTOS® continues to be a cornerstone offering, helping companies transition to safety-certified solutions with minimal disruption, we’re also preparing to launch new innovations that reflect the evolving needs of embedded systems developers.
One of the most anticipated developments is our upcoming User Defined Partitioning (UDP) feature tailored for aerospace applications. This will give developers greater control over task isolation and resource management, helping meet stringent safety and reliability requirements in avionics and space systems.
These advancements are part of our ongoing commitment to reducing time-to-certification, lowering development risk, and supporting innovation in regulated industries.
What are the ranges of products/services?
M.B: Our offerings include:
- SAFERTOS® – Pre-certified to ISO 26262 & IEC 61508. Compliant to IEC 62304, DO 178C;
- Enhanced Security module – is a cybersecurity extension for SAFERTOS® and is designed in accordance with ISO 21434.
- SAFERTOS® CORE – For those who need to consider safety, but not full certification;
- OPENRTOS® – Commercial licensing for FreeRTOS.
What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
M.B: We are active in global markets where safety and reliability are paramount. Demand remains strong across automotive, aerospace, medical, and industrial sectors, driven by increasing regulatory requirements and the growing complexity of embedded systems. Our solutions are particularly valued in regions with rigorous safety standards, such as North America, Europe, and Asia.
What can you tell us about market trends?
M.B: The market is shifting toward greater automation, connectivity, and intelligence in embedded systems. This evolution brings heightened safety challenges, especially with the rise of autonomous technologies and AI integration. As a result, there’s a growing need for pre-certified software components that simplify compliance and reduce development risk. We’re also seeing increased interest in hybrid systems that combine open-source flexibility with safety-certified reliability.
What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
M.B: Our upgrade path from FreeRTOS to SAFERTOS® stands out as a key innovation. It bridges the gap between open-source and safety-certified environments, allowing developers to prototype quickly and then transition to a production-ready, certifiable RTOS. This approach supports agile development while maintaining compliance with safety standards, a unique value proposition in the embedded software space.
What estimations do you have for the end of 2025?
M.B: By the end of 2025, we anticipate continued growth in demand for safety-certified software, particularly in automotive and aerospace sectors. We expect to expand our global footprint, enhance our product offerings, and deepen our partnerships with hardware vendors. Our focus will remain on helping customers navigate the complexities of safety-critical development with confidence and efficiency.
