From an implementation perspective, what is really needed is the ability to create
an interconnected framework that enables a tight coupling of these input/output interactions while still leaving flexibility to adjust for ever-changing market requirements. A possible solution is to have a set of sensing elements connected to a microcontroller (MCU), which can be used as a flexible, software-configurable platform. Depending on the needs and complexity of the end product, the MCU could be used as part of a larger system handling and processing all inputs/outputs and communicating the results to a master or host unit for further actions. The MCU also could be the brains of the whole system or product if the design requirements are relatively simple.