Yes, but the problem being solved is often a double problem. A) develop embedded software to control a system of "stuff" B) characterize the system so you know

Yes, but the problem being solved is often a double problem. A) develop embedded software to control a system of "stuff" B) characterize the system so you know what controls to apply. The virtualization helps you ensure that A is doing what you intend to do, but not as much with B) knowing what your intent should actually be... and even if you can build a reasonable model of 80% of the behaviour, the really critical stuff tends to be out of the envelope type constraints like, oh the sensor gives this bogus reading under conditions X, so you need to ignore it or avoid condition X. Edit: case in point (an adjacent story in HN) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13700798 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13700798 "UPS Showcases New Delivery Drone, Fucks Up"