Work

Impact of virtual threads and garbage collection on energy efficiency of Java applications for battery powered IoT devices

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: IoT devices are increasingly battery-powered, making energy efficiency a primary design concern. This work investigates how Java’s concurrency model (traditional OS threads vs. Virtual Threads) and garbage collection strategies affect battery lifetime. Using a smartwatch case study, we demonstrate that a modern, asynchronous design using Virtual Threads and ZGC achieves a 42% improvement in battery lifetime (7.0 h → 10.0 h) compared to a traditional blocking implementation. This improvement is driven by a 55% reduction in CPU active time and a 7 × increase in deep-sleep residency. This paper provides quantitative evidence and practical guidelines for building energy-efficient Java applications on constrained embedded devices.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-40112-6

Authors: S. Shanjai Kumar, B. N. Sanjai, S. Etheeswar Kaarthi, V. Sivakumar, S. Jagadeesan

Institution: Vellore Institute of Technology University

Language: English

Topic: Logic, programming, and type systems

Subfield: Artificial Intelligence

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690