Why are C, C++, and LISP so prevalent in embedded devices and robots?

Question

It seems that the software language skills most sought for embedded devices and robots are C, C++, and LISP. Why haven\'t more recent languages made inroads into these applicat

Answer 1

Java made another milestone this year when it became a programming option for the FIRST Robotics Competition. FRC is an impressive competition involving over 77,000 high-school students, mentors, and volunteers from around the world building 120 pound robots in six weeks. I just posted some results about this on my blog.

By strange coincidence (or not), it uses the same Java VM as the Sun SPOTs mentioned in the original question.