  In this extended abstract we present our current work on leveraging Standard
ML for developing embedded and real-time systems. Specifically we detail our
experiences in modifying MLton, a whole program, optimizing compiler for
Standard ML, for use in such contexts. We focus primarily on the language
runtime, re-working the threading subsystem and garbage collector, as well as
necessary changes for integrating MLton generated programs into a light weight
operating system kernel. We compare and contrast these changes to our previous
work on extending MLton for multicore systems, which focused around acheiving
scalability.
