Can a tiny embedded microcontroller run a digital signal-processing application?

Microcontrollers are widespread in embedded applications, where digital signal processing is taking on growing importance. Microcontrollers are an enabling technology because they are inexpensive, consume little power, and fit in tiny devices, although they are not so fast as digital signal processors (DSPs). Softcomputing (artificial neural networks and fuzzy logic) methodologies can help developers design digital signal-processing applications light enough for tiny microcontrollers. A speech-recognition application running on a tiny microcontroller will be illustrated.