What is Edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) and why is it needed?
Edge AI enables data analysis near its source, such as cameras on production lines that detect faults in real-time. This reduces latency for faster decisions, crucial for self-driving cars and factory robots. It also lowers costs and power use by minimizing cloud reliance, enhancing security as most data remains local. An example of its use is in autonomous robots, which analyze data from onboard sensors for safe operation.
AIoT: When AI Meets the Internet of Things
While IoT provides data, Artificial Intelligence acquires the power to provide for responses – offering the opportunity for both creativity and the context to drive further actions; as the data is delivered and analysed with AI, businesses can make informed decisions. AI IoT succeeds in providing the following:
- Management, analysation and provision of meaningful insights: Efficiently overseeing and interpreting data to deliver actionable insights.
- Fast and accurate analysis: Conducting quick and precise evaluations of data.
- Localised and centralised intelligence: Integrating intelligence from both local and central sources for comprehensive insights.
- Confidentiality and data privacy: Ensuring that sensitive information is protected and kept private.
- Maintenance of security against data attack: Implementing measures to safeguard against potential data breaches.
The Benefits of AI Enabled IoT
Combining IoT & artificial intelligence leads to a broad range of benefits for both companies and consumers alike – such as proactive intervention, a more personalised experience and intelligent automation. The following are some of the business benefits that can result through combining the technologies :-
Boost Operational Efficiency
AI in IoT analyzes data streams to optimize processes and improve efficiency.
Eliminate Downtime
AI and IoT can predict equipment failures allowing for scheduled maintenance and reducing unplanned downtime.
Better Risk Management
AI and IoT integration allows businesses to automate risk management and enhance safety.
New and Enhanced Services
NLP enhances human-device communication, while IoT and AI rapidly improve products through data processing.
Increase IoT Scalability
IoT devices generate data that an AI-driven ecosystem efficiently analyzes for easier management and connectivity.
AI Technologies
Artificial Intelligence (AI) utilizes computers for perception, logic, and learning, employing machine learning to enhance performance through data analysis. This improvement comes from Deep Learning algorithms inspired by neural networks, mimicking brain functions. The system learns problem-solving independently, rather than being hard-coded by programmers. Deep Learning trains AI systems by repeatedly providing data to refine their capabilities, ultimately enabling them to perform analysis or make decisions effectively.
Artificial Intelligence is achieved by using systems with a combination of high performance scalable processors such as the Intel Xeon; FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays); Vision Processing Units (VPUs) and Neural Network Processor Units (NPUs).
AI Hardware Accelerators
GPU | CPU | VPU | FPGA
An AI accelerator is a specialized hardware system designed to enhance artificial intelligence applications, particularly artificial neural networks, machine learning, and robotics. They often feature unique designs that emphasize low-precision arithmetic and in-memory computing capabilities.
NVIDIA: Jetson (GPU)
Nvidia Jetson includes embedded boards for machine learning, such as TK1, TX1, and TX2, powered by Nvidia’s ARM-based Tegra processors for energy efficiency and AI acceleration.
The NVIDIA JetPack SDK is essential for AI app development on Jetson, offering TensorRT, cuDNN, CUDA Toolkit, VisionWorks, GStreamer, and OpenCV on L4T with an LTS Linux kernel, along with the latest OS, libraries, APIs, and tools for developers.
CPU + GPU Computing
A Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is a specialized chip that quickly renders images and accelerates tasks such as encryption and AI. Essential for supercomputing and data centers, GPUs have fueled the AI boom.
GPUs excel over CPUs in processing large data due to their parallel architecture, being widely used in supercomputing, video processing, and AI training. NVIDIA GPUs are equipped with CUDA Cores for efficient code execution.
Vision Processing Unit (VPU)
A vision processing unit (VPU) is a microprocessor that accelerates machine vision tasks by capturing visual data and excelling at low-power parallel processing. It efficiently runs algorithms like CNNs and SIFT, emphasizing on-chip data flow and minimizing off-chip buffer use.
Field-Programmable Gate Array (FGPA)
A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is a customizable integrated circuit that can be programmed after manufacturing. While FPGAs offer flexibility and compatibility with CPUs, GPUs excel in parallel processing and floating-point tasks. They are less suited for self-driving cars and deep learning.
BVM and AI: How to bring an Edge AI solution to market
Development kits to help test and prototype your edge AI solution are readily available, but DEV Kits are rarely suitable for use in the environment where they will ultimately be deployed.
A purpose-built industrial-grade AI system based on Nvidia Jetson, Intel Movidius, or a high-end GPU, will be more appropriate and will offer more reliable long-term operation.
Our edge AI systems are designed for use in environments where shock, vibration, or extreme temperatures can be a problem, and will run 24/7 for many years.
AIoT Ready Hardware
Like most applications that BVM meet, where IoT based projects are concerned – each application demand will differ from the next. So we can meet these differing needs, and through the support of our OEM partner channel, BVM have built (and continue to expand) a portfolio of product to scale for computing efficiencies required around both Edge based PC’s – and Edge servers to provide for reliable performance solutions.
All our solutions are provided on industrial lifetime availability programs – a minimum of 3-5 years
AIoT Edge Devices | High Performance Mini PCs
Our solutions support applications like device condition monitoring for predictive maintenance or network anomaly detection, while BVM systems provide powerful CPUs capable of running multiple applications at once..
Edge Computers | High Performance Computers
BVM’s edge computers put you in control of your industrial IoT solutions, letting your applications process, store, and manage data directly on-site, saving time, cutting bandwidth, and improving performance.
Low Powered | Ultra Compact Computers
Ultra Compact Industrial Computers, IoT Controllers and Gateways connect devices and sensors to each other and the cloud, providing powerful processing, memory, and storage close to the data.
Deep Learning | High Performance Computers / Servers
While GPU-accelerated hardware is key for AI and deep learning, BVM offers a range of solutions tailored to the different needs of development, training, and inferencing, covering every performance and budget requirement.
AI Accelerator Cards
BVM offers a wide range of Industrial AI accelerator cards for machine vision and AI applications, integrating VPUs, FPGAs, or GPUs while keeping ruggedized designs intact.
Motherboards and SBCs
Industrial and embedded boards provide the backbone for industrial systems, offering long-term availability, revision control and wide operating temperature ranges.
GPU/VPU Accelerated Computers
BVM offers a wide range of rugged industrial GPU-accelerated solutions for machine vision and AI, integrating VPUs or GPUs while still allowing fanless designs.
AI Ready Panel PCs
AI-ready Panel PCs deliver powerful processing, enhanced graphics, and hardware-accelerated video to handle advanced imaging and machine learning applications at the edge.
Ready to Discuss Your Project?
Contact BVM for all your Industrial and Embedded Computing OEM/ODM design, UK manufacturing or distribution needs. With over 35 years of experience, we supply standard hardware and design custom solutions tailored to your requirements.
Reach our expert sales team on 01489 780144 or email us at sales@bvmltd.co.uk.