Recent advances in edge computing and edge artificial intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing a broad range of industries. They are enabling a new age in predictive analysis and operational performance. So what exactly is edge AI, and how is it changing the way businesses operate?
Edge Artificial Intelligence
Edge AI refers to AI computations performed near the user at the “edge” of a network and close to where the data is located. This could be a retail store, a workplace, or an actual device such as a phone or a traffic light. It contrasts with processing at long distances away in a central cloud computing facility or private data center. Recent advances in machine learning and high-speed computing have facilitated this change. Additionally, the worldwide adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices contributes to faster and more reliable connectivity. As a result, AI models are increasingly deployed at the edge.
Ultimately, AI has been successful when paired with edge computing because modern-day AI algorithms are sensitive to real-world issues. They handle conditions across diverse fields, from healthcare to agriculture. AI is highly effective in edge applications because it recognizes patterns and trends. Deploying it in a centralized cloud or private data center would be less feasible. This is due to issues related to latency, bandwidth, and privacy.
Because edge technology performs analyses on data locally through decentralized capabilities, it can respond to user needs much quicker. It also significantly reduces networking costs for an organization due to requiring less internet bandwidth. Furthermore, data processing isn’t reliant on internet access. Thus, mission-critical and time-sensitive AI applications can enjoy greater access and reliability. These edge computing benefits, combined with the expanding flexibility and “intelligence” of AI neural networks, are allowing organizations to capitalize on real-time insights. They can do so at a lower cost and with greater security and privacy.
Edge AI Use Cases
Edge AI is being recognized as a pivotal technology that will continue to impact new product development. It will streamline processes and enhance user experience across many industries.
In the utility industry, for example, edge AI models combine historical data, weather patterns, and other inputs. They aim to more efficiently generate and distribute energy to customers.
In manufacturing, sensor data analyzed by edge AI technology is helping predict machine failures. It helps factories avoid costly downtime.
Edge AI-enabled surgical tools in healthcare are assisting doctors. They support real-time assessments in the operating room that improve surgical outcomes.
In retail, edge AI enhances customer service. It enables voice-based ordering by customers via smart speakers or other intelligent devices.
In transportation, where real-time decisions are crucial, edge AI adjusts traffic lights. It helps to regulate traffic flow and reduce congestion.
And in security across numerous organizations, edge AI’s real-time analysis of video footage can identify unwarranted activity and immediately inform authorities.
The Power of Edge AI and Nanotechnology in Semiconductor Applications
According to the authors of Artificial Intelligence in Nanotechnology, an academic white paper on AI in nanotechnology, AI plays a significant role in development at the nano scale. It leads to exciting research and development called “AI-nanotechnology.”
Thanks to the big data that AI analyzes, semiconductors benefit from combining edge AI and nanotechnology. They lead to the design of more efficient chips, speeding up market entry.
Semiconductors, or chips, are components used to conduct or block electric current. They drive a bevy of modern-age devices, including mobile phones, computers, TVs, washing machines, LED bulbs, medical equipment, and more.
Edge AI enables semiconductor manufacturers to optimize their product’s power, performance, and area (or “PPA”). It helps design advanced new chips and cheaply overhauls older designs. This occurs without needing to update fabrication equipment. By integrating nanotechnology, they can design with materials at nano scales. They create robust semiconductors with improved functionality cost-effectively.
While both fields face hurdles—ethics, privacy, and bias for AI, and regulatory issues for nanotechnology—experts believe combining these technologies can spur innovation. They hold immense promise for revolutionizing various aspects of science, technology, and everyday life.
Stay on the Cutting Edge of Continuing Education
A new five-course program from IEEE, Integrating Edge AI and Advanced Nanotechnology in Semiconductor Applications, explores the intersection of AI, edge computing, and nanotechnology. It covers real-life applications and future trends. From AI nanoinformatics fundamentals to semiconductor design specifics, learners will acquire skills. They’ll be able to navigate the complexities of modern computing.
To learn more about accessing these courses for your organization, contact an IEEE Content Specialist today.
Interested in the course program for yourself? Visit the IEEE Learning Network.
Resources
Yeung, Tiffany. (17 February 2022). What is Edge AI and How Does It Work? NVIDIA.
(16 November 2023). Bringing AI to the Edge: How Edge AI is Revolutionizing Industries. Sintrones.
Agrawal, Radheyshree, Tilak Paras, Devand, Aryan, Bhatnagar, Archana, and Gupta, Piyush. (17 March 2024). Artificial Intelligence in Nanotechnology. Springer Nature.
Nanotechnology. National Geographic.
Brode, Bernie. (21 March 2022). AI and Nanotechnology are Working Together to Solve Real-World Problems. Stack Overflow Blog.
2023 Edge AI Technology Report. Chapter I: Overview of Industries & Application Use Cases. Wevolver.
A number of key tech trends are dominating industry headlines in 2023. They’re disrupting a diverse range of industries. This signals the world’s entry into the Fourth Industrial Revolution (“Industry 4.0”). This era will be marked by rapid change to technology, industries, societal patterns, and processes. These changes are driven by increasing interconnectivity and smart automation.
Are you up to speed on these trends?
Wi-Fi 6
Officially certified in 2020, IEEE Standard 802.11ax™ enhances the speed and reliability of wireless networks. (It is especially effective in high-density environments where a large number of devices are connected to a network.) This standard represents the underlying technology of the latest Wi-Fi 6 products.
According to Network World’s Neal Weinberg, “Wi-Fi 6 has quickly become the de facto standard for wireless LAN technology (WLAN) superseding Wi-Fi 5, and delivers improved performance, extended coverage and longer battery life compared to Wi-Fi 5.” Thanks to its more efficient quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) and spectrum utilization, he expects Wi-Fi 6 to deliver a nearly 40% increase in pure throughput.
Impacting everything from telehealth and security to defense, food service, manufacturing, the automotive industry, and much more, IEEE Standard 802.11ax ushers in a new era in remote imaging, surveillance, and smart communications in today’s highly connected landscape.
Configuration Management
As part of an alarming and ongoing trend, Security Magazine reported that global cyber attacks in 2022 increased by 38% over 2021 levels. Based on similar findings in a recent Allianz Risk Barometer report, Forbes contributor Chuck Brooks concurred that cyber security threats remain a top issue for organizations. This is true even amid other recent worldwide challenges. Specifically, “cyber perils are the biggest concern for companies globally,” Brooks said. “The threat of ransomware attacks, data breaches, or major IT outages worries companies even more than business and supply chain disruption, natural disasters, or the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which have heavily affected firms in the past year.”
Configuration management (CM) is among an organization’s best defenses against this growing threat. According to cybersecurity provider UpGuard, CM principles help optimize servers, networks, operating systems, and other IT assets. They also enhance the consistency and traceability of configuration changes, minimizing the risk of data breaches.
Benefitting a diverse range of industries— from finance and healthcare to engineering, automotive, defense, and many others— CM helps build IT systems that better manage and respond to critical incidents. It enhances safety, security, and reliability.
Time Sensitive Networking
Fueled by a set of IEEE 802® standards known industry-wide as the “TSN toolset,” time sensitive networking enables data traffic of time-critical applications to be carried over a network shared by various kinds of applications having different Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. According to CISCO’s white paper entitled “Time-Sensitive Networking: A Technical Introduction,” “TSN technology is centrally managed and delivers guarantees of delivery.” In the case of autonomous vehicles, for example, TSN helps provide the quick processing and clear communication needed for the safe and accurate operation of everything from the steering wheel and brakes to anti-lock/anti-slip functions and road-scanning systems. And in the world of industrial automation, TSN helps ensure connectivity and real-time quality of service to mission-critical industrial applications involving robots, smart sensor/meters, intelligent manufacturing, and more.
Because it allows engineers and technicians to determine the exact time it will take for traffic to travel across a network (achieving what’s known as “determinism”) and also assesses delays in the process, TSN will deliver tremendous benefits to a diverse range of industries that rely on rapid and reliable connectivity, including industrial automation, manufacturing, automotive and aerospace, telecommunications, entertainment, and more.
Internet of Things (IoT) Security
According to Statista, the number of IoT-connected devices globally is expected to triple from 9.7 billion in 2020 to over 29 billion in 2030. While this trend reflects greater global connectivity than ever, it also exposes this rapidly growing number of devices to a broad range of threats. Such threats arise if they’re not properly protected. Because IoT attacks present a variety of risks, the need for and value of robust IoT security has never been more imperative. An understanding of the evolving legislation behind IoT security and the need for best security practices will impact everyone. This includes product developers and device manufacturers to engineers, smart city planners, and more.
Let IEEE Help You Sharpen Your Skills and Prepare for the Future
Don’t fall behind in 2023! Stay on top of these major trends and technologies by staying up to date with IEEE. You can find training on a variety of hot topics by browsing the IEEE Learning Network, an online platform featuring hundreds of resources.
Resources
Weinberg, Neal. (24 May 2022). What is Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), and why do we need it? Network World.
UpGuard. (1 August 2022). What Is Configuration Management and Why Is It Important? UpGuard Website content..
Brooks, Chuck. (21 January 2022). Cybersecurity in 2022 – A Fresh Look at Some Very Alarming Stats. Forbes.
Anderson, Joy LePree. (20 January 2023). Global Cyberattacks Increased 38% in 2022. Security Magazine.
(2017). Time-Sensitive Networking: A Technical Introduction. CISCO White Paper.
Vailshery, Lionel Sujay. (22 November 2022). Number of Internet of Things (IoT) connected devices worldwide from 2019 to 2021, with forecasts from 2022 to 2030. Statista.
Shorter commutes, fewer crimes, reduced health burdens, and lower carbon emissions— smart city technologies provide residents with innovative technology, utility, and mobility for ease of living, economic growth, and sustainable development. An often-cited report by McKinsey Global Institute finds that “smart cities” can improve essential quality of life indicators by 10-30%.
A smart city uses the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and other data-gathering technology to help it run more efficiently. All smart cities have multiple layers working together. For example, a technology base consisting of sensors and smartphones connected to high-speed networks can produce raw data, which computers then process to provide insights and give alerts.
The Idea of a “Smart City” Is Evolving
Until recently, smart city technologies were primarily tools to increase efficiency behind the scenes. After more than a decade, it was recognized that intelligent “smart city” strategies start with the needs of the people, not the available technology. A July 2022 Harris Poll found that the overwhelming majority of 3,185 respondents (87%) thought it was important for their city to invest in emerging technologies. However, priorities will vary, and not all residents will value certain smart city technology. It’s critical to first consider which technologies will have the most positive and widespread impact. As demographics change, economic growth shifts, and problems evolve, municipalities must adapt to use technology to create better solutions and deliver a better quality of life.
Thus, the focus on smart cities has shifted toward incorporating smart technology into existing cities rather than starting from scratch. “It’s essentially become a matter of private entities operating with the permission and support of city or state governments,” according to Ellen Goodman, a professor at Rutgers Law School. “It’s using technology, in a way, to improve the provision of services.”
There are many cities at the forefront of this evolution. Barcelona adopted smart trash bins that signal when they are ready to be emptied. On traffic poles across Chicago, nearly 200 IoT devices analyze trends in noise pollution, climate, and traffic to inform proactive policies. Portland, Oregon, is reportedly on track to be the smartest U.S. city by using data to solve city-wide problems, such as cyclist traffic safety.
How Can Emerging Technologies Be Used in Cities?
By using smart technologies, cities could ultimately connect and integrate their various services and sectors—such as utilities, energy, healthcare, transportation, governance, and security—onto digital platforms. There are numerous ways to upgrade city services with intelligent technologies, including:
- Traffic Management: Smart systems can resolve congestion by informing drivers about roadblocks and delays. These systems can use Deep Learning algorithms to predict and reduce traffic, which will help lower carbon emissions.
- Environment Conservation: Artificial intelligence (AI) can analyze data on energy usage in order to decide where best to implement renewable energy sources. AI can also predict pollution levels which will help authorities make decisions best suited for the environment.
- Healthcare: Patient monitoring systems can detect chronic conditions in advance for better preventative care. Chatbots can provide medical assistance, informational support, and schedule appointments. Lessening the amount of unexpected or emergency visits can help free up local hospital resources.
- Waste Management: AI can distinguish between different waste types and monitor how many waste containers are filled, preventing overflows. AI can sort recyclables much more efficiently and quickly.
- Security: AI-enabled cameras can detect criminal behavior and instantly report it to the authorities. Drones can recognize human faces and compare them with a database to trace their identity and authenticate a person entering the city or restricted areas. However, this use case does raise ethical concerns with citizens.
Shape the Future of Cities
What smart cities will look like in the next ten years is being built right now. Technology professionals must evolve with it. A five-course training program from IEEE, Smart City Technologies: Transformation of Cities, will provide insight into how smart technology is altering levels of services in areas such as healthcare systems, transportation, energy distribution, and secured data communication.
What’s covered:
- Fundamentals of city transformations
- Role of smart healthcare in smart cities
- The need for smart city transportation systems
- Smart city energy distribution and its management
- Data privacy and security as applied to technology integration
Contact an IEEE Account Specialist to get organizational access.
Interested in the program for yourself? Visit the IEEE Learning Network.
Resources
Bocigas. Antonio. (24 October 2002). Smarter cities, smarter future. TechRadar.
Glover, Ellen. (4 November 2022). We Were Promised Smart Cities. Built In.
Islam, Arham. (15 October 2022). Understanding the Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Building Smart Cities and Top Startups Working on it. Marketechpost.
McCarthy, Dan. (1 November 2022). These 5 charts show what US city residents think about smart city tech. Emerging Tech Brew.
Nordli, Brian. (26 September 2022). How the Array of Things Project Is Making Chicago a Smart City. Built In.
Qin, Sherry. (5 October 2022). Portland wants to be America’s most prominent smart city. Morning Brew.
Weotzel, Remes, Boland, et al. (5 June 2018). Smart cities: Digital solutions for a more livable future. Mckinsey & Company.