How Edge AI Powers Everyday Devices and Applications?
4 min read | By Postpublisher P | 22 August 2023 | Technology
Your daily routine is becoming smarter nowadays, isn’t it? Your smartwatches count your steps. Your fridge changes the temperature according to the groceries state. When you’re playing video games, the characters react to your actions immediately. What might be the reason behind all these actions?
The reason behind these smart actions is none other than Edge AI. It gives power directly to your fingertips in every possible way. If you have ever wondered how your devices make instant decisions without distant data centers you are at the right place. Read this blog to know more about Edge AI and how it powers everyday devices and applications.
What is Edge AI?
Edge AI is a technology that brings the ability of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the device you use every day. It makes your devices smart by allowing them to think on their own. With Edge AI, you can take advantage of AI assistants wherever you go.
For instance, think about your smartphone. It’s not just a communication device; it’s a mini-computer. It recognizes your face, understands your voice commands, and predicts your typing too. All this cool stuff is made possible by Edge AI. So, when your phone knows your face, understands what you say, and guesses what you’ll type next, give the credit to Edge AI.
How does Edge AI work?
The working process of Edge AI begins with the specialized hardware that can handle AI tasks efficiently. This edge device is equipped with neural processing units and enables them to analyze local data. To generate the local data, user interactions, and sensors are used.
Once the edge device processes the data through AI algorithms, an immediate response is given without the help of external servers. This kind of working process is crucial in time-sensitive applications like self-driven vehicles and healthcare monitoring.
The Development of AI from Cloud to Edge
In the traditional cloud-based AI model, data was sent to remote servers for processing. This approach raised challenges like latency, privacy concerns, and dependency on stable internet connections. Constantly sending data back and forth caused delays and frustrated device usage.
Edge AI enters the scene as a game changer. It processes data directly on devices at the edge of the network. It brings enhanced privacy, instant decision-making ability and reduces the dependence on the cloud. It allows you to ensure a seamless user experience even in areas with limited connectivity.
Think about self-driving vehicles moving through crowded streets without a millisecond of delay. Smart home devices adjust settings instantly in the blink of an eye. Edge AI turns all your regular gadgets into quick-thinkers.
Real-Life Application of Edge AI
Voice Assistants: Alright, let’s talk about voice assistants that know almost everything. When you ask questions like, “Hey, what is the weather like today?”. You are not waiting for a message from a satellite to bounce back to you. AI’s intelligence is happening right there in your device. It gives you answers like “It’s cold outside, it’s raining, it’s snowing”.
Cameras:Edge AI helps your camera do more than just click pics. It can spot faces, decide if it’s your friend, and even warn you about suspicious things. This faster and smart action helps you capture the right moments without any delay. Instead of getting responses from the faraway servers, the camera itself thinks on the spot.
Wearable Gadgets: You know so many smart wearable gadgets like fitness trackers, web-enabled glasses, and smartwatches. With Edge AI, they become even smarter. When you’re wearing the fitness tracker, it is not just counting your steps. It can keep tracking your heart rate, sleep patterns, and stress levels. It’s like having a personal health assistant who understands you better than you think.
Smart Home Gadgets: Edge AI in smart homes adds more advantages to your house. It makes your gadgets quicker and smarter. Your home gadgets like lights, thermostats, and even your fridge can act smart with the help of Edge AI. Your thermostat knows when to warm things up or cool things down, all by itself. Your lights? They change colors or turn on/off with your simple command.
Importance of Edge AI
Instant responses: One of the major perks of Edge AI is its ability to make real-time decisions. Virtual assistants like Google Assistant, Apple’s Siri, and Amazon Alexa use Edge AI technology. If you voice a query on these devices, Edge AI will process and analyze your request within the device. In turn, it will give rapid responses, deliver weather updates, and play your favorite songs.
Data Transmission: Transmitting large volumes of data to the cloud can strain network bandwidth. Edge AI reduces this burden. When it comes to Drones, Edge AI gathers and processes significant data directly on the drone. Then transmits the most relevant bits to the control center. This approach reduces the load on communication channels and makes the drones fly smoother and faster.
Offline performance: Many devices/machines equipped with Edge AI can operate even without an active internet connection. Offline functionality in robots enables them to do their tasks when they’re not connected to the internet. The robots can keep moving around, doing their job without asking for help all the time. This functionality lets the robots make decisions on their own.
Edge AI in various domains
Manufacturing:The workers in the field of manufacturing take advantage of Edge AI. They can wear smart devices like wearable beacons, smart helmets, and IoT sensors to sense the danger around them. Edge AI is at spotting issues and finding ways to work more efficiently. If someone gets close to a hazardous spot, quick alerts can be given by these smart gadgets.
Agriculture: Edge AI brings a bounty of benefits to agriculture. Agricultural robots can see the fields using computer vision and collect information regarding the land. This helps them understand things like spotting pests, checking plant health, and even predicting the watering time. Moreover, Automated farm tractors spot obstacles like animals/humans and they can change their route by themselves.
Retail: Edge AI facilitates data processing in the retail industry by reducing the dependency on distant servers. This processing enables quicker decision-making, such as adjusting pricing or restocking based on immediate demand. Also, Cashierless checkout systems streamline the purchasing process. You can simply select items and exit the store without the need for manual scanning. This accelerates transactions and also improves customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
Edge AI has shown various ways of enhancing everyday devices and applications. From manufacturing to agriculture, Edge AI has proven its improved efficiency and convenience in diverse fields. Stay curious and informed to witness the continuous evolution of Edge AI. So, next time your thermostat adjusts itself or your fitness tracker gives you insights, remember it’s Edge AI making it happen.
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