Edge AI and Its Business Applications in 2024
Artificial Intelligence
Silpa Sasidharan January 15, 2024

Have you ever wondered why artificial intelligence (AI) became a game-changer for every business? Get ready to delve into the fascinating world of Edge AI, its applications, and how it helps transform workflows to enhance efficiency! Let’s check how this technology tool is disrupting the business ecosystem for good. So brace up and start the journey towards success!

What is Edge AI?

Well, we are going to demystify the buzzword, Edge AI! Edge AI or AI at the Edge uses artificial intelligence, which helps implement computations nearer to where data is collected rather than using an offsite data center.

Edge Artificial Intelligence is a hastily evolving era that has received full-size attention in recent years. It combines the power of artificial intelligence with the benefit of edge computing, bringing the skills of AI to devices at the edge of a network. This way, information gets processed and analyzed locally, without the need for regular cloud connectivity. 

Edge AI helps your devices process information—right at the place where the action happens—on the edge of the network. Therefore, instead of using the cloud computing facility, you can process data closely. That sounds interesting, doesn’t it?

How Does ArtificiaI Intelligence at the Edge Work?

Now that you have a basic understanding of Edge AI let’s break down how the system works. In AI at the edge, as you know, when the data gets processed right at the edge of the network, there is hardly any waiting time. It processes information directly. Hence, there is no need to transfer data back and forth in the cloud. Your device is capable of implementing processing in real-time, without any delay. 

The quick processing capability of your device at the ‘edge’ makes it more efficient and safe. Also,  the use cases of AI at the edge are aplenty. For example, the fast processing and added safety features make it extremely useful for smart home gadgets, autonomous cars, and so forth. Similarly, in the manufacturing sector, for improved productivity and to support quality control measures.

Edge Artificial Intelligence

Components of Edge AI

An Edge artificial intelligence system consists of hardware components such as:

Microcontrollers

Microprocessors

AI accelerator

The software components consist of:

Operating systems

AI frameworks 

Libraries

The components in Edge AI work in tandem to implement AI algorithms and help process data on edge devices. 

One key factor that makes edge artificial intelligence adaptable is the hardware components that make up the gadget. These encompass microcontrollers, microprocessors, and AI accelerators.

Microcontrollers are small, low-energy computing devices that can be embedded into different structures. They are accountable for controlling and handling the float of information inside an Edge artificial intelligence machine.

Microprocessors, however, are extra powerful, valuable processing devices (CPUs) that implement complicated calculations and commands. AI accelerators are specialized hardware designed for quicker processing compared to conventional processors.

In edge artificial intelligence, other than hardware, there are some software components. These consist of AI frameworks, which give the tools and libraries for developing AI models and running structures that manipulate the sources and communication among hardware and software components. Libraries are essential as they offer pre-constructed capabilities and algorithms that can be utilized in AI programs.

Read more: Generative AI | Top Use Cases and Benefits in 2024

When several components run together, Edge artificial intelligence can implement complex AI algorithms and method data in real-time on edge gadgets. This allows for faster decision-making and decreased latency, making artificial intelligence at the edge a game-changer in industries inclusive of healthcare, production, and transportation.

In the end, the components of Edge artificial intelligence work hand in hand to make your everyday gadgets work like magic! Microprocessors, AI frameworks, and libraries all come together to ensure collaboration to enable AI algorithms to process data at the edge of your devices. As a result, it brings in front of you what exactly you need in the blink of an eye!

Cloud AI vs. Edge AI

Let’s look at some of the differences between Cloud AI and Edge AI. Here we go!

Processing Location

Cloud AI processes and stores information in a cloud environment remotely, and at the same time, Edge AI stores data at the edge, nearer to the data source.

This is the essential distinction between the two types of AI. Cloud AI is based totally on remote servers and internet connectivity. On the other hand, Edge artificial intelligence runs on local devices.

Flexibility in Design and Architecture

Cloud AI offers extra flexibility in format and architecture due to the availability of more resources and effective servers.

With cloud AI, software developers get proper access to an extensive range of tools to design complex AI systems, making it ideal for large-scale projects.

Connectivity Requirements

Edge AI can work independently of an internet connection. However, cloud AI calls for devices to get connected to the internet to function effectively.

It makes Edge artificial intelligence highly suitable for real-time applications and scenarios in which there is no internet connectivity, including far-off areas or during the event of natural calamities.

Latency and Security Issues

Due to its reliance on internet connectivity, cloud AI may face latency troubles that might affect the overall performance of AI structures. It also increases safety issues as information is transmitted over the internet.

Whereas, Edge artificial intelligence gets rid of these issues as facts are processed locally, leading to quicker response times and better protection.

Target Devices and Requirements

Edge AI is designed for devices with confined properties, which include low memory, processing power, duration, and power consumption, whereas cloud AI can serve a great variety of devices without such barriers.

It makes Edge artificial intelligence more appropriate for devices with low computing skills, along with Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets, at the same time as cloud AI is ideal for high-end gadgets.

Machine Learning Algorithms

In Edge AI, the choice of machine learning algorithms and their sizes is restrained due to the devices’ size constraints, while cloud AI has no such restrictions.

Therefore, Edge artificial intelligence may not be able to deal with complex and massive-scale algorithms, whereas Cloud AI can take care of them with hardly any restrictions.

In short, the differences between cloud AI and Edge AI lie in their processing aspects, flexibility, connectivity, device capabilities, device reading algorithms, and so on. Both types have their strengths and weaknesses, and the selection relies on the precise goals and requirements of the project or application.

What are the Differences Between Conventional Artificial Intelligence and Edge AI?

Conventional artificial Intelligence (AI) and Edge AI are different techniques for processing data. While each makes use of advanced technology, there are some differences between both. 

Firstly, traditional AI is an extra popular term that refers back to the capacity of a computer or gadget to imitate human intelligence and perform duties that incorporate gaining knowledge of problem fixing, and selection making. It is generally carried out via algorithms and large quantities of information. On the other hand, Edge artificial intelligence brings AI attributes to devices at the edge of a community. It lets in real-time processing, making it perfect for programs that require actual-time responses. 

Secondly, the facts processed via conventional AI and Edge AI vary drastically. AI is typically skilled on large datasets and requires plenty of processing power, making it more appropriate for dealing with complex and large-scale tasks. While Edge artificial intelligence works with smaller, specific datasets. It facilitates quicker and more efficient processing, making it perfect for applications that require actual-time or low-latency responses.

Traditional AI and Edge artificial intelligence use advanced tools to make clever alternatives, even though they vary in terms of their method, processing skills, and applications. 

Conventional AI is more appropriate for huge and complicated data. On the other hand, Edge AI is suitable for smaller and particular datasets. As technology continues to evolve, there will be better integration and collaboration between these two methods. In the future, it will make way for even more advanced and efficient systems.

What are the Business Applications of Edge AI?

Let us see a few of businesses in which we can use Edge artificial intelligence. Read on! 

Logistics Management

In supply chain management, Edge artificial intelligence optimizes inventory ranges, monitors shipments, and forecasts demands. Eventually, it encourages advanced efficiency and financial savings for supply chain businesses.

Marketing and Advertising

Edge AI in marketing and advertising offers real-time statistics on client behavior and possibilities. It allows for targeted and custom-designed campaigns to enhance conversion rates.

Healthcare

Edge AI in the area of healthcare has several use cases. With the use of wearable devices and sensors, Edge AI can analyze real-time information and provide timely remarks and insights for each patient and healthcare carrier. 

Retail

In the retail enterprise, Edge AI inspects buyer preferences in real time and focuses on personalized advertising and marketing techniques. It helps e-commerce organizations to grow profits and improve customer satisfaction in the first place.

Banking and Finance

In the banking and finance industry, Edge AI helps detect and prevent any kind of fraud. By studying the facts from transactions and customer behavior in real time, Edge artificial intelligence identifies suspicious activities. Further, it prevents economic losses.

Energy

Additionally, Edge AI helps energy management companies analyze real-time information from electricity grids and gadgets to optimize energy utilization, and decrease prices. It also can be used for predictive maintenance, to figure out disasters in advance, and to assist preventive measures.

Read more: What Is Adaptive AI | Why Should Businesses Adopt It in 2024?

Examples of Edge AI Devices

A few examples of Edge artificial intelligence devices include intelligent domestic gadgets, wearable devices, autonomous cars, smart cameras smart medical sensors and so on. Let’s check each of them in detail.

Smart Domestic Gadgets

 smart domestic gadgets- Edge artificial intelligence device

A few examples of Edge artificial intelligence devices encompass smart domestic gadgets, along with Amazon Echo and Google Home, which use artificial intelligence algorithms to offer personalized, voice-activated assistance. These gadgets store and process data locally, without using a far-off cloud server.

Wearable Devices

wearable edge artificial intelligence device

Wearable devices, consisting of smartwatches and fitness trackers, also use Edge artificial intelligence generation to process and analyze information without delay on the device. It facilitates real-time tracking of fitness information without using internet connectivity.

Self Driving Cars

self-driving cars-an example of edge artificial intelligence device

Another example of an Edge artificial intelligence tool is self-driving/autonomous vehicles. It makes use of data gathered from sensors and cameras in real time and processes them locally on the edge of the device, leading to quick decision-making. Top of all, it allows improved safety on the road.

Smart Sensors and Cameras

smart sensors and cameras

Edge artificial intelligence is beneficial in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, where smart sensors and cameras keep tabs on the processes in real time. As a result, businesses ensure quicker reaction responses to potential issues and improved performance.

Smart Medical Sensors

edge artificial intelligence device- smart medical sensors

Another instance of an Edge AI tool is smart medical sensors. They analyze patient data in real time, helping with fast and accurate diagnosis.

Long story short, Edge artificial intelligence devices are disrupting nearly all industrial and service sectors in the manner statistics are processed and analyzed. Technology is evolving every day, and therefore, we can expect more innovative Edge AI devices in the near future. 

Edge artificial intelligence is a fast-growing technology that makes use of AI and edge computing. It enables AI algorithms to run on devices such as smartphones, sensors, and IoT devices locally rather than relying on a centralized cloud server. As discussed above, a lot of benefits are derived from using Edge artificial intelligence.

The future of AI seems promising as its applications are aplenty. From healthcare to manufacturing and supply chain industries, more advancements are likely to come in during the coming years in Edge artificial intelligence devices. It has already started disrupting industries and the future of EAI is full of unending possibilities!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key components of Edge AI?

Edge AI comprises software and hardware components that work together to implement AI algorithms. Further, it processes and stores data on edge devices. 

What are the most common applications of Edge AI?

Edge artificial intelligence features several applications across a wide range of industries, such as healthcare, manufacturing, supply chain and logistics, and many more. It makes these systems more intuitive, flexible, and autonomous.

What are the limitations in developing and launching Edge AI systems?

There are many challenges in developing and launching Edge artificial intelligence systems due to resource constraints. For example, limited memory, processing power, and so forth. In addition, the Edge artificial intelligence system must be compatible with the software and hardware components to address these constraints. This further, makes the development process complex. 

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Author Bio

Silpa Sasidharan is a content writer and social media copywriting expert working at ThinkPalm Technologies, who aspires to create marketing texts for topics spanning from technology, automation and digital business solutions.