What is Edge AI and Where can it be applied ?
26/08/2024
Introduction
In modern manufacturing, efficiency and accuracy are key to success. With technological advancements, Edge Artificial Intelligence (Edge AI) is gradually becoming a core technology for enhancing factory operations. This article will introduce what Edge AI is and explore its applications in machine vision and robotics, particularly how it can revolutionize factory environments.
What is Edge AI ?
Edge AI
Edge AI refers to running artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms on edge devices, which can be IoT devices, smartphones, industrial robots, and more. This approach moves computation and data processing closer to the data source, achieving low latency, high performance, and enhanced data privacy. Learn more about Edge AI.
How to Use Edge AI ?
Implementing Edge AI in a factory setting involves several key steps:
Identifying Use Cases: Determine the specific problems or processes that can benefit from Edge AI. This could include quality control, equipment maintenance, safety monitoring, or process optimization.
Developing or Integrating AI Models: Develop custom AI models tailored to your specific use cases or integrate pre-trained models. This may involve data collection, model training, and validation.
Deploying and Monitoring: Deploy the edge devices and AI models with factory environment. Continuous monitoring and maintenance are essential to ensure optimal performance and to make necessary adjustments based on real-time data.
Scaling and Optimizing: Once the initial deployment is successful, scale the solution across other areas of the factory or to other facilities. Continuously optimize the AI models and edge devices to improve efficiency and accuracy.
Application Scenarios of Edge AI
Edge AI is transforming various industries by enabling real-time data processing and decision-making at the source. This technology is particularly beneficial in environments where low latency, high reliability, and enhanced data privacy are crucial. From manufacturing to healthcare, Edge AI is paving the way for smarter, more efficient operations.
Edge AI has a wide range of applications. Here are some key scenarios:
AI Defect Detection
Using Edge AI technology, factories can achieve automated product quality inspection. AI algorithms can quickly identify defects in products and issue timely alerts, improving product quality and production efficiency.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Detection
In factory environments, safety is paramount. Edge AI can detect in real time whether workers are wearing the necessary personal protective equipment, such as helmets and goggles, ensuring worker safety.
Traffic Monitoring
Edge AI technology can be used for traffic monitoring inside and outside the factory, analyzing the flow of vehicles and personnel in real time, optimizing traffic management, and improving transportation efficiency.
Medical Imaging
Although not a direct application in factories, the successful application of Edge AI in medical imaging demonstrates its powerful image processing capabilities, which can also be applied to quality inspection and monitoring in factories.
Applications of Edge AI in Factories
In factory environments, the application of Edge AI is particularly important. Here are some specific examples:
Automated Production Lines
Edge AI technology can automate production line operations, from material transport to product packaging, all processes can be completed by AI-driven robots, improving production efficiency and accuracy.
Quality Control
Using machine vision technology, Edge AI can monitor every stage of the production process in real time, inspecting product quality to ensure each product meets the relevant standards.
Equipment Maintenance
Edge AI can predict equipment failures and perform maintenance in advance, reducing downtime and improving production efficiency. Explore more about Artificial Intelligence at the Edge.
Advantech's Edge AI Solutions
Advantech offers a comprehensive range of Edge AI solutions to meet the diverse needs of modern factories. These solutions are categorized into two main types: Edge AI Inference Systems and Edge AI Servers.
Edge AI Inference Systems
AIR-030
The AIR-030 is an advanced edge AI system powered by the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin platform. It offers powerful computing capabilities and flexible expandability, making it suitable for complex industrial applications like package delivery robots, image recognition, and industrial equipment monitoring. Leveraging NVIDIA's comprehensive robotics software stack, including the Isaac SDK and TensorRT, the AIR-030 ensures seamless integration and high efficiency in autonomous robotic applications.
AIR-150
The AIR-150 is a compact edge AI inference system powered by 13th Gen Intel® Core™ Mobile processors. Despite its small size (156 x 112 x 60 mm or 6.14 x 4.4 x 2.36 inches), it packs a punch with 26 TOPS of AI computing power courtesy of the Hailo-8 AI accelerator. This makes it ideal for real-time detection of personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance in industrial environments. The system can quickly and accurately identify whether workers are wearing necessary safety gear, such as helmets and goggles, ensuring a safer workplace.
AIR-310
The AIR-310 is a versatile edge AI system that provides robust performance for various industrial applications. It is suitable for tasks such as predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and process optimization.
Edge AI Servers
AIR-510
The AIR-510 is an edge AI server that offers high computing power and storage capabilities. It is designed for large-scale industrial applications that require extensive data processing and analysis.
AIR-520
The AIR-520 is an advanced edge AI server that supports multiple AI models and provides high-performance computing for complex industrial tasks. It is ideal for applications such as large-scale image recognition and real-time data analysis.
Conclusion
Edge Artificial Intelligence (Edge AI) is revolutionizing factory operations by integrating advanced AI capabilities into edge devices. This technology not only improves efficiency and accuracy but also automates production processes, making factories smarter and more flexible. For companies unfamiliar with Edge AI, this is an excellent opportunity to learn about and apply this transformative technology. As technology continues to advance, Edge AI will unlock new potential across various industries, driving comprehensive industrial innovation.
