Unpacking Edge Computing: A Guide for Ruggedized Computing Solutions to Enable Real-Time Processing and AI at the Industrial, Rugged, and Specialized Edge

(Source: ipXchange at Embedded World North America)

Overview

Stream the "Rugged Edge Survival Guide" webinar series hosted by Daniel Litwin, voice to b2b and Dustin Seetoo, product marketing director at Premio sets the stage for current advancements and strategic applications of edge computing market. This 5-episode series highlights Premio's innovative product segmentation into the Industrial Edge, Rugged Edge, and Specialized Edge, showcasing purpose-built solutions that enhance computing and reliability in challenging environments. Tune in on-demand to learn about real-world applications for industrial-grade computing, the impact of AI for edge computing, and how Premio's cutting-edge technology empowers key industries to optimize their operations with everything computing.

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Background and Current State of Market Trends

 

 

As businesses face increasingly complex technological demands for mapping their digital transformation, the need for robust and reliable computing solutions has never been more critical. Companies are rapidly shifting towards edge computing to deal with the influx of data from the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data Analytics and now, yet again, Artificial Intelligence (AI) with powerful machine learning abilities. Even though the concept or enablement of AI models have been through its inflated boom cycles, the current excitement surrounding AI, particularly unsupervised machine learning, is fueled by several key trending catalysts in the last decade:

  • With the explosion of over 75 billion IoT devices expected to come online by 2025 (Gartner), the collection of big data analytics and cloud-native computing in massive data centers, both these technological catalysts provide a foundation for massive parameters to train large AI models that lead to even better machine learning methods, like deep learning, neural networks, and generative AI. 
  • The advances in computational power and power efficiency with the rise of semiconductors, especially with GPUs and now domain-specific architecture, enable heterogenous computing for faster processing of complex algorithms in real-time and minimal latency. Not only do you have the computing architecture maturing across multiple architectures (CISC vs RISC), edge computing infrastructure and lower latency connectivity options (Wifi,4GG/LTE, 5G) are readily available. This provides an enormous amount of computing power where data is created, providing machine learning. 
  • Breakthroughs in AI techniques or open-source training models (Tensorflow, pytorch, resnet, yolo, etc) enable deep learning and reinforcement learning for better AI outputs for predictive insights, allowing machines to handle tasks like image/object recognition, natural language processing, and decision-making more effectively. Hence, all the current hype around generative AI and all its explosive benefits for more productivity and efficiency.

According to Google’s AI Overview in the search engine, the definition of “Generative AI ”Generative artificial intelligence (AI), or generative AI, is a type of AI that can create new content like text, images, videos, music, and audio. It's a relatively new AI technology that uses machine learning models to learn patterns from data and create new content in response to prompts.” 

Although it’s still too early to predict if the current hype cycle demand for AI is finally reaching its peak of inflated expectations or trending upward toward a slope of enlightenment for real-world productivity, the technology industry is currently extremely bullish on the future of AI technology and its ever so promising benefits. In my opinion, hopefully we are not in another hype cycle only to experience the same AI winters from earlier decades. But for the purpose of this blog, let's dive into some of the key topics discussed in the “Rugged Edge Webinar Series (Part 1 of 5) - Defining Edge Computing and How Premio’s Computing Solutions are Positioned in the Edge Continuum,” and why Premio has identified market segmentation with the industrial, rugged, and specialized edge categories for its strategic position in the ecosystem for edge computing. 

 

 

Premio Inc., with its three decades of expertise in creating cutting-edge ruggedized computing solutions, has successfully maneuvered its product offerings to meet the mission-critical hardware challenges as data moves along an edge continuum for real-time processing and lower latency connectivity for machine-to-machine interoperability.

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Expanding on Industrial, Rugged, and Specialized Edge Computing 

The technological landscape is evolving at an unprecedented rate, necessitating robust and adaptable computing solutions to handle intricate data operations at the edge. With businesses increasingly moving towards digital transformation incorporating AI and machine learning, the importance of processing vast quantities of data at the edge has become extremely crucial. While cloud computing has traditionally supported big data operations, the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the growing necessity for instantaneous data processing have made edge computing indispensable. 

(Image Source: Snapshot into the Edge E-Book from Premio Inc.)

For over 35+ years, Premio Inc. has refined its computing design, engineering, and turnkey manufacturing capabilities in the United States by crafting mission-critical, powerful ruggedized solutions tailored to the demanding requirements of industrial and rugged environments. 

Enhanced Performance Through Innovations in Thermal Management 

At the core of high-performance edge computing, especially in adverse environments, is effective thermal management. Premio's rugged edge systems leverage advanced passive cooling technologies to maintain optimal operating temperatures without moving parts, thereby reducing mechanical wear and enhancing system durability and reliability. This design principle is vital for deployments in remote locations where maintenance access is challenging, and operational continuity is paramount. Enter fanless designs for ultimate reliability.  

Ultimate Reliability with Fanless Designs 

Premio's fanless edge computers exemplify their commitment to reliability. By eliminating the fan, one of the most common points of mechanical failure in computers, these systems are not only quieter but significantly more reliable in dust-prone and outdoor settings. The rugged build accounts for shock and vibration resistance, ensuring continuous operation under dynamic conditions—essential for sectors like industrial automation, construction/underground mining, intelligent transportation, smart cities and even military operations. 

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Seamless Integration and Ubiquitous IoT Connectivity 

Understanding the rise of IoT and its billions of devices, Premio ensures their ruggedized edge computing systems can seamlessly connect with a myriad of sensors and devices. This integration capability empowers industries with real-time data analytics, fostering immediate decision-making that bolsters efficiency and safety. The inclusion of robust, high-bandwidth wireless communication modules supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and LTE standards, enhancing real-time data transmission capacities even in the most isolated environments. EDGEBoost technologies from Premio’s own EDGEboost I/O modules provide a modular mix and match approach to scalable I/O connectivity options ranging from: Out-of-band management (OOB), RJ45/M12 with power-over-ethernet, USB 3.2 Locking (5Gbs), and even m.2 acceleration for Edge AI performance.  

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Ensuring Compliance and Safety with World-Class Certified Solutions 

Recognizing the diverse requirements of different industries, Premio’s specialized edge solutions uphold stringent compliance standards. Each device undergoes rigorous certification processes to meet international safety, environmental, and operational standards. This meticulous approach not only ensures regulatory compliance but also guarantees reliability across various deployments, from industrial manufacturing plants to hazardous locations like oil rigs. Certification standards include: UL, FCC, CE, EMC Conformity with EN50155 & EN50121-3-2 for railway, even Class 1 Division 2 for explosion proof compliance for oil and gas deployments.  

Commitment to Quality, Sustainability, and Efficiency 

Amid growing environmental concerns, Premio maintains a commitment to sustainability. Our systems are designed to optimize energy use without sacrificing performance, embodying energy-efficient operations that align with global sustainability standards. In addition, our edge computing portfolio is integrated in an ISO-certified 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 facility for quality and environmental management. This manufacturing quality and efficiency translates into lower operational costs for users and a reduced environmental impact, aligning technological advancements with ecological responsibility. 

Why Premio? Built Rugged. Built-ready Industrial and Edge Computing Solutions 

As the digital transformation accelerates with AI and machine learning, industries will demand more from their edge computing solutions, not just in terms of performance but also reliability, connectivity, and environmental standards. Premio Inc. continues to innovate at the intersection of reliability and leading-edge computing technology, providing solutions that are not only technically proficient for performance but also strategically competitive in the cost vs. performance ratio for total cost of ownership. Premio's portfolio of ruggedized computing solutions continues to enable faster time-to-market with its standardized off-the-shelf products that streamline the ability to act on real-time data insights, wherever and whenever needed, ultimately driving smarter, more responsive edge AI capabilities across multiple industries. 

Explore Rugged Edge Computing and Contact Us Today 

Are you ready to tackle the complexities of modern industrial and environmental challenges with advanced computing technology, leveraging the latest technology with ultimate reliability? Discover how Premio Inc. can eliminate your pain points and frustrations for your deployments that require industrial-grade computing solutions. Dive into a world where performance, reliability, and innovation meet to redefine what's possible at the industrial, rugged, and specialized edge! 

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