Edge AI Examples and Use Cases
This is the third article in Teguar’s Edge AI Series, defining and discussing Edge AI and its implementation in industrial applications. To catch up on the series, start here to read What is Edge AI?, then continue onto Choosing the Right Edge AI Hardware.
Edge AI is rapidly changing what’s possible when it comes to collecting and processing data. By running AI models directly on edge devices, operators can act on real-time insight without any latency or breach of privacy from the cloud. Here at Teguar, we enable smarter edge computing by supplying our customers with powerful and rugged AI computers. But we’re not just a supplier: Teguar works with customers, understanding their applications and working together to explore what’s possible. Read on for some practical, real-world edge AI examples.
Predictive maintenance
By continuously monitoring equipment health and identifying anomalies, edge AI devices can identify patterns before they become repairs. Sensors and logs track machine age, vibration patterns, and operating temperatures, which an AI model uses to predict when a component is likely to break down. Using this data, operators can order replacement parts and schedule inspections proactively, instead of reacting to device failure. Edge AI allows users to stay on top of their equipment maintenance and minimize downtime.
Visual inspection
Smart retail operations, production lines, or stocking and picking industries can use edge AI for automated visual monitoring. Edge AI devices connect to cameras to monitor the facility in real time. Machine vision for quality assurance—identifying cracks, misalignment, or missing parts—has been in practice for a while now. But edge AI takes the analysis a step further by monitoring stock levels to update inventory numbers in real time, building a re-order list, and tracking and learning from shopper activity trends.
Safety systems
Loud industrial facilities with moving parts and people can feel like accidents waiting to happen. Safety protocol and employee training mitigate these risks, but compounding these efforts with edge AI adds the precision and immediacy of technology to create a safer work environment. Cameras track workers for detection of proper safety gear and their proximity to machinery, as well as ensuring emergency exits are functional and unobstructed. Forklifts and other vehicles on the floor can also use these methods to detect their positions and surroundings.
Self-optimizing machines
Edge AI enables the development of autonomous machines and robots, as decisions can be made faster and more precise with the reduced latency at the edge. Autonomous vehicles benefit from this through faster vehicle and pedestrian recognition, as well as smarter path optimization which reduces collision risk and increases efficiency. These types of robots not only execute the directions, but learn to improve as they do so.
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities can use edge AI as a smart assistant to monitor patient vitals and dispense medication, supplementing the oversight of medical staff. Predictive and other AI models previously could present risk to patient data privacy by requiring a connection to the cloud. With AI at the edge, this data can be collected and acted upon without ever leaving the patient’s room.
Edge AI in your workplace
As industry experts discuss the possibility of Industry 5.0, edge AI leads the charge into the next era of adaptive machine learning. Predictive maintenance, visual inspection, safety, and self-optimization are all real edge AI examples for improving efficiency and security in countless industries.
Teguar is a global supplier of edge AI computers and other rugged PCs. Our technical experts are ready to discuss your application to find out how edge AI can scale for you and pair you up with the right hardware for the job. Find more about our edge AI devices here, or contact us below to start the conversation.
Edge AI computers from Teguar make for smarter operations and safer workplaces, from the production floor to the point of care.
