What is Edge AI?

▎ What is Edge AI?

Edge AI, or artificial intelligence at the edge, refers to the deployment of AI capabilities on devices or nodes that are located at the periphery of a network, close to the source of data generation. This approach allows for the processing of data locally, without the need to send it to a centralized cloud or data center for analysis. 

Here are some key points about Edge AI:

1. Proximity to Data Source: Edge AI processes data near where it is generated, which can be in IoT devices, smartphones, industrial machines, or other network edge devices.

2. Real-Time Processing: Since data doesn't need to travel to a distant server for processing, Edge AI can deliver responses almost instantly, which is crucial for time-sensitive applications like autonomous vehicles or industrial automation.

3. Reduced Latency: By processing data locally, Edge AI significantly reduces network latency, which is the delay in data transmission.

4. Bandwidth Conservation: It conserves bandwidth because only necessary data needs to be sent to the cloud, and preliminary processing can filter out irrelevant information.

5. Offline Capability: Edge AI can operate even without an internet connection, as the processing is done on the device itself, making it suitable for remote locations.

6. Data Security and Privacy: Processing data locally can enhance security by keeping sensitive information from being transmitted over the network.

7. Decentralized Intelligence: Unlike traditional cloud-based AI, which relies on centralized servers for computation, Edge AI distributes the intelligence across the network, making it more resilient to single points of failure.

8. Energy Efficiency: Local processing can be more energy-efficient as it reduces the energy required to transmit data over long distances.

In contrast to traditional AI, which often relies on cloud computing for processing power, Edge AI brings the computational power needed for AI tasks to the device level. This means that the device can perform tasks such as data analysis, decision making, and machine learning on its own, without relying on the cloud. This paradigm shift is particularly beneficial for applications that require fast processing times, operate in areas with limited connectivity, or handle sensitive data that needs to be kept private.

For instance, the "WonderJourney-1A" satellite developed by STAR.VISION utilizes edge AI technology to achieve real-time data acquisition, analysis, and transmission in space.

The "WonderJourney-1A" satellite is equipped with an independently developed onboard intelligent payload processing unit called "String" (String Edge AI Platform), which boasts a peak computational power of 80TOPS. This capability allows the satellite to process data in real-time in space, execute over a hundred algorithms, and perform onboard AI capabilities such as intelligent image recognition, intelligent segmentation, intelligent compression, and cleaning of invalid data, effectively enhancing the operational efficiency of the computing satellite.

In summary, STAR.VISION's "WonderJourney-1A" satellite demonstrates the immense potential of edge AI in the field of space technology. By enabling data processing and intelligent analysis in space, it not only improves the performance of the satellite but also opens up new possibilities for future space exploration and applications.