Embracing the edge: Unleashing the potential of on-board computing

Most discussions about technology transformation are dominated by the cloud. Until recently, transformation meant turning to decentralized platforms to handle the massive amounts of data generated by business. However, computing demands are outpacing the cloud, and the next leap in software innovation is toward edge computing.

It’s expected that by 2028, the majority of enterprises will be using edge computing, and by 2025, more than 50% will be processing data outside of traditional platforms. Hyperscalers are already reporting declines in their cloud business in the first half of 2023. In other words, change is here, and it’s accelerating.

Why edge computing is important

Industry 4.0 has always been about automation, connectivity, and robotics. These technologies are exponentially expanding possibilities across industries (including traditional ones like manufacturing) and bringing huge improvements to the quality of everyday life. However, what is less talked about is the huge amounts of electricity required to run the processing units behind these technologies.

As environmental damage reaches critical levels, there is an urgent need to shift to sustainable industry practices, and the power centers we currently use are not efficient enough to handle the data required for Industry 4.0.

It’s estimated that by the end of the century, up to 20% of the world’s electricity could be used for computing unless more efficient solutions are found, which is where edge computing comes in. In fact, the market for building AI and machine learning compatible edge computing is expected to be worth $76 billion by 2031.

The business case for edge computing

(1) Real-time data processing

To succeed in today’s competitive field, it is critical to act on real-time data insights, and cloud-based data processing is no longer fast enough. There is a growing need to perform computations at the exact point in time when data is created, and this is where edge computing comes in. When it comes to the results that AI/ML algorithms give us, even seconds can make a difference.

(2) Cost efficiency

Moving data to a cloud hosting center can incur significant operational costs, and the more data that is generated, the higher these costs become. Edge computing eliminates the need for data movement, and it uses far less power and network resources than the cloud. Therefore, after the initial setup costs, it becomes a more affordable computing option.

(3) Enhanced security and control

Edge computing marks a return to computing "on the machine" rather than decentralization to the cloud. While this may be surprising to some, businesses are increasingly seeing the benefits of retaining full control over their data and building their own security systems. As cyberattacks continue to proliferate, having to move data to the cloud creates vulnerabilities, and edge computing eliminates this risk.

(4) Unleashing the potential of remote devices

Edge computing enables devices and computers to process data at the "edge" of the network. The load on the network is reduced as a result, so edge computing can work even in remote locations where connectivity may not be as good. As a result, businesses can gain timely insights from devices, no matter where they are, to make smarter decisions.

The manufacturing industry, in particular, can benefit greatly from edge computing. Modernization of the industry is long overdue, and while AI and robotics are

The key to the solution is edge computing, which provides the foundation for it all to happen. With edge computing, manufacturers can build smart factories and receive data insights on the factory floor without having to wait for data to be returned from an external facility.

As a result, AI and machine learning can be deployed safely and quickly to supplement human labor and decision-making. In automotive manufacturing, for example, robots can be trained to detect and respond to problems in real time rather than waiting for orders. This will, of course, speed up manufacturing timelines and ensure accuracy at every step, allowing manufacturers to meet growing customer demands.

Summarize

Technology is advancing faster than ever before. The amount of data being generated is already outstripping the capacity of current business networks, and edge computing will become a necessity sooner than anyone can imagine. Businesses of all sizes should invest in edge computing facilities now and start enjoying the benefits of faster processing times, lower costs, and increased data security and autonomy. It’s an exciting time for the industry, and the next few years could change the face of how things work.