Edge computing: The new frontier for OEMs and AI innovation

[MattQuirk]

Edge computing has revolutionized what our data can do for us. Rather than waiting for data to travel to a centralized location to be analyzed, we can now get insights in real time. This means that decisions can be made and actions taken whenever and wherever they are most needed.

Some applications—the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, and smart factories, to name a few—are only possible at the edge, and although these are the most talked about use cases, they’re only the tip of the iceberg. The number of applications and use cases that have been made possible by edge computing is growing by the day.

A significant driver behind this expansion is advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Edge computing, when integrated with AI, transcends the traditional role of merely gathering data. These smart edge devices are not just data collectors; they are decision-makers, processing and acting on information locally and instantaneously. This synergy is unlocking unprecedented benefits across various sectors, from enhancing patient care through real-time monitoring of vital signs to increasing the safety and efficiency of autonomous vehicles.

Furthermore, AI at the edge no longer exists only in small form factors. It is now possible to build and set up entire edge computing environments in server racks. Consequently, we can execute and automate ever more complex workloads at the edge.

Given its versatility, we can anticipate edge computing to be a focal point of technological advancement throughout this decade.

Case in Point: Sensei's Autonomous Retail Revolution

Consider this: You enter a store, pick your items, and simply walk out, with the payment processed automatically as you leave. This scenario, reminiscent of a sci-fi film, is today's reality, thanks to companies like Sensei.

Sensei, a trailblazer in autonomous retail technology, is redefining shopping in Europe. The company is integrating sensor fusion, real-time computer vision, AI, and machine learning in its revolutionary technology stack. Sensei technology boasts accuracy of 99% in inventory detection and reporting. This eliminates the need for traditional checkout processes, offering customers a seamless shopping experience while providing retailers with streamlined operations and real-time insights into inventory dynamics, enhancing efficiency and profitability.

In order to achieve this scenario, Sensei stores need to process massive amounts of data at high frame rates quickly and correctly. Only the most robust and cutting-edge solutions will be able to get the job done. To enable its autonomous stores, Sensei is running its AI models on a cluster of HPE ProLiant DL380 servers packed with NVIDIA GPUs to aggregate, process and store data at an unprecedented level—right at the retail edge, on the shop floor.

Moreover, as a result of its HPE OEM partnership, Sensei is able to access HPE experts to continuously elevate and improve its AI models. It also has fast, priority access to the latest versions of HPE technology to ensure that its operations are always running at the cutting-edge of innovation.

Unlock the possibilities of edge computing with a technology partner

Operationalizing AI at the edge requires a delicate balance of high computing power and advanced AI technology. Edge applications can often be critical, such as edge devices operating in hospitals and power grids, so it is imperative that the hardware involved is robust, scalable, and secure. However, developing a supporting hardware infrastructure can be a significant challenge for companies primarily focused on AI development.

This is where a technology partner such as HPE OEM Solutions becomes invaluable. Our proven, reliable, and highly secure hardware is being used by companies worldwide to bring their innovative solutions to market, and we are proud to continue being part of this journey with our customers.

Interested in seeing Sensei’s technology in action? Visit them at NRF 2024v in New York City, from January 14-16, at booth number 2260.

You can also find out more about the Sensei solution here: https://youtu.be/ms1QAxrtK78.