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Synopsis: Edge computing will be the key to automation of factories and cars.
What is Edge Computing?
Edge Computing is a distributed information technology (IT) architecture in which client data is stored and processed as near to the originating source as possible.
In simple terms, Edge computing is a computing that is done at or near the source of the data, instead of relying on the cloud at one of a dozen data centers to do all the work.
Whereas in traditional technology data captured by sensors and cameras will be sent to data centers. Then data centers will analyse and send back the appropriate action to be taken.
For example, in a self-driving car, for brakes or a sudden turn, captured data will be sent to data centers. Then centers send the appropriate action back to the car.
Whereas in case of edge computing data storage and processor will be in the car. So, it can take instant decisions in case of emergency.
Significance of Edge Computing
- Saves bandwidth: It saves bandwidth, since data is not being sent on the network. For example, in facial recognition and motion analytics cameras, images require massive bandwidth. The edge processor can process images and send the processed data to the data centre for further analytics, reducing traffic.
- Applications: Edge devices can monitor air quality and temperature patterns in a room and send alerts to the central building management system on breach of air quality parameters.
- Edge Computing system installed in ITC can detect and reject the defected products within milliseconds.
- Availability of internet: Further, it is useful for the regions where there’s no internet.
Opportunities
Since last 2-3 years, custom processors are being made by companies. These processors are used for specific applications such as voice, video and image processing, which are essential in edge computing.
These custom processors are powerful enough to store and do the necessary computations themselves.
Source: TOI
