Welcome to the first of Imagination Technologies' "Future of Technology" webinar series where Pallavi Sharma, Director of Product Management at Imagination, delves into the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) in the industrial Internet of Things (IoT). You can watch the webinar recording by completing this form, or read our recap below for the key takeaways.

The Evolution of IoT and the Rise of Edge AI 

The Internet of Things (IoT) has evolved significantly from its early days of centralised cloud processing. Initially, IoT applications relied heavily on cloud-based data processing, where data from various devices was collected, processed, and analysed in the cloud before insights were sent back to the devices. While effective, this approach has limitations, particularly in environments requiring instant responses, such as manufacturing floors and smart grids. These critical applications demand ultra-low latency, which cloud-based processing cannot always provide due to inherent delays. 

Enter Edge AI. By processing data directly at the edge of the network—on or near the device itself—Edge AI eliminates the need for data to travel back and forth to the cloud. This local processing capability enables real-time insights and immediate responses,  essential in industrial IoT settings where delays can lead to disruptions or hazards. For instance, if a sensor detects an issue in a machine, an AI model running on the edge can identify and address it instantly, ensuring seamless operations. 

Key Trends Driving AI Integration in Industrial IoT 

Several pivotal trends are driving the integration of AI within industrial IoT: 

1. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): AR and VR are transforming industrial operations by providing real-time, hands-free guidance during equipment maintenance. For example, AR glasses can overlay instructions and schematics directly in a technician's field of view, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
2. Predictive Maintenance: Edge AI-based predictive maintenance models analyse equipment data to foresee potential failures, minimising downtime and extending machine lifespan. This proactive approach ensures continuous operations and reduces maintenance costs. 
3. Autonomous Robots and Vehicles: AI-powered autonomous robots and vehicles are becoming increasingly prevalent in industrial settings. These machines can handle tasks like material handling and quality inspections independently, adapting to dynamic environments in real-time.
4. Data Security and Cost Efficiency: By processing data locally, Edge AI reduces the exposure to potential breaches during transmission, enhancing data security. Additionally, it lowers data transmission and storage expenses by minimising reliance on cloud services. 
5. Operational Continuity: Edge AI ensures continuous operations even in environments with limited or intermittent connectivity, such as remote oil fields, by processing data locally without the need for constant cloud access. 

The Role of GPUs in AI and Industrial IoT 

Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) play a crucial role in the AI revolution within industrial IoT. Originally designed for rendering graphics, GPUs excel at handling multiple operations simultaneously, making them ideal for processing large-scale AI tasks in real-time on edge devices. Unlike traditional CPUs that process tasks sequentially, GPUs can perform thousands of operations in parallel, significantly enhancing processing speed and efficiency. 

Manufacturers have developed specialised GPUs tailored for edge environments, addressing challenges like limited power availability and area constraints. For instance, one provider has introduced an edge AI system that integrates GPU computing with AI capabilities, maximising performance in diverse applications, including real-time AI inferencing at the edge. 

Enhancing Industrial IoT with AR and VR 

AR and VR technologies, often associated with gaming and entertainment, are making significant inroads into industrial applications. In smart factories and warehouses, AR and VR enhance efficiency, safety, and training effectiveness. Technicians equipped with the latest models of AR glasses can access real-time data overlays, receive step-by-step instructions, and consult with remote experts without interrupting their workflow. 

One organisation implemented AR glasses in their maintenance operations, resulting in a 50% reduction in downtime and a 30% boost to productivity. AR and VR also play a crucial role in training, creating realistic simulations of factory environments where new employees can practice tasks in a controlled, risk-free setting. 

Advancements in AI Models for Industrial IoT 

The evolution of neural networks is driving significant advancements in industrial IoT applications. Vision Transformers (ViTs) and Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) are two notable examples: 

• Vision Transformers (ViTs): Unlike traditional convolutional neural networks (CNNs), ViTs utilise self-attention mechanisms to process visual data, capturing intricate relationships within images. This capability is particularly beneficial for AR-enabled maintenance systems, where ViTs can identify specific components within machinery, recognise operational status, and detect anomalies in real-time. 
• Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs): SNNs mimic the brain's natural processing mechanisms, operating using discrete events known as spikes. This spike-based processing makes SNNs well suited for managing event-driven data, prevalent in IoT sensor streams. SNNs are particularly advantageous for edge applications due to their low energy consumption and reduced computational demands.

• Graph Neural Networks (GNNs): GNNs are specialized neural networks designed to process data structured as graphs. In industrial contexts, graphs can represent complex relationships within networked systems, such as sensor grids or manufacturing processes. Each node in the graph represents an entity—like a sensor or machine—and edges denote the relationships or interactions between these entities. By leveraging this structure, GNNs can model and analyse the intricate dependencies present in these systems.  

In predictive maintenance, understanding the interdependencies between components is crucial. GNNs excel in this area by analysing the entire network of interconnected components to identify patterns that may indicate potential failures.  

Extra reading: This paper on Graph Neural Networks for Leveraging Industrial Equipment Structure.  

Use Cases: Autonomous Robotics and Smart Grids 

Autonomous Robotics: AI and GPU technologies are revolutionising manufacturing by enabling autonomous robots to operate independently, adapt to changes, and make decisions without human intervention. For example, BMW's South Carolina factory employs humanoid robots that use AI to perform tasks such as inserting metal sheet parts into assembly fixtures, enhancing flexibility and responsiveness on the production line. 

Smart Grids: Smart grids integrate digital technology to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of electricity distribution. AI plays a pivotal role in this transformation by enabling real-time data processing and decision-making at the network's periphery. For instance, the New York Power Authority employs an edge AI solution to manage renewable energy input, balancing supply and demand more effectively and increasing renewable energy utilisation by 15%. 

AI, AR, and Beyond

AI and AR are transforming industrial IoT by enabling real-time data processing, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving predictive maintenance. The integration of advanced AI models and GPU technologies is revolutionising manufacturing processes and smart energy management, paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable future. 

Be sure to check out our following “Future of Technology” webinar: Generative AI in China by Zack Zheng, Director of Product Management, available on-demand now.   

Visit our GPU pages to find out more about Imagination’s solutions for industrial applications.