Industries That Use NPUs for AI Workloads

Jason OConnorAI, Blog, Edge Computing

Unlike general-purpose CPUs, Neural Processing Units, or NPUs, are specialized processors designed to accelerate neural network and machine learning workloads efficiently. They are especially useful for AI inference tasks that require fast, low-power processing on devices, vehicles, workstations, or edge systems. Here are the top industries using NPUs for AI workloads: More Industries using NPUs: They are especially useful when … Read More

How to Use Edge AI: A Comprehensive Guide to Applications and Benefits

Jason OConnorAI, Blog, Edge Computing

Using Edge AI means running machine learning AI models directly on edge computers (like workstations, smartphones, smart cameras, or IoT devices) so it can make fast decisions close to where the data is created instead of relying on the cloud. It can deliver faster, more private, and sometimes offline insights, depending on the device, model, connectivity needs, and deployment design. … Read More

What’s Needed to Deploy AI at the Edge: Essential Hardware and Software Requirements

Jason OConnorAI, Blog, Edge Computing

Deploying AI at the edge requires compatible hardware such as low-power microcontrollers or edge TPUs capable of local data processing, optimized AI models tailored for constrained environments using techniques like quantization and pruning, data sources like cameras or medical devices, and software frameworks that manage model deployment and updates efficiently, making connectivity and cloud integration vital as well. Additionally, it … Read More

Infrastructure Used for Retail Edge AI: Hardware, Software, and Technology Explained

Jason OConnorAI, Blog, Edge Computing

Retail edge AI infrastructure typically consists of localized computing hardware such as hyperconverged edge platforms, integrated with AI-capable devices like IoT sensors, cameras, and specialized low-power AI processors, along with orchestration and containerization, storage, and networking. (Learn what edge AI computing is here). Retail edge AI infrastructure decentralizes processing, running machine learning and computer vision tasks directly in physical stores … Read More

How Edge Computing Impacts Real-Time AI: Exploring Benefits and Challenges

Jason OConnorAI, Blog, Edge Computing

Edge computing significantly impacts real-time AI by moving data processing, analysis, and decision-making from centralized cloud servers to the “edge” of the network—physically closer to where data is generated (sensors, cameras, IoT devices). Edge computing impacts latency, privacy, bandwidth, and reliability. Edge computing significantly enhances real-time AI by processing data locally near the source, reducing latency and enabling immediate decision-making … Read More

Which Edge Hardware Works Best for AI Workloads

Jason OConnorAI, Blog, Edge Computing, Solutions

The best edge computing solution for AI workloads depends on the complexity and scale of your tasks: microcontrollers and smart sensors excel at minimal, low-power processing; compact edge devices like NVIDIA Jetson deliver strong acceleration for computer vision and machine learning; while portable edge workstations provide high-performance computing for complex models in harsh environments. For most mid-to-high complexity AI applications, … Read More

Edge Computing and AI Inference with Ampere Cloud Native Processors

Jason OConnorAI, Ampere, Blog, Edge Computing

NextComputing’s Ampere Edge appliances and Fly Away Kits take full advantage of Ampere’s AI-friendly CPU’s, making AI inference faster, cheaper, and more energy-efficient in the cloud and at the edge. Ampere’s white paper, AI Inference with Ampere Cloud Native Processors (PDF), explains how and why their CPU’s are superior for AI inferencing. AI consists of two critical components: training and … Read More

What Is Edge AI Computing? Benefits, and Future Explained

Jason OConnorAI, Blog, Cyber Security, Edge Computing

Imagine your company server, a security camera, or a factory robot, making rapid decisions all on its own—without needing to send data far away to a computer in the cloud. This is the magic of Edge AI Computing. By running artificial intelligence directly on the local network, Edge AI Computing helps things work faster, saves internet bandwidth, and keeps your information … Read More