December 30, 2024
I started SynthInt AI with a simple vision: harness embedded AI to transform IoT devices from passive sensors into intelligent nodes capable of real-time data processing. This vision materialized when we developed an industrial vibration sensor that could predict mechanical failures before they occurred. By processing vibration patterns locally, we reduced reliance on cloud connectivity, saving time and resources while preventing costly downtime.
In healthcare, our work on a medical device tracker showcased how local AI processing could pinpoint an ingested device location within the body. These successes highlighted the significance of edge computing and the importance of optimizing AI models through techniques like quantization.
Connectivity remained a core challenge throughout these projects. From Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to 5G, each technology served distinct purposes, requiring careful selection.
Security also demanded constant vigilance. Implementing a lightweight blockchain protocol can maintain device identity and data integrity, establishing trust across untrusted devices. The IOTA protocol is one example of a new DLT technology that is energy efficient and is intended to be used in IoT devices.
Hardware advancements like Neural Processing Units (NPUs) and AI accelerators accelerate on-device processing, and refined algorithms reduce power consumption, further expanding the possibilities of embedded systems. One example of a Microcontroller Unit (MCU) with an integrated NPU is the STM32N6 from ST Microelectronics. A similar NPU technology from ARM, named Ethos-U, is licensed by several other silicon manufacturers for use in their microcontrollers.
As I reflect on these milestones, I see edge computing shaping industries from industrial automation to healthcare. Blockchain’s decentralized approach addresses security challenges, and robust connectivity solutions link everything seamlessly.
Ultimately, the goal at SynthInt AI is to keep pushing the boundaries and improve lives — making machines smarter, healthcare more precise, and everyday experiences more intuitive. By continuously innovating in embedded AI, edge computing, connectivity, and blockchain, we are building a future where devices have the capacity to understand and enhance the world around us.
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