Greater intelligence at the edge places significant additional demands on IoT devices which must now include greater processing power and the ability to support low-latency decision making. This relies on smart modules which encapsulate additional functions that would previously have been handled by separate components, adding cost and complexity to devices. Smart modules bring together computing, graphics processing, data storage and connectivity into a single, unified and compact hardware component. They also support operating systems such as Linux and Android to enable multimedia and other advanced functions.

Greater awareness and availability of smart modules is seeing rapid acceleration in uptake of smart modules. Smart modules accounted for around 2% of global cellular IoT module shipments in 2023, according to IoT Analytics research, but the growing sophistication of IoT devices and use cases is creating greater demand and the firm predicts smart modules will rise to 10% of global cellular IoT shipments by 2027. That’s a CAGR of 79%.

Low latency has become an in-demand requirement of intelligent edge IoT applications. This is vital in systems that require split-second decisions to mitigate hazards and local processing enables this immediacy by eliminating delays in data transmission. Similarly, industrial automation systems can respond quickly to sensor inputs, helping to prevent equipment failures and downtime.

A smart module can contain a wide range of capabilities depending on the demands of the use case. Typically, edge processing, cellular modems, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities and positioning technology, either in the form of GNSS or cell-based positioning, are included capabilities. The multiple functions of a smart module work together seamlessly, significantly reducing the bill of materials (BOM) cost of an IoT device. Time-to-market can also be shortened because developers and designers don’t need to procure multiple components and ensure they integrate well into the device.

Benefits of greater intelligence at the edge for IoT devices

The benefits of intelligence at the edge enabled by smart modules are about far more than efficiency. Intelligence at the edge enables highly scalable, resilient and responsive systems. Devices distribute decision-making capabilities, so if one unit fails, the network remains operational. This is essential for critical infrastructure like power grids, healthcare facilities and smart city environments. Intelligent edge IoT can additionally offer highly personalized user experiences. Smart home devices, for example, can tailor interactions to individual user preferences in real time. Meanwhile retail kiosks can recognize returning customers and offer customized product suggestions.

These intelligent edge applications were discussed in a recent Quectel Masterclass titled ‘How to develop intelligent edge IoT devices‘. The Masterclass, presented by Guillaume Ravanas, Smart Modules Product Manager for North America at Quectel, and Neel Kishan, Director of Product Management at Qualcomm Technologies Inc., shared key verticals and use cases of intelligent edge IoT, introduces intelligent edge capabilities across performance points at 1 TOPS, 12 TOPS and 45 TOPS. The Masterclass  also features a section explaining how Qualcomm Technologies accelerates development and testing of intelligent edge devices with its AI Hub.