How to develop intelligent edge IoT devices
Intelligent edge IoT devices process data either directly or via local servers, allowing them to generate insights closer to the data source. As a result, they offer major efficiency benefits compared to traditional cloud systems, delivering far quicker decision-making capabilities alongside various other advantages. Intelligent edge capabilities - typically enabled by smart modules - are therefore enabling faster, safer, more responsive operations across sectors.
Low latency is a particular strength of intelligent edge IoT. This is vital in systems that require split-second decisions to mitigate hazards - 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. Privacy and security are also enhanced since sensitive data is kept on-site. Healthcare monitors for instance can store patient data locally, while security systems can keep video feeds within premises. This builds user trust while helping to resist data breaches and ensuring compliance with privacy laws.
Intelligent edge IoT is especially valuable for industries operating in remote locations with limited connectivity. Smart farming sensors for example can operate independently to monitor soil health and crop conditions. Similarly, remote oil rigs use intelligent edge capabilities to manage equipment performance without continuous internet access, ensuring operational continuity. Bandwidth efficiency is another advantage - as intelligent edge IoT devices process data locally, sending only relevant insights to cloud systems. This reduces network load and cuts costs, essential for large-scale IoT deployments.
The benefits go well beyond operational 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 instance can tailor interactions to individual user preferences in real time. Meanwhile retail kiosks can recognize returning customers and offer customized product suggestions.
View our expert-led webinar, with a speaker from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., to learn more about how you can plan, test and deploy successful IoT devices drawing on the unique advantages of intelligence at the edge.
Speakers
Guillaume Ravanas
Guillaume is Quectel’s Product Manager for Smart Modules in North America. He holds an MS in engineering from ENS Mines de Nancy, a MS in Computer Science from KSU and an MBA from USC. He spent over 20 years at Qualcomm, always in customer-facing roles. He relishes partnering with customers to bring their ideas into reality.
Job title:
Smart Modules Product Manager, North America
Company:
Quectel
Neel Kishan
Neel leads go-to-market strategy and partnerships for Qualcomm AI Hub, focusing on democratizing AI access and fostering innovation. With prior leadership roles at Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft, he brings extensive experience in aligning AI models with practical applications. He holds an MBA from the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University and an MA in Cognitive and Neural Systems from Boston University, along with dual bachelor’s degrees from Rice University.
Job title:
Director of Product Management
Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Agenda
Key verticals and use cases of intelligent edge IoT
Intelligent edge capabilities across performance points - 1 TOPS, 12 TOPS and 45 TOPS
How Qualcomm Technologies accelerates development and testing of intelligent edge devices with Qualcomm® AI Hub