NTT DATA Unveils Ultralight Edge AI Platform

NTT DATA has recently unveiled an innovative 'ultralight' edge AI platform that revolutionizes the integration and synthesis of data from various sensors, devices, and systems into a unified data plane.

The cutting-edge NTT DATA Edge AI system is capable of processing vast amounts of data on compact computing platforms by utilizing smaller, more efficient machine learning models. This enables the platform to provide real-time AI insights, especially tailored for private 5G wireless networks.

Unlike traditional AI models, the system employs smaller, task-specific AI models to process data at its source, thereby reducing costs and complexities associated with conventional approaches. NTT Data has collaborated with industry leaders such as Dell Technologies for edge servers, as well as Nokia and Celona for 5G networks.

The Edge AI platform is meticulously designed to cater to industry-specific needs, leveraging lightweight and cost-effective AI models that can operate within a small compute box. By focusing on specific tasks like enhancing safety and operational efficiency, the platform collects data from diverse devices across a network environment, facilitating instant and secure data processing and analytics.

The software is equipped with auto-discovery capabilities through a vast library of pre-built interfaces. Following this initial phase, the Edge AI software generates a detailed diagnostic report that inventories assets and data streams, while also identifying security risks and vulnerabilities.

This advanced system enhances predictive maintenance by accessing data from sensors, machinery, cameras, and applications to proactively plan and address potential failures. Moreover, the Edge AI platform can monitor and optimize energy consumption in real time, predicting energy spikes and optimizing machine usage.

Shahid Ahmed, Group Executive Vice President of Edge Services at NTT DATA, expressed, “Our Edge AI platform signifies a significant advancement in securely and cost-effectively implementing AI at the edge. By harmonizing data from diverse sensors and devices with lightweight AI models, powering various automation use-cases, NTT DATA’s Edge AI is leading the way in industrial AI adoption as the first fully managed offering, assisting organizations in modernizing with tailored, industry-specific solutions.”

Alejandro Cadenas, Associate Vice President of Telco Mobility & IoT Research at IDC Europe, highlighted the challenges faced by enterprises in capturing and aggregating operational data securely across a fragmented landscape of devices and platforms. He commended NTT DATA’s ultralight Edge AI for simplifying the deployment and adoption of a data-driven enterprise strategy, ultimately reducing risks and timelines while optimizing total cost of ownership and value for the enterprise.

Pablo Tomasi, Principal Analyst for Private Networks at Omdia, emphasized the importance of computing and AI at the point of data generation for industrial enterprises. He praised the NTT DATA solution for ingesting IT and OT data and leveraging AI models to drive use-case specific results, bringing the industry 4.0 vision closer to reality. Tomasi also noted that the use of task-specific small AI models will facilitate AI democratization, making it easier for enterprises to introduce AI where and when needed without requiring a complete infrastructure overhaul.

For more information, visit www.nttdata.com.