While processing compute-and storage-intensive resources will forever be hosted in the cloud, the demand for timely and effective computing at the edge is increasing as IoT and AI applications proliferate. The challenge is that decentralization from the cloud to the edge is not easy, especially for complex AI technologies being applied to large heterogeneous systems. Furthermore, ultra-timely applications like autonomous navigation and worker safety are another key driver for ensuring the necessary instantaneous and effective responses. Therefore, it is critical that IoT edge computing platforms enable the required super fast compute and storage needed at the edge of these networks. One European-Korean consortium believes they have the answer in addressing this need.
A joint project funded by European and South Korean research programs aims to develop an IoT platform empowering emerging artificial intelligence (AI) applications with on-demand computing at the edge of networks.
As part of the project, research institute Leti announced that its sensiNact IoT middleware will be the core of the platform under development in the three-year development program.
The joint project, called DECENTER, is focused on integrating the IoT, AI, the cloud, edge, fog computing and smart contracts, together with a secure blockchain. It aims to develop a platform facilitating an ecosystem in which computing and IoT resources (processing, memory, storage, connectivity, sensing, actuating) are orchestrated in multi-cloud, federated environments. In this “fog computing platform,” it envisages that all providers can share resources and be rewarded through the automatic execution of smart contracts logged and monitored via blockchain-based technologies.
