AIoT pushes edge computing

Latest technology combined with software services

In addition to intelligence at the network edge, the Taiwan-based manufacturer is focusing on its design-in services in the embedded sector. The three columns of design-in services include:

•     embedded software services
•     device operation management
•     Software & Cloud Integration

Aaron Su, Rex Lee and Tony An from Advantech discussed the areas of application and possible uses of the new services. The basis is formed by the extensive embedded platforms such as industrial PCs and additional modules such as accelerator cards for applications in the AI environment.

The platforms are to be equipped with the latest technology in the future. For example, the System-on-Module 8990 (SoM) is based on the COM-HPC standard. Since 2019, the RSB-3430 board with the UIO40 Express interface has also been available. With these interfaces, the company offers fast data transfer rates, which is particularly essential for AI applications. The new UTX standard, which replaces the UTX-e standard on many boards, saves additional space. Standardized temperature and vibration resistance enable the boards to be used in harsh environmental conditions, for example in temperature ranges from -40 to +85 °C. Advantech uses the latest cooling technologies and active fans to keep the boards' operating temperature range within limits.

The Taiwan-based manufacturer intends to provide additional software and its own cloud services for the extensive platforms such as arm, x86 and edge computers. At BIOS level, these include multi-layer security and individual BIOS settings. For the operating system for i.MX8-based embedded modules from Arm, Advantech is relying on AIM Linux and AIM Android services. For these services, the company cooperates with Ubuntu, Microsoft and Yocto. Extensive apps and programming interfaces complete the future offer. For security apps, cooperation with McAfee is planned, and for recovery activities with Acronis. The company's own IoT cloud application WISE-Paas/DeviceOn will also support the software activities, as will Microsoft with the Azure cloud platform. Various DeviceOn apps such as »FaceView« or »ePaperManager« will complement the new services.

Digital transformation with »WISE-PaaS«

WISE-PaaS (Figure 3) in particular is intended to make the leap to becoming a service provider. Allan Young, CTO at Advantech, sees four important steps in the transformation. The first step has already been taken with the creation of the platform, soon to be followed by the second step, which consists of establishing the WISE-PaaS marketplace and the associated apps. The third step is to connect the various platforms with each other, and the fourth step is to develop and implement applications quickly and easily.

The range of apps in the WISE-PaaS marketplace portfolio is structured as follows:

•     iFactory/Electronics
•     iFactory/Metal
•     Energy & Environment
•     iCity Service
•     iRetail & Hospitality
•     iHospital

Advantech supports its customers in the visualization and Asset Performance Management (APM) of a project as well as with an AI Framework Service. For example, APM uses a digital twin to map the project. This allows data to be quickly adapted and effects to be easily tested. With the AI Framework Service, the company helps to build, train and manage AI models. The aim is to create a complete package for customers, including the construction of a smart factory.

Extending the leading position

With the combination of the latest embedded technology, comprehensive software services and fast integration into existing systems, the Taiwanese company aims to win new customers. It is also planned to equip systems of existing customers with the latest hardware and software and to offer hardware-related services. In this way, the industrial PC specialist wants to expand its range of products and become a pioneer in digital services in the industrial environment.

1. AIoT pushes edge computing
2. Latest technology combined with software services