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  • Unleash AI to the Edge

    Edge AI refers to neural network models deployed on resource-constrained devices that perform intelligent functions—such as filtering data and identifying events of interest—in real time without requiring cloud connectivity.

    What Is Edge AI?

    Edge artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the deployment of AI models and algorithms directly on power-constrained local devices at the edge, rather than in a centralized cloud environment.

    While cloud-based AI platforms like ChatGPT have captured the spotlight since 2022, a quieter but equally transformative revolution has been unfolding —edge AI. As devices become more advanced and versatile, AI must evolve beyond cloud-based implementations to thrive in environments where computing and energy resources are limited.

    Edge AI combines edge computing with artificial intelligence, enabling devices to perform machine learning tasks directly on local hardware without relying on cloud processing. These intelligent devices can analyze data in real time without constant internet connectivity, representing a significant shift from traditional cloud-based AI implementations.

    People increasingly expect AI to be available where they are – not just at home or behind a desk – in practical and meaningful ways. The edge AI market reflects this demand and is projected to reach $66.47 billion USD by 2030, creating a significant market opportunity for early adopters.

    Ambiq’s revolutionary Subthreshold Power Optimized Technology (SPOT®) platform is accelerating this transition by delivering ultra-low power, high-performance AI capabilities to devices where traditional AI implementation was previously impossible.

    Differences Between Cloud AI and Edge AI

    Edge AI offers significant opportunities when capturing and processing occur at the source where the data is collected, rather than in a centralized cloud environment.

    CLOUD AI

    Inference happens here

    EDGE AI

    Inference happens here

    The Benefits of Edge AI:

    • Reduced Latency for Real-Time Analytics
    • Enhanced Reliability
    • Strengthened Privacy and Security
    • Lower Operating Costs
    • Extended Battery Life

    The Benefits of Edge AI Include:

    • Reduced Latency for Real-Time Analytics

      Processing data directly on the device eliminates network transmission delays, enabling real-time analysis for time-sensitive applications

    • Enhanced Reliability

      Edge AI solutions operate independently of internet connectivity, maintaining functionality even in environments with limited bandwidth or during network outages.

    • Strengthened Privacy and Securit

      Sensitive information such as health data remains on the local device, significantly reducing exposure to network vulnerabilities or cloud data breaches that could compromise user privacy

    • Lower
      Operating Costs

      Decreasing reliance on cloud infrastructure for routine processing tasks can help organizations substantially reduce data transmission expenses, cloud computing costs, and storage fees.

    • Extended Battery Life

      Data transmission is among the most power-intensive operations for mobile devices. Processing data locally dramatically reduces energy consumption, extending device battery life

    Applications of Edge AI

    The proliferation of edge AI extends to many devices and applications, including personal devices, medical and healthcare, smart homes and buildings, industrial edge, automotive, and more.

    Industrial
    Edge

    Medical/
    Healthcare

    Smart Homes
    and Cities

    Personal
    Devices

    $12B Edge AI Market Booming Now

    Projected Market Size by End Markets ($B)

     
    $5.8$2.5$3.7$0.9

    2023

     
    $4.7$2.7$4.0$0.7

    2024

     
    $5.9$3.2$4.0$0.8

    2025

    CARG 2023-28

    Graph created by Ambiq, Inc. based on Gartner research. Calculations performed by Ambiq, Inc. Source: Gartner, Forecast: Semiconductors and Electronics, Worldwide, 2022-2028, 4Q24 Update, Rajeev Rajput et al., 16 December 2024 Revenue basis.

    Q&A

    • Since 2010, Ambiq's proprietary SPOT® platform has redefined what's possible at the edge. By delivering unprecedented energy efficiency, SPOT empowers manufacturers to deploy sophisticated AI models directly on edge devices—a capability previously unattainable.

      Featuring the industry's lowest-power semiconductors, SPOT operates below conventional voltage thresholds, achieving 3-10x energy savings compared to peer-class chips. This

      groundbreaking technology allows edge devices to either function for weeks or months on a single charge or supports more powerful, complex AI models without sacrificing battery performance.

      Thanks to its revolutionary approach to transistor design, Ambiq's SPOT platform is not just enabling meaningful edge AI—it's making it scalable. Backed by nearly 90 patents and trade secrets, and recognized with multiple industry awards, the SPOT platform positions Ambiq as the premier partner for manufacturers to build the next generation of energy-efficient edge AI devices.

    • The edge AI movement is propelled by three converging forces:

      · The remarkable advancement of semiconductor technology

      · Escalating demand for intelligent devices with faster response times

      · The practical necessity of processing data where it originates

      True to Moore's Law trajectory, computing power continues to double approximately every two years through innovations in transistor design and microchip architecture. For forward-thinking organizations, deploying sophisticated AI capabilities on compact, energy-efficient devices isn't simply a technical improvement – it's a strategic imperative for maintaining competitive advantage in our increasingly data-driven economy.

    • Unlike cloud AI, which processes data in remote data centers, Edge AI runs on-device, reducing latency, improving security, and conserving power—all critical for real-time applications in healthcare, automotives, fitness, smart homes, and more.

    • Yes—edge AI and cloud AI can be complementary technologies.

      While edge AI excels at processing data locally in real time, Cloud AI is still essential for tasks that require heavy computation, large-scale data aggregation, long-term storage, and continuous model training. We suggest using a hybrid approach—where cloud and edge work together to deliver both responsiveness, and operational efficiency.

    • Yes. Since data is processed locally on-device, Edge AI significantly reduces the risk of data breaches and minimizes exposure to cloud vulnerabilities—ideal for privacy-sensitive applications like healthcare and biometrics.

    • No. One of the main advantages of edge AI is that it doesn't rely on constant cloud connectivity, enabling devices to function reliably in both offline or low-bandwidth environments.

    • In three words — energy-efficient computing.

      To successfully implement edge AI, manufacturers must achieve a precise equilibrium between computing performance, memory capacity, and power consumption. Devices need sufficient processing capability to execute sophisticated AI models locally while maintaining power efficiency that allows for extended operation on limited battery resources.

      This balance sounds straightforward in theory but presents significant challenges in practice. Manufacturers frequently encounter several critical obstacles:

      · Energy Consumption Barriers: Many AI implementations drain power at unsustainable rates, rendering devices impractical for everyday use. Even the most innovative solutions fail to gain user acceptance when batteries require constant recharging.

      · Computational Limitations: Insufficient processing power creates bottlenecks that prevent real-time analysis, forcing devices to transmit data elsewhere for processing and defeating the core advantages of Edge AI architecture.

      · Market Differentiation Challenges: When technical constraints force manufacturers to compromise on AI capabilities, the resulting products often lack distinctive features that would set them apart from competitors, leading to commoditization and reduced market value.

      The implementation of effective Edge AI requires precise optimization. Devices must incorporate sufficient computational resources to execute complex machine learning algorithms directly—whether analyzing environmental sensor data, processing voice commands, or detecting motion patterns—while maintaining operational independence from cloud infrastructure and preserving battery longevity.

    • Edge AI can be applied to wearables, digital health devices, smart homes, industrial machinery, agriculture and consumer electronics to name a few. Any industry that requires greater power efficiency, responsiveness, and reliability is where edge AI is most impactful.

    • Edge AI reduces ongoing costs by minimizing cloud compute usage, bandwidth needs, and energy consumption—resulting in lower total cost of ownership for manufacturers and users.

    • Edge AI supports sustainability by shifting data processing from energy-intensive cloud servers to ultra-efficient local devices. This reduces power consumption at both the device level and across data centers, significantly lowering carbon footprints. By enabling longer battery life, minimizing data transmission, and reducing infrastructure demands, Edge AI helps create more eco-friendly, energy-conscious technology ecosystems.

    • Various edge AI tasks, including keyword spotting, speech denoising, ECG monitoring, gesture recognition, activity classification, image recognition, anomaly detection, predictive maintenance, and more are all possible at the edge.

    • Examples of supported edge AI devices include smartwatches, fitness trackers, medical monitors, industrial sensors, biometric smart cards, AR/VR technology, video game peripherals, smart home speakers, and other smart devices.

    • By eliminating the need to transmit data constantly to the cloud, Edge AI reduces energy usage and extends device uptime dramatically.

    Video Library

    Carlos keynote at EW25
    heartKIT at EW25 w/ electromaker
    Edge AI Storm w/ Scott
    Imagine Event with Scott
    AI class demo w/ Arm and Scott
    Apollo510 intro w/ Scott on ipXchange
    AI at Ambiq with Carlos

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