NTT Data Launches Edge AI Platform to Transform Industrial AI Usage
NTT Data, a leader in IT infrastructure and services owned by Japan's NTT, has unveiled its new Edge AI platform, designed to enhance AI processing capabilities at the edge.
By processing data where it is generated and integrating diverse Internet of Things (IoT) devices, systems, and data, this fully managed solution facilitates real-time decision-making, boosts operational efficiency, and enables secure AI application deployment for advanced Industry 4.0 technologies.
AI Agents: A New Era for IoT and Industrial Applications
While much attention has focused on Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), NTT Data emphasizes that these technologies are less suited for industries that require real-time and localized decision-making. The Edge AI solution addresses this need by efficiently processing large data sets on compact computing platforms, utilizing smaller, more effective machine learning models to deliver timely AI insights—an important topic discussed at the recent Transform 2024 event.
Comprehensive Managed Services for Edge AI
NTT Data's Edge AI platform is an all-encompassing managed service that provides all necessary systems, tools, and capabilities for AI implementation at the edge. It effectively handles data discovery, collection, integration, computational power, seamless connectivity, and AI model management.
Backed by NTT Data’s consulting data scientists, managed services, and global technical resources, the Edge AI platform tackles the shadow IoT challenge and AI infrastructure needs. By auto-discovering and unifying data from IoT devices and IT assets, it simplifies AI deployment and management across organizations.
Transforming Industry-Specific Challenges with AI Insights
Tailored for specific industry needs, the Edge AI platform employs lightweight, cost-effective AI models that function within compact computational environments. By collecting data from various devices in a network, Edge AI enables instantaneous, secure data processing and analytics to support safety and operational efficiency.
For manufacturing, this platform can enhance predictive maintenance by accessing IT/OT data from sensors, machinery, cameras, and applications, allowing organizations to prevent failures proactively. Additionally, NTT Data’s Edge AI offers real-time monitoring and optimization of energy consumption, forecasting energy spikes, and efficiently managing machine usage to lower costs and reduce CO2 emissions through renewable energy solutions.
“Our Edge AI platform significantly advances the secure, cost-effective deployment of AI at the edge,” said Shahid Ahmed, Group Executive Vice President of Edge Services at NTT Data. “By harmonizing data from various sensors and devices with lightweight AI models, our solution paves the way for tailored industrial AI adoption.”
Capitalizing on a $232 Billion Market Opportunity
According to IDC, global spending on edge computing is projected to reach $232 billion in 2024, marking a 15% increase from 2023, fueled by the rise of connected IoT devices, expected to surpass 41 billion by 2025. NTT Data aims to capture substantial market share with its dedicated IoT consulting services, which involve 1,000 industry experts and a wealth of use cases, including predictive maintenance, fleet management, and energy consumption monitoring.
NTT Data’s Edge AI deployment offers a complimentary 30-day discovery and diagnostic of clients' IT and OT environments. The software identifies assets through its comprehensive library of pre-built OT interfaces, producing a detailed report that catalogs assets, data streams, and potential security vulnerabilities.
“A key challenge for enterprises is securely capturing and aggregating operational data across a fragmented landscape,” noted Alejandro Cadenas, Associate Vice President for Telco Mobility & IoT Research at IDC Europe. “NTT Data’s ultralight Edge AI simplifies deployment, enabling a data-driven enterprise strategy while minimizing risks and costs.”
Advancing Secure AI Adoption with Managed Services
NTT Data's ultralight Edge AI platform redefines industrial AI applications as a fully managed service. With a unified interface for managing devices, sensors, and assets, NTT Data empowers organizations to streamline operations, achieve cost savings, and foster digital transformation.
As the industry's first fully managed IT/OT convergence platform, Edge AI converts physical assets into software assets for actionable insights, regardless of manufacturer. Operating at the edge, its managed services integrate OT assets with IT applications, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring comprehensive device security.
“AI and computing must occur where they yield the greatest value; for many industrial sectors, this is where data is generated,” stated Pablo Tomasi, Principal Analyst for Private Networks at Omdia. “By leveraging IT and OT data alongside AI models, NTT Data facilitates the realization of Industry 4.0, while task-specific AI models democratize AI use within enterprises.”
The Edge AI platform complements NTT Data’s extensive Edge as a Service portfolio, which features Enterprise IoT, Edge Compute, Private 5G, and Device as a Service. Headquartered in Tokyo, NTT reports over $30 billion in revenues related to telecommunications and technology.
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