IAR and Edge Impulse address the challenge for embedded/ IoT designers.
Embedded systems have come a long way since their inception. Originally, they were developed to solve one problem. They were relatively simple so they would appeal to as many end customers as possible. Today, they offer a wide range of functionalities, including intelligent processing, connectivity, and real-time data analysis. This evolution is not just a trend but a necessity, as modern applications require systems that can handle a multitude of tasks and adapt to diverse user requirements and environmental conditions. However, with the escalating demands of a technology- oriented society, customers today expect comprehensive solutions that can adapt to their specific needs. Engineers of embedded systems now must learn to adapt their function to the environment in which they are placed to provide maximum flexibility to customers and to reach as wide a market as possible.
The challenge for embedded/IoT designers
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in embedded systems is a response to the complex requirements of modern applications. AI allows embedded systems to achieve flexibility through a combination of user configurability and the ability to learn what use cases are normal in the set environment. Abnormal cases can be flagged for review by the end user and used to train the AI model. AI brings the promise of adaptability and intelligence to devices, enabling them to learn, evolve, and make autonomous decisions.
However, this evolution presents new challenges for designers. Traditional AI models have been largely dependent on cloud processing, which poses issues like high latency and bandwidth constraints. These limitations are particularly obvious in IoT applications, where real-time processing and decision-making are crucial. Traditionally, this AI has been run on large server clusters that require massive amounts of computing power and network bandwidth to be able to communicate with end users and the IoT device at the edge. To overcome these challenges, the industry has shifted towards edge computing, where AI processing is done locally on the IoT device. This approach demands AI models that are not only compact but also capable of operating with limited resources, while still delivering high performance and accuracy.
IAR’s solution
IAR has been instrumental in addressing the challenges of embedding machine learning (ML) models in resource-constrained edge devices. With its long-standing reputation in the field of compilers and debugging tools, IAR Embedded Workbench is a market-leading developer solution, and the company holds the position as the pioneering force in the realm of C/C++ compilers, boasting an unparalleled legacy that spans several decades.
IAR’s solutions are designed to optimize code for maximum efficiency, a critical requirement for embedding AI and ML models in resource-constrained edge devices. IAR’s development solutions also ensure reliability and security, vital aspects in an era where embedded systems are increasingly connected and vulnerable to cyber threats. IAR’s commitment to innovation is evident in its continuous efforts to enhance its offerings, keeping pace with the rapidly evolving technology landscape. IAR solutions are designed to cater to current market demands and anticipate future trends, positioning their clients at the forefront of technological advancements.
The integration of Edge Impulse’s platform and IAR Embedded Workbench is a response to this transformation. Engineers building applications with predictive capabilities can leverage Edge Impulse’s technologies to generate and evaluate predictive ML models. Furthermore, optimized C/C++ code can be generated at any point
in the workflow and easily integrated into the embedded application. By leveraging the seamless integration between Edge Impulse’s platform and IAR Embedded Workbench, the engineer saves time (improves time-to-market) and optimizes the ML workload’s code performance.
Edge Impulse’s pivotal role Edge Impulse is a leading AI platform provider that offers cutting-edge technologies tailored for the development of AI models specifically designed for edge devices. Edge Impulse’s platform simplifies the entire workflow of building, training, and deploying AI models, making it accessible to a broad range of developers and enterprises. Edge Impulse’s platform supports a wide array of sensors and data inputs, allowing for versatile applications across different sectors, and can deploy to any type of hardware, from ultracompact MCUs to powerful CPUs to the most robust GPUs. Additionally, Edge Impulse’s focus on user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive support empowers developers, irrespective of their AI expertise, to implement sophisticated AI solutions in their products.
This democratization of AI development is crucial in a market where the demand for AI-enabled solutions is surging. Engineers building applications with predictive capabilities can leverage Edge Impulse’s technologies to generate and evaluate predictive ML models. These models can be derived from real-time data or previously collected data to test the effectiveness and efficiency of the models.
The synergy of the partnership
The partnership between IAR and Edge Impulse is a strategic convergence between two technological front-runners. This partnership brings together IAR’s industry-leading compiler technology and Edge Impulse’s innovative AI platform, putting ML and AI at the customers’ fingertips. The integrated solution addresses the key challenges in embedded AI development related to resource-constrained edge devices, and the synergy of this partnership is evident in the seamless integration of their tools, which facilitates a streamlined development process.
This collaboration not only accelerates time-to-market for new products but also ensures that these products are robust, efficient, and capable of harnessing the full potential of AI at the edge. By setting new benchmarks in embedded AI, IAR and Edge Impulse are enabling a new generation of smart, connected devices that are transforming the way we interact with technology.
Conclusion
The partnership between IAR and Edge Impulse is a significant milestone in the embedded systems industry. It opens new possibilities for innovation, empowering developers to create AI-driven solutions that are more intelligent, efficient, and responsive. As part of this new business partnership, developers worldwide currently using IAR Embedded Workbench will be offered Edge Impulse’s solution as a premium add- on, starting with introducing the solution to IAR’s current Arm customers.