Hannover Messe, Germany: Nokia launches new “micro-edge” computing solutions to process industrial AI/ML workloads on or adjacent to IoT sensor devices connected to private LTE/5G and enterprise Wi-Fi networks has been introduced. At the same time, we introduced a new video AI solution for asset tracking and positioning at Industry 4.0 sites, as well as several blueprint guides to help manufacturing and logistics companies accelerate their Industrial Edge 5G projects.
The new far-edge computing solution, called MX Grid, is part of the Finnish company's broader Industry 4.0 platform called Nokia ONE (or 'one') and is ostensibly part of the MXIE Industrial Edge and DAC private wireless DAC proposition. designed along. While the MXIE platform provides an on-site edge computing engine for running Industry 4.0 workloads next to the DAC core network, new solutions allow computing functionality to be moved to the industrial device itself, or to an “integrated compute It allows you to work with a pool of field devices that can be accessed. ” (“Micro Edge”) is located between the machine/sensor and the MXIE Edge server.
The latter scenario allows low-latency AI/ML apps to run close to traditional OT machines. It works in conjunction with a performance booster patented by Nokia Bell Labs called MX Boost, another member of Nokia's MX/ONE family of tools for Industry 4.0. It plugs into the MXIE platform and provides enterprises with a control window for integrating cellular LTE/5G with cellular LTE/5G. Wi-Fi 6/6E resources combine radio links and switch technologies to increase throughput and reliability (“determinism”) for the strongest network performance.
Nokia explains in a statement: “Currently, most AI/ML assets run in cloud environments. With MXIE, Nokia brought OT-compliant AI/ML processing capabilities on-premises, and MX Grid brings this capability further to OT data sources. MX Grid leverages a pool of integrated, compute-enabled field devices with specialized AI-enabled software stacks to create private wireless networks and trust with MX Boost. Connected via high quality Wi-Fi.
The company calls it “the world's first on-premises hyperconnected.” [and] “Distributed AI/ML Processing Platform”. The solution will enable “more effective implementation of a wide range of mission-critical and life-critical industrial applications, including predictive maintenance, security and surveillance, worker safety, tracking and positioning, and quality assurance.” Nokia provided several concrete examples of quality assurance and worker safety.
In both cases, the key is to accelerate AI decision-making by bringing computing closer to the action. Applications on the microedge analyze data and trigger “instant action” close to the source. If not, the MXIE peer application is responsible for further analysis of the data and immediately takes “corrective action”. “This improves latency, optimizes network load, or improves worker safety and situational awareness,” Nokia says, according to the use case.
Nokia has introduced a Visual Position and Object Detection (VPOD) app to the MXIE platform that works for connected workers (as described above) using the MX Grid architecture. Use edge AI on private LTE/5G to analyze camera feeds for asset tracking. Location data can be collected via Nokia's proprietary Bluetooth-based High Accuracy Indoor Positioning (HAIP) or from third-party tracking and positioning solutions such as HERE HD GNSS and Nordic ID running on MXIE.
The VPOD solution also utilizes patented Bell Labs technology. Process data within your customer's closed private edge network to ensure compliance with privacy and security regulations. The Nokia VPOD solution does not use facial recognition software. The output will also be used by Nokia's new generative AI industrial assistant, MX Workmate, to provide further insights, according to Nokia.
The company says: “In complex industrial environments, it is often difficult to equip machines and tools with active tags, and it is difficult for people to fit and maintain those units (e.g. replacing batteries or failing units). VPOD provides another source of industrial context-aware data that can be made available through APIs and used by third-party applications running on the MXIE on-premises edge computing platform.
In a press note, Nokia cited Omdia analysis that data pre-processing is increasing at the industrial edge on or near OT devices. Omdia predicts that data processing in integrated industrial edge settings will grow by 11.3% in the period to 2027. Omdia suggests that “connected edge nodes…are the true enablers of industrial digitization,” and that the MX Grid solution is a “revolutionary distributed AI/ML processing platform.”
Nokia says: “Newly connected nodes with integrated functionality… [are] We will promote the digitalization of industry and the fusion of IT/OT. ” said Stephan Litjens, Vice President of Enterprise Campus Edge Solutions at Nokia. “Reducing latency and increasing responsiveness…is essential.” [for Industry 4.0]” He said of the VPOD solution: “Nokia VPOD is…the first solution developed. [real-time positioning] Achieved at scale through patented algorithms and complete lifecycle management. ”
Meanwhile, Nokia also announced new “pre-tested and pre-integrated segment solutions” like blueprints for manufacturing and logistics, covering strategy, applications and investments. We are already producing the same for ports, mining companies, utilities and airports. “This concept leverages Nokia's extensive expertise in providing critical communications solutions and systems integration for enterprise digital transformation for more than 30 years.”
The company used the opportunity to restate/update that it is rolling out private networks to over 730 customers and provide a quote from Rockwell Automation, a major US industrial company, to support that idea. Matt Huber, Global Product Manager for Wireless and Industrial IoT at Rockwell, said: You should start the initial project so you can understand the application requirements and quantify the benefits. ”
He continued: “Getting executive approval is the next step, and working with a proven vendor like Nokia is critical. It's important to create a roadmap that clearly shows how to achieve your goals, reducing implementation risk and guiding your company every step of the way with Nokia's pre-tested and pre-integrated solutions. can do.”
