In early July, I was honored to have a chat with Megha Daga, Senior Director of Product Management and AI/ML lead for the Internet of Things (IoT) at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. . As a critical player in AI enablement across the IoT group at Qualcomm, Megha has been crucial in the development of cutting-edge AI solutions used around the world.
 
We dove right into what Qualcomm has been up to as it continues to advance IoT through the different core offerings, partnerships, and cutting-edge solutions that Qualcomm offers. To set the tone of our conversation, we discussed Edge AI.
 
Edge AI is essentially intelligence moving to the data generator, according to Megha. Along with getting data faster, a host of other factors impact Edge AI, including privacy, cost, latency, reliability, and bandwidth. For businesses or enterprises, the simplicity of the technology revolves around business intelligence occurring on the device or close to the device itself to enable IoT.
 
Qualcomm provides a portfolio of hardware technology, but even more exciting is their advancements in software design and embedded processing innovation. The company understands how heterogenous computing makes AI possible and is pushing the envelope to remain competitive in AI and IoT. Some of the stronger vertical markets and industries that Qualcomm is targeting include retail, logistics, energy, utilities, industrial, and robotics.
 
To further advance into AI, Qualcomm launched the Vision AI Development Kit. This Azure IoT Starter kit is a vision AI developer kit for running artificial intelligence models on devices at the intelligent edge.  With Edge AI, data is generated and pushed to the cloud. Legacy devices such as retail payment terminals and other industry specific devices are being digitized and modernized. Hardware or devices can be connected to a box, i.e., edge gateway. Megha shared that Qualcomm is taking metadata and compute to the box, implementing further compute as needed, then sending only the required data back to the cloud. The traditionally “dumb” environment is becoming more intelligent and bringing efficiencies to businesses and operations. Another Qualcomm AI example outside of retail is in logistics, more specifically warehouse operations. Robotics and drones may be used for picking and dropping, reducing overall payloads, and therefore reducing costs.
 
Edge AI and IoT are coming together to minimize compute to the cloud, as the overall costs of sending massive data to the cloud is becoming more cost prohibitive, and a concern for larger enterprises. The issues of privacy, latency, and connectivity again remain important factors. Privacy not only affects consumers, it also impacts businesses and their customers’ experiences. As for latency, think of delivery robots on the street, providing sub-millisecond intelligence and information to enable operations and efficiency so consumers can get food, packages, products delivered (similar to same day delivery).
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Regarding connectivity, especially for operations in remote locations (construction, agriculture), having on-device or near device data intelligence can be critical. Examples Megha mentioned included drones connected to a gateway to enable crop intelligence, construction management, and mining operations.
 
Qualcomm’s portfolio continues to evolve to support AI and Edge AI, with a stronger focus on software. Their hardware and chipsets will continue to be their foundation, as they grow their partnerships with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Qualcomm is leading in the areas of enabling AI on traditional CPUs/DPUs or AI on SDKs. Another cutting-edge development includes AI on embedded processing (low power, high performance).
 
According to Megha, a few exciting AI areas that Qualcomm has been innovating around includes drone robots, and camera technology. Taking regular cameras for example and making them intelligent, using technologies such as machine vision and AI running on heterogenous computing to completely disrupt its capabilities. Megha shared that Qualcomm is using hardware accelerators for neural network workloads.  Furthermore, AMR devices (autonomous mobile robots, i.e., Bosch devices) is an area where Qualcomm is developing chipsets and reference designs to further advance delivery. For example, they recently launched the RB6, a high-end chipset with an accelerator card allowing the robot to greatly improve throughput (i.e., delivery robots).
 
As far as software goes, Qualcomm is investing and innovating to provide seamless software across the Qualcomm AI stack. Qualcomm is providing unification for developer building and changes, using Qualcomm Intelligence multimedia SDKs providing authentication and simplification for development and deployment, across multiple verticals. Developers and software tools remain a top priority for Qualcomm. Qualcomm realizes the end-customer (businesses and government) require and need end-to-end solutions and thus continues to build out its IoT partner portfolio (vendors, integrators, industry focused providers) focused on software/applications, platforms, and other solutions
 
I’ll end with a great use case example shared by Megha. The Qualcomm AI Engine runs ML models in IoT devices, such as a security camera that recognizes a family member and activates a smart lock to allow entry. Or an office building that allows employees onto an elevator based on a touchpad. This context showcases the importance of how Qualcomm is advancing AI and IoT to prepare tomorrow’s businesses and cities.
 
For more reading, please check out, “Qualcomm Advances Development of Smarter and Safer Autonomous Robots for Logistics, Industry 4.0, and Urban Aerial Mobility with Next-Generation 5G and AI Robotics Solutions”
 
Written by Stephanie Atkinson, CEO of Compass Intelligence
 

A week ago, I sat down virtually with Brandon Branham, Chief Technology Officer and Assistant City Manager of Peachtree Corners (PTC, one of the first cities in the United States powered by real-world smart city infrastructure, which also features ‘Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners’) to get an update on all of the progress being made in making the city smarter, more interactive, and inviting to technology innovators around the globe. Peachtree Corners launched an innovative living smart city lab about 1 year back that leverages autonomous technology, IoT, AI, machine learning, edge computing, virtual reality, and other advanced technologies to advance city operations, mobility, and introduce economic development.

Some of the more interesting key facts about PTC include the following:

• A 17 square mile city located in the state of Georgia
• 3-mile Autonomous Zone and Roadway Track (1.5 mile autonomous test track with driverless vehicles interacting with and driving alongside driven vehicles and everyday residents)
• Living Test Environment (city-owned smart city connectivity/infrastructure, roadway, 5G connectivity, equipment, etc.)
• A 500 acre office park houses ‘Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners’
• 8K employees with 1K residents residing within the 500-acre office park
• Level 5 autonomous shuttle tested from September 2020 to February 2021, partnering with Local Motors (Olli electric shuttle); actual residents utilized the shuttle on real roads while the company engaged in intensive technology development, invaluable learnings in a real-world environment, etc. 
• Sprint 5G upgraded in April, now T-Mobile

PTC has a long list of accomplishments, powered by the innovation lab and a host of advances technologies to test real-life smart city and urban mobility use cases. The city is also testing edge compute, a hot topic of discussion across the IoT sector. More specifically, PTC is using edge computing to analyze pedestrian and other road activities across a 3-mile stretch. This technology will also allow the teleoperation of e-scooters –delivered and ready/waiting for passengers at bus stops and where people will most likely need and use them. They are also deployed  autonomous technology where the scooters will drive themselves back to the charging hub, which has long been a problem in cities where scooters are left all over the city and not in the proper location.

The innovation being embraced at PTC comes with the value it is placing in partnerships, leading technology company initiatives, and the live testing environment it provides to tech companies, OEMs, and startups around the globe. They currently have roughly 10 vendors with 15 different device types generating data across their network across around 15 or so different software systems. On the embracing of global companies, it is also working with a Tel Aviv company called IPgallery, that brings together city insights and intelligence using a real-time AI data platform that provides visualization (visual map) across PTC to monitor, analyze and secure all IoT devices across the ecosystem, buses, cameras, applications, etc. In addition, traffic flow and pattern data are being collected to adjust and make real-time rerouting decisions to improve public transportation.

PTC recently announced a partnership with Bosch, where they are implementing a sensor connected intersection and intelligent traffic management system to capture video including vehicle identification, vehicle recognition of objects (car, bus, scooters with drivers or without, pedestrians, etc. using machine vision). This partnership will allow real-time adjustments to traffic signaling, share the flow of traffic activity, and identify the type of vehicle in that flow for improved traffic management. PTC's Curiosity Lab will allow for a living city environment for Bosch to leverage its leading edge solution within a live, real municipality.

A few other projects on the horizon include the following:

• Solar powered Roadway system, including vehicle charging with solar energy partnering with French company, Wattway 
• IoT Sensor system for environmental monitoring utilizing data collected from vehicle traffic, with the use of VR and GPS location technology
• Visual and Digital Display technology showing real-time alerts and messaging to pedestrians, drivers, and city residents
• Cybersecurity initiative at the Innovation Center (Lab) partnering with the Secret Service with on-site training and simulation
• Fully cellular Smart Lighting and Camera solution partnering with CIMCOM Lighting, using edge computing technologies.
• Predictive Analytics and AI engine partnering with Derq (grant initiative), focused on pedestrian and roadside safety

All of these activities would not be anywhere without the public-private partnerships (3Ps) in place. PTC has a process to test in their live environment, receive funding from 3rd parties or commercial entities (for some projects), decide on whether the project is scalable, and then the city decides and will invest as needed. This is a prime example of how business and government can and should work together to advance the smart city vision.

On a final note, below is a list of key differentiators that enable PTC be the groundbreaking innovator in smart city solutions:

• Live 5G wireless environment (launched by Sprint last year – now T-Mobile), provided to companies testing IoT/smart technologies in the city, completely free of charge.
• The City Government is the only governmental agency that needs to approve deploying/testing/developing IoT technologies. They are all in: they move fast, much like a startup (rare for government)
• Not charging technology companies for the use of the smart city ecosystem/infrastructure. Completely free of charge.
• Peachtree Corners does not require intellectual property rights when companies invent, develop, etc. technologies there.
  • Respecting proprietary data (IoT and otherwise) that’s created/generated at the city (there is a central control room where data is collected and analyzed, for example).  
• A world-first: general liability insurance for the driven traffic, in addition to the driverless traffic. provided by Lloyds of London 

 
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A few weeks back, we discussed where we are today with the two waves of "The Connected Vehicle." 1st we focused on bringing WiFi and 4G/LTE to the vehicle. Now let's jump into the power of the Autonomous Vehicle, the 2nd wave.

According to Techopedia, the definition of Autonomous Vehicles is, "An autonomous car is a vehicle that can guide itself without human conduction. This kind of vehicle has become a concrete reality and may pave the way for future systems where computers take over the art of driving. An autonomous car is also known as a driverless car, robot car, self-driving car or autonomous vehicle."

For many out there, these concepts are so far out there that is is challenging to understand what this means to both us as consumers, as well as industry and businesses. Let's call the market AV for short, since we will be discussing scenarios throughout this blog. The AV market has the chance to disrupt industries in the transportation marketplace, as well as disrupt the way goods and services get transported and delivered throughout the world. Before we get too technical, lets focus on what this really means to us as consumers, consumers who drive our vehicles every day to work, school, leisure places, and events.

Below are some real-world scenarios on how AV will impact the consumer, imagine this...

• Scheduling your planned driving at the beginning of the week (work, taking kids to school, taking kids to sports activities, medical appointments, etc.) - knowing your fuel and mileage up front
• Riding alongside your kids on the way to school, working on homework, reviewing projects and activities for the day, and getting one-on-one time with your children and even spouse (if you carpool)
• Becoming productive in vehicles for work, watching the news while drinking your coffee, listening to a podcast or work-related video, getting an early start to your day with work calls or phone meetings or even video conference calls
• Feeling safe and secure, knowing the traffic ahead is something your vehicle is already aware of and is rerouting your normal commute to the school and office in a more efficient and safe route
• Listening to your vehicle provide you options to the closest donut or coffee shop, and verbally telling your vehicle your choice, your vehicle then drives you to that location (Imaging Alexa and Siri combined with your car)
• On a long road trip, your car knows the weather and road conditions on your route, and makes intelligent decisions to route your trip for the optimum safety and safest roads
• Your college kid, after a night on the town (think party and alcohol), is safety driven to his or her home and you can visibly see that he/she safely arrived to his/her college dorm through an alert

These are just basic scenarios, but the power of convenience and time is what AV will do for you as a consumer. Now let's explore business or industry impacts. Imagine this...

• Shipping, logistics, and transport becomes fully automated through scheduling, loading, and delivery
• The common man-made errors, mistakes, and risks go away...think driver fatigue, under the influence drivers, texting and driving drivers
• Smart routing is the norm, meaning your goods and services being delivered are routed as smart as can be around traffic and around bad weather
• Your crew of delivery drivers now have time for other important tasks like business meetings, logistics management, data entry or scanning, and much more
• Taxis, Uber-like Services, and ride-share have whole new meaning and the power of concierge and personal services are now even more enhanced because drivers are not "stuck" to the wheel (Think luxury and spa like services for business travelers)
• Commuter services transition as well, commuter-based AV become the norm and again personal and luxe services provide for convenience, personal touch, and catering to the customer

Again, for the business world this definitely changes the way we look at delivery, transportation, and logistics, but it also throws a wrench into traditional commuter and transport services. The industry needs to look at this from an opportunity stand-point and not focus on businesses, jobs, and services that become obsolete. Personal and customized services become the huge opportunity here. What are your thoughts? How could this impact your business or your personal life?

Recent Related News on AV:

• Navigating the Future of Electric and Autonomous Vehicles
• General Motors turns its back on long history in Europe
  
• AAA survey shows most people fearful of autonomous vehicles
• ​Toyota unveils its new crazy-looking autonomous vehicle platform
• Autonomous vehicle bill advances in House Committee

For further reading, please check out the related blog regarding the 1st wave of The Connected Vehicle.
For more information, please visit our RESEARCH page to explore other technologies and market indicators.

Written by Stephanie Atkinson, CEO of Compass Intelligence, LLC