The one-two punch of smarter devices with better data processing will herald a new era for IoT bandwidth, latency, and security.

The evolution to processing data at the source rather than the cloud is important in powering advanced processes like artificial intelligence (AI) and this great cloud-to-edge data migration is in full force in the internet of things (IoT). In turn, groundbreaking features like user speech recognition and predictive analytics can be achieved faster and more securely than ever before.

The result promises to revolutionize tomorrow’s smart home. A step beyond Amazon’s Alexa, the next generation of devices with data processing at the edge will be able to make more decisions for themselves. Let’s take a look at how AI at the edge is forever changing IoT in the home.

AI-optimized chipsets are a big enabler

From smart thermostats to smart ovens, home devices are more often wired to measure variables and make changes without human input. Two developments make this possible. First, devices are more powerful thanks to the development of AI-optimized chipsets. These chips are smaller, more economical and less power-consuming. As a result, they enable devices to handle far more processes internally rather than externally.

For example, Sony is creating a hybrid technology that involves an image sensor with a built-in AI processing system. Given the rapid merging of code and imagery, the technology is touted to deliver broad application scope and benefits by facilitating a single electronic assembly that can conduct substantial processing on photos before they’re sent to the GPU or main logic board.

Second, these smarter devices are increasingly connecting at the edge. Instead of using data centers to host and process information, the edge brings computation and data storage closer to the source of data, thereby reducing the need for sending large volumes to remote locations. This can deliver myriad benefits in terms of speed, usability, privacy and security of data.

A new era for IoT bandwidth, latency and security

The one-two punch of smarter devices with better data processing will herald a new era for IoT bandwidth, latency, and security. Let’s first consider the impact of device bandwidth. Since edge technology analyzes data locally rather than in a faraway cloud delayed by long-distance communications, this could pave the way toward devices that respond to user needs in real-time.

In tomorrow’s smart home, for example, connected security cameras could stream ultra-high definition video at lower costs. Smart speakers – like Google Home or Amazon Alexa – could also perform more complex tasks and calculations, becoming more helpful.

At the same time, latency stands to benefit from AI at the edge. Some applications require near-instant response times, which cloud computing can’t always provide. Latency is inherently lower at the edge since the data doesn’t have to travel as far. Therefore, smart home devices become faster, responding instantly to user commands and providing real-time information. These quicker response times could be life-saving for smart home devices that contact emergency services or raise alarms. They could also offer greater convenience, like door locks with instant facial recognition or smart induction stoves that automatically change cooking temperature.

Security, of course, is also stronger at the edge. Edge computing’s higher speed and lower latency mean there’s less downtime and disruption, leaving fewer opportunities to compromise data in transit. This is especially important for connected devices which, historically, have a poor security track record. Similarly, the edge makes consumer privacy less of a concern. Consider that many modern devices have audio and visual recording capabilities. Edge data transfers help to ensure that the private and sensitive data from camera or microphone streams do not leave home premises without consent.

The sky is the limit for better, smarter devices

AI processing at the edge is only getting started. Apple bought a company that specializes in it, Google’s Coral initiative is meant to make it easier and chipmaker Arm has already been working on it for years. In my view, the pandemic has only kicked this connected device trend into overdrive. The number of smart homes is forecast to grow and surpass the 350 million mark by next year with consumer expectations growing as a result.

The more intelligent the device, the more data it carries and the more important the privacy and speed of edge processing. This virtuous circle will only lead to more powerful edge-based devices. Likewise, they will be far more helpful in the home. From fitness bands analyzing the user’s vital parameters and prescribing precautionary measures to home alarm systems triggering an automatic call to emergency services in case of fire, the sky is the limit.

Therefore, expect stronger devices with better data processing capabilities to forever change our interactions with technology in the home.

Carsten Rhod Gregersen is CEO and founder of Nabto, a P2P IoT connectivity provider that enables remote control of devices with secure end-to-end encryption.

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