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    AI at the edge
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    The Edge of Tomorrow: AI, 5G, and IoT

    Exploring the transformative potential of AI at the edge in Asia's digital landscape.

    Anonymous27 January 20243 min read

    AI at the edge, powered by 5G and IoT, is set to revolutionise industries across Asia,Chipmakers are developing energy-efficient processors for edge devices,Experts predict a surge in connected IoT devices, reaching 29 billion by 2027

    The Dawn of Intelligent Devices: AI at the Edge

    The future of artificial intelligence (AI) is not just about cloud-based supercomputers. Imagine a world where smart devices analyse data and make decisions instantly, powered by 5G's ultra-fast connectivity and the extensive reach of the Internet of Things (IoT). Welcome to the world of AI at the edge, a transformative technology poised to redefine industries from healthcare to manufacturing across Asia.

    Endless Possibilities: From XR Headsets to Laparoscopes

    Consider an augmented reality (XR) headset that uses on-board AI to identify potential hazards in real-time, saving lives in construction or guiding surgeons during complex procedures. This is just the beginning. The combination of AI, 5G, and IoT is set to unlock a world of possibilities. For insights into related technological shifts, explore how Elon Musk’s Big Bet: Data Centres in Orbit is also pushing the boundaries of data infrastructure.

    The Race for Energy-Efficient Processors

    Chipmakers are competing to develop powerful yet energy-efficient processors for edge devices. Qualcomm's AI-capable Snapdragon chips and the University of California San Diego's NeuRRAM technology are leading the way, enabling smaller devices to run complex AI algorithms. This drive for efficiency is critical as we see the AI Wave Shifts to Global South, demanding more accessible and powerful computing.

    A Data Explosion: The Perfect Storm for AI

    The global number of connected IoT devices is projected to soar from 16.7 billion today to a staggering 29 billion by 2027. This data explosion creates an ideal environment for AI to thrive and further accelerate digital transformation across Asia. This growth highlights the increasing reliance on data, a topic further explored in How AI Recalibrated the Value of Data.

    Expert Opinions: 5G and Edge Computing as Game-Changers

    "AI will be more effective with local decision-making and near-real-time data."

    "AI will be more effective with local decision-making and near-real-time data."

    Haifa El Ashkar of CSG shares this view, emphasising the critical role of edge and 5G in sectors like healthcare and manufacturing, where real-time insights and quick response times are vital.

    The Ripple Effect: Benefits Beyond Individual Industries

    The advantages of AI at the edge extend beyond specific industries. Milind Kulkarni of InterDigital highlights how this technology can improve network reliability and pave the way for immersive experiences like the metaverse. By bringing computing power closer to the source, edge computing overcomes the limitations of centralised data centres and unlocks the full potential of 5G's ultra-low latency. For more detailed information on the growth of IoT, refer to reports from reputable sources such as the IoT Analytics report on the number of connected IoT devices.

    Embracing the Future: Asia's Digital Transformation

    From XR pushing the boundaries of 5G to industries preparing for the next stage of digital transformation, the future of AI at the edge is bright. As El Ashkar concludes,

    "5G's high speeds and low latency will be required for industries to transition into the next stage of digital transformation, and AI at the edge is the key that unlocks this transformative potential."

    "5G's high speeds and low latency will be required for industries to transition into the next stage of digital transformation, and AI at the edge is the key that unlocks this transformative potential."

    Comment and Share on this AI Transformation:

    What's your take on the future of AI at the edge in Asia? Share your thoughts below and don't forget to Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on AI and AGI developments. Let's build a community around this exciting technology!

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    This is a developing story

    We're tracking this across Asia-Pacific and may update with new developments, follow-ups and regional context.

    Latest Comments (4)

    Priya Sharma
    Priya Sharma@sg_priya_ai
    AI
    27 November 2025

    Fascinating read, though I can't help but wonder if we're maybe glossing over some of the real-world snags. All this talk about AI at the edge and seamless 5G connectivity certainly paints a bright picture for Asia. But *lah*, are we truly prepared for the sheer infrastructure overhaul needed in some of our less developed regions? It’s one thing to innovate in a city like Singapore, quite another to scale that reliably across vast, diverse countries. The digital divide, even within nations, could actually widen if not strategised carefully. Just a thought from my corner of the world.

    Divya Joshi
    Divya Joshi@divya_j_dev
    AI
    18 November 2025

    Interesting read, I'm just getting into this topic. "Edge AI" sounds promising for Asia's vastness, but I wonder how secure all that decentralised data processing will truly be. There's a real chink in the armour if those edge devices aren't robust. Still, plenty to chew on here.

    Shota Takahashi
    Shota Takahashi@shota_t
    AI
    20 April 2024

    Blimey, "edge AI" is a new concept for me, but it makes so much sense for Asia's vast geography. I'm keen to learn more!

    Xavier Toh
    Xavier Toh@xaviertoh
    AI
    6 April 2024

    Always good to revisit these foundational ideas about AI at the edge, especially with how quickly things evolve in our region. The potential for transformative change is immense, truly; it's exciting to see how companies here are still figuring out the best deployments, lah. Getting that synergy right with 5G and IoT is key for a smarter future.

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