In the heart of Towson, Maryland, Krishna Sruthi Velaga, a researcher at Towson University, is making waves in the smart cities arena with her groundbreaking work on Edge Artificial Intelligence (Edge AI). Her recent study, published in the journal *Smart Cities* (which translates to *Intelligent Cities* in English), is shedding light on how Edge AI can revolutionize urban living, with significant implications for the energy sector.
Velaga’s research delves into the foundations, challenges, and opportunities of Edge AI in smart cities. By moving computation and learning closer to data sources, Edge AI enables real-time decision-making, enhances privacy, and reduces reliance on centralized cloud infrastructure. This shift could be a game-changer for energy management in urban environments.
“Edge AI allows for more efficient energy consumption by enabling real-time monitoring and control of energy systems,” Velaga explains. “This can lead to significant cost savings and reduced carbon footprints for cities.”
The study provides a comprehensive review of layer-wise designs for Edge AI-enabled smart cities, highlighting core components such as applications, sensing data, models, and infrastructure. Velaga’s work also summarizes domain-specific applications, from manufacturing and healthcare to transportation, buildings, and environmental management.
One of the most compelling aspects of Velaga’s research is its focus on both the “softcore” and “hardcore” elements of Edge AI. The “softcore” refers to AI algorithm design, while the “hardcore” involves practical considerations like edge device selection. This holistic approach ensures that the technology is not only theoretically sound but also practically applicable.
The energy sector stands to gain immensely from these advancements. For instance, Edge AI can optimize energy distribution networks, predict maintenance needs for infrastructure, and enhance the efficiency of renewable energy systems. By reducing the need for centralized cloud infrastructure, Edge AI can also lower energy consumption and costs associated with data processing.
Velaga’s research also identifies several open challenges and provides future research directions. These insights are crucial for advancing Edge AI technologies and supporting the development of adaptive, harmonic, and sustainable smart cities.
As we look to the future, Velaga’s work offers a roadmap for integrating Edge AI into the fabric of urban living. Her research not only highlights the potential of this technology but also underscores the need for continued innovation and collaboration.
“Edge AI is not just about technology; it’s about creating smarter, more sustainable cities that can meet the needs of their residents today and in the future,” Velaga says. Her vision is one that resonates with urban planners, energy providers, and technology enthusiasts alike, making her work a beacon of hope for a more intelligent and sustainable urban future.