High-performing deep learning is possible on embedded systems

The Industrial (IIoT) is characterized by highly automated and universally networked production flows. In this area, machine vision is becoming increasingly more important as a key technology. As the "eye of production," machine vision processes digital image information generated by cameras and is, therefore, able to identify a wide range of objects that then can be reliably allocated and handled throughout the entire value chain. To make the identification process even more precise and adapt it to the requirements of flexible and networked IIoT processes, AI-based methods such as deep learning and CNNs, are becoming more prevalent in machine vision. The challenge for embedded systems is that, compared to stationary desktop systems, embedded systems are more limited in terms of their processors, memory, and storage capacity, and therefore have less computing power. One technological proof point that that brings deep learning to the nVidia Pascal architecture comes from MVTec Software.