Collaborative edge-cLoud continuum and Embedded AI for a Visionary industry of thE futuRe

Project Information

CLEVER

Grant agreement ID: 101097560

DOI

10.3030/101097560

Project closed

EC signature date 29 November 2022

Start date 1 January 2023

End date 31 December 2025

Funded under

• Digital, Industry and Space

Total cost

€ 14 974 655,00

EU contribution

€ 4 497 177,77

Coordinated by

SCUOLA SUPERIORE DI STUDI UNIVERSITARI E DI PERFEZIONAMENTO S ANNA
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - CLEVER (Collaborative edge-cLoud continuum and Embedded AI for a Visionary industry of thE futuRe)

Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2024-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The CLEVER project is focused on developing processing solutions for AI at the edge, addressing the design stack and middleware. It aims to devise a platform that suits specific applications by leveraging technical advancements. The technical objectives include defining architectural frameworks, functional requirements, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the CLEVER solution and its use cases. Additionally, the project aims to specify AI solutions and enabling technologies for Digital Twin, Smart Agriculture, and Augmented Reality for Shopping. The impact of the project is expected to be demonstrated through communication and dissemination activities, with the plan for exploitation and dissemination of results outlined to maximize the project's impact.

The project's overall objectives include setting up the environment for project management, communication, and dissemination, as well as better specifying the CLEVER architecture and the three considered use cases and the necessary hardware and software tools to support them. The expected impacts of the project revolve around advancing knowledge and results, implementing them into advanced curricula, and disseminating project results through publications in international peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, the project aims to communicate information with respective supply chains and monitor its impact to ensure commercial exploitation evolves throughout the project.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During this reporting period, the CLEVER project achieved several significant milestones. The team developed a modular and scalable reference architecture for edge computing and integrated Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) for secure data processing. They also implemented a cognitive service orchestrator for efficient resource management and made notable progress in hardware accelerators for AI, including ultra-low-power spiking neural processors. Additionally, they demonstrated silicon or FPGA-based accelerators in networked environments and addressed challenges such as synchronization issues, latency, and thermal management in edge computing platforms. The project expanded the application of RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE) to deep learning and other CLEVER use cases. Furthermore, the team engaged in active dissemination and exploitation activities, including publications and participation in international events, and collaborated with other EU-funded projects to increase visibility and impact. Finally, they made advancements in AI-driven applications and middleware for enabling Edge-AI.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Project CLEVER has yielded significant results with the potential to make a substantial impact on the industry. The development of innovative solutions combining edge computing, AI, and embedded systems has led to advancements in efficiency, decision-making, and industrial processes. For instance, the creation of an edge computing platform, neuromorphic processor, and AI confidence builder showcases the project's technical achievements.
These results have the potential to revolutionize industrial operations by enhancing productivity, reducing costs, and enabling intelligent decision-making. To ensure the further uptake and success of these outcomes, several key needs must be addressed. Continued research and development are essential to refine and expand the capabilities of the developed technologies. Demonstrations illustrating the practical applications of these solutions will be crucial for industry acceptance.
Access to markets and finance is vital for scaling up the innovations and reaching a broader audience. Strategies for commercialization, IPR support, and internationalization efforts will be necessary to position the project for success in the global market. Additionally, a supportive regulatory and standardization framework is crucial to ensure compliance and interoperability of the developed technologies.
By addressing these key needs, CLEVER can maximize its impact and pave the way for a more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable industrial future. The project's results have the potential to drive innovation and transformation in the industry, offering new possibilities for enhancing productivity and decision-making processes. Through strategic planning and collaboration, the project can position itself as a pioneer in the field, shaping the future of industry with cutting-edge technologies.