Project description
An AI-powered fog computing platform bridges cloud- and edge-connected devices across borders
Fog computing refers to a decentralised computing infrastructure in which data processing and storage and even applications are located somewhere between the cloud and the devices generating the data, edge-connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices. It is a powerful solution to controlling the plethora of connected IoT sensors and devices, and AI can play a significant role. However, securely processing the unprecedented amount of data typically requires centralised high-performance data centres. The EU-funded DECENTER project will create a robust fog computing platform offering AI application-aware orchestration and provisioning of resources accommodating cross-border collaboration between cloud and IoT providers.
Objective
The emerging spring of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will enable innovative applications exploiting the myriad of connected sensors and appliances embedded in every corner of modern life. Currently, AI requires high computational resources only available in high-performance data centers; therefore, realizing an architecture capable of securely processing this unprecedented amount of remotely sensed and potentially sensitive data, as well as conveying timely responses to pervasive configurable actuators is a non-trivial endeavour, requiring the cooperation of multiple parties.
To address these challenges, DECENTER aims to realise a robust Fog Computing platform, covering the whole Cloud-to-Things Continuum, that will provide AI application-aware orchestration and provisioning of resources. The project will enrich existing Cloud and IoT solutions with advanced capabilities to abstract features and process data closer to where it is produced. DECENTER will enable a collaborative environment in which multiple stakeholders (Cloud and IoT providers) can securely share and harmoniously manage resources, in dynamically created multi-cloud/edge, federated environments. Cross-border infrastructure federation will be realized via Blockchain-based Smart Contracts defining customized Service Level Agreements, used to commit the execution of verified workloads across multiple, potentially remote, administrative domains. Through such novelties, DECENTER will unlock the potential of innovative decentralised AI algorithms and models, by deploying them across multiple tiers of the infrastructure and federated clouds.
The project will follow a lean implementation methodology and validate its concept with real-world pilots executed in urban, industrial and home environments. With its approach, DECENTER will target the emergence of innovative digital businesses, thus providing a competitive advantage to EU and Korean industry and fostering cross-border collaboration.
Fields of science
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesartificial intelligence
- engineering and technologycivil engineeringurban engineeringsmart cities
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesinternetinternet of things
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesdata sciencedata processing
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
38122 Trento
Italy