Nokia launches on-premise AI/ML solution for enhanced OT decision-making
Nokia has unveiled the release of MX Grid, described as the world’s premier on-premise, hyper interconnected, and distributed AI/ML solution aimed at enhancing organizations’ operational technology (OT) responsiveness and decision-making capabilities by analyzing data in close proximity to its source.
Part of the broader Nokia one platform, MX Grid is positioned to expedite the adoption of Industry 4.0 practices. According to the company, it builds upon the foundation laid by the Nokia MX Industrial Edge (MXIE) platform and relies on dependable wireless connectivity. MX Grid introduces an OT data processing structure that promotes the convergence of information technology (IT) and OT, supporting industrial applications essential for both mission and life.
Stephan Litjens, vice president of enterprise campus edge solutions at Nokia, emphasizes the significance of effective, responsive, and agile OT decision-making based on instant, actionable insights for achieving Industry 4.0 objectives.
“As part of the Nokia one platform for industrial digitalization, MX Grid enables organizations to harness the power of distributed intelligence by processing and analyzing data closest to the source, resulting in even lower latency and improved responsiveness,” Litjens adds.
“This is imperative to achieving priorities such as worker safety, with the new architecture supporting a wide range of mission- and life-critical industrial use cases like predictive maintenance, security and surveillance, and quality assurance.”
A recent report from Omdia underscores the growing inclination within industries towards edge-based data pre-processing. This trend aims to enhance productivity, efficiency, and adaptability by leveraging processing power situated either directly on or near the devices, incorporating machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). Nodes newly interconnected, offering converged functionalities, are experiencing the highest growth rates globally (CAGR 2022-2027: 11.3%), steering the course for industrial digitalization and the convergence of IT and OT.
Anna Ahrens, principal research analyst specializing in manufacturing technology at Omdia, remarks, “We are witnessing a substantial shift towards decentralized processing in industrial technology, relocating compute and AI/ML capabilities to devices proximal to the OT data source. In the forthcoming years, we anticipate a steady proliferation of these connected edge nodes, which serve as the true catalysts for industrial digitalization.
“Nokia MX Grid addresses these industry imperatives by introducing a transformative decentralized AI/ML processing platform harnessing the capabilities of private wireless connectivity and on-premises OT edge. This innovation facilitates emerging use case scenarios characterized by low latency requirements.”
Traditionally, the bulk of AI/ML processes operate within cloud environments. With the introduction of MXIE, Nokia introduced AI/ML processing capabilities compliant with OT requirements on-premises. MX Grid aims to take this capability even closer to the source of OT data, according to Nokia.
Visual position and object detection technology for industrial safety
Elsewhere, Nokia has introduced Visual Position and Object Detection (VPOD), a new application aimed at bolstering industrial tracking and positioning while enhancing contextual awareness. The technology, part of the MX Grid suite, is designed to support Industry 4.0 initiatives and bolster safety measures within industrial settings.
Drawing on proprietary technologies developed by Bell Labs, VPOD utilizes locally deployed artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze real-time camera feeds. Nokia says that the analysis provides valuable insights into industrial operations, with a focus on improving workplace conditions and ensuring worker safety.
The announcement comes in response to ongoing concerns regarding workplace safety in industrial sectors.
VPOD is engineered to detect and identify assets within defined spatial areas, offering potential benefits across various industries including manufacturing, logistics, ports, and mining. One key advantage of the technology is its ability to operate without the need for active tags on machinery or wearable devices for personnel. By leveraging real-time video data feeds, VPOD enhances situational awareness without the logistical challenges associated with traditional tracking methods.
Notably, VPOD’s capabilities extend to object and anomaly detection, as well as workers’ pose estimation, enabling it to identify potential safety hazards such as fallen workers. This information can then be utilized by MX Workmate to coordinate response and rescue efforts, further enhancing worker safety protocols.
Nokia emphasizes that VPOD complements existing tracking and positioning solutions such as Bluetooth-based HAIP, ensuring integration within industrial environments. Also, video data processing occurs in real-time within the customer’s closed network, adhering to strict privacy and security regulations. Facial recognition technology is not utilized within the VPOD solution.
Litjens highlights the significance of real-time tracking and positioning technologies in enhancing situational awareness and supporting intelligent applications. He emphasizes Nokia’s commitment to privacy and security, underscoring VPOD’s compliance with data privacy regulations and its ability to evolve with emerging capabilities.
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