Edge computing is essential to realizing the full potential of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and internet of things (IoT). These technologies are being infused into every corner of our lives—autonomous driving, smart buildings, robotics, supply chain management and healthcare.

What is edge computing?

Edge computing serves as a faster (middle layer) relay for data to enable mission-critical, real-time responses in devices. Edge computing can dramatically boost services and applications by supporting AI natively, instead of relying on AI in the cloud. The edge is where intelligent decisions are facilitated on when to move computation from the edge to the cloud.

HIRO, a Dutch entrepreneurial technology company, develops innovative high-performance, reliable edge infrastructures (hardware and software) that can deliver intelligent edge as a service. Working closely with PCB Design Ltd., an innovative Hungarian hardware design house, has led to the development of a ruggedized high-performing communication and computing solution.

Figure 1: Edge computing: Delivering the power and localized proximity to enhance processing speeds.

The result has been the Edge Micro Data Center (EMDC) – a highly scalable, compact, edge computing resource that can thrive outside in harsh environments. It can integrate any type and quantity of CPUs, GPUs, FPGAs and NVMe® (Non-Volatile Memory Express) media into platforms from 1.5kW shoeboxes to 500kW containerized edge installations. Fully solid-state and modular, these platforms require little maintenance and no energy for cooling.

Delivering community impact

HIRO has a special commitment to supporting hospitals, processing Big Data and training AI models in privacy-preserving settings.

Hospitals need large data sets to be transmitted beyond their premises, to train their AI models that can help detect and cure cardiovascular diseases, cancer, tumors, and other complex disorders. HIRO is developing the cost-efficient infrastructure that allows medical specialists to train their models with data from other hospitals, without moving or exposing the data outside the hospital.

Additionally, HIRO is working on the €16M BRAINE project, which has four test-bed locations with unique applications across Europe (Netherlands, Italy and Hungary):

• Healthcare Assisted Living
• Hyper-connected Smart City
• Robotics in Industry 4.0 Factory
• Supply Chain Industry 4.0

Figure 2: HIRO's energy-efficient EMDC (Micro Data Center) designs are compact and portable, and able to be placed in a variety of environments.

Power density proves integral to scalable, efficient platform

The highly compact and efficient power conversion is achieved by designing hardware running from 48V_DC power distribution, instead of 12V_DC. The higher voltage reduces I²R losses across the power delivery network (PDN). Vicor high-density, high-efficiency power modules contribute to the HIRO solid-state, thermally adept, compact, energy-efficient EMDC designs.

Vicor DCM power modules provide 48V_DC to 12V_DC conversion. With their flexible cooling options, they offer world-leading volumetric power density. This flexibility lends itself to renewable energy opportunities.

Figure 3: Vicor DCM 48V_DC to 12V_DC power modules: contributing to HIRO energy-efficient EMDC designs.

Vicor innovative packaging, topologies, and architectures deliver the ever-increasing density and power efficiency essential to data centers.

Bringing Europe closer to the edge

The continued mobilization of our smart, connected world is an enormous undertaking. Edge computing is the critical bridge to enable faster computing and realizing what new ideas are possible. HIRO, Vicor and PCB Design, Ltd. are three important drivers of this movement, working together to push the technological boundaries. The partnership will lead to impactful enhancements in the areas of Smart City, Smart Hospital, Smart Manufacturing and Robotics, and Smart Supply Chain.

Learn more about HIRO’s Edge Computing solution.

About Vicor

Vicor Corporation, the leader in high-performance power modules, solves the toughest power challenges for our customers, enabling them to innovate and maximize system performance. Our easy-to-deploy power modules provide the highest density and efficiency enabling advanced power delivery networks from the power source to the point of load. Headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, Vicor serves customers worldwide with unequaled power conversion and power delivery technologies. www.vicorpower.com

NVMe® is a registered trademark of NVM Express, Inc.
Vicor is a registered trademark of Vicor Corporation.

About HIRO

HIRO develops Edge infrastructure as a service to enable secure and privacy preserving Big Data and AI processing in Data Dense Edge Environments. Some of those edge environments include Smart Cities (buildings, infrastructure, hospitals, logistics hubs, traffic and transportation), Smart Factories (cyber-physical systems, factory floor, supply chain, robotics, digital twins). HIRO develops energy efficient, heterogeneous, high density Micro and Nano data center hardware (Edge Micro Data Centers) and distributed federated Edge cloud software.