// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM

Edge AI

Edge AI refers to artificial intelligence processing that happens directly on devices like drones or sensors, rather than sending all the data to a central cloud server. This allows for quicker decisions and operations, especially in areas with limited or no internet connection.

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

Edge AI involves deploying artificial intelligence models directly onto distributed edge devices, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and integrated sensors, to enable local, real-time data processing and inference. This paradigm supports autonomous operations by facilitating rapid perception, classification, and decision-making on-device, optimizing for latency-sensitive military applications in austere or disconnected environments.

BACKGROUND

Artificial intelligence (AI) has many applications in warfare, including in communications, intelligence, and munitions control. AI is not limited to new weapons such as drones or strategic means such as cyberwar, as it can affect all forms of military planning.

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • On-device AI
  • Embedded AI
  • Local AI
  • Decentralized AI
  • Fog AI

USAGE NOTE

In military and defense, Edge AI is crucial for enabling real-time autonomous capabilities, enhancing battlefield situational awareness, and ensuring operational continuity for unmanned systems in contested or communication-denied environments.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Edge AI.

  • Lockheed Martin

    Developing edge AI solutions for defense applications, including autonomous systems, situational awareness, and predictive maintenance in contested environments.

  • Raytheon Technologies (RTX)

    Focuses on AI and machine learning at the edge for critical defense systems, including sensors, command and control, and electronic warfare.

  • Northrop Grumman

    Invests in edge AI for advanced sensing, decision support, and autonomous capabilities across air, land, sea, and space domains.

  • BAE Systems

    Engages in edge AI development for intelligent systems, enhanced combat effectiveness, and secure, real-time data processing in military operations.

  • General Dynamics

    Leverages edge AI for tactical computing, C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) systems, and robotic platforms.

  • Anduril Industries

    Specializes in defense technology, deploying AI-powered, autonomous systems with edge processing capabilities for persistent surveillance and interdiction.

  • Palantir Technologies

    Provides data integration and AI platforms that can operate at the edge for critical decision-making and intelligence analysis in defense and national security.

  • Shield AI

    Develops AI pilot software that enables autonomous operations for aircraft, processing sensor data and making decisions at the edge to operate without GPS or communications.

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