‍Unlocking the Power of AI at the Edge: Insights from Industry Experts

What if AI could make industrial systems smarter, faster, and more secure without relying on the cloud?

In a recent webinar hosted by Barbara in collaboration with UST, we explored how AI at the Edge is transforming industries. Featuring expert insights from Nacho Marrero, Director of AI and Data at UST Spain and Latam, and Juan Pérez-Bedmar, VP of Partners Success at Barbara, the session uncovered the challenges and opportunities of deploying AI directly on edge devices.

Why AI at the Edge? The Industry Game-Changer

Imagine an industrial plant where machines detect failures before they happen, energy systems self-optimize in real time, and quality control is automated without the lag of cloud processing. This is the power of AI at the Edge.

‍

Unlike traditional AI models that rely on cloud computing, Edge AI enables real-time data processing, reduced latency, enhanced security, and lower operational costs. In sectors like energy, manufacturing, and transportation, this technology is already driving efficiency and autonomy at unprecedented levels.

‍

Barbara: AI at the Edge Made Simple

Barbara’s platform is designed to make AI deployment in industrial environments seamless, secure, and scalable. Here’s how:

✅ Runs on any Edge Computing hardware : Supports x86, ARM, and NVIDIA devices for efficient AI execution.

✅ Security by Design:  Built-in advanced cybersecurity to safeguard critical data and infrastructure.

✅ AI Model Orchestration : Simplifies implementation, updates, and monitoring of AI applications.

✅ Seamless Industrial Integration: Connects effortlessly with PLCs, SCADAs, and OT systems—no need to overhaul existing infrastructure.

‍

Challenges & Solutions: What’s Holding AI Back?

During the webinar, our experts tackled some of the biggest hurdles in Edge AI adoption, and how to overcome them:

‍Limited Computing Power. Unlike cloud servers, Edge devices have constrained processing capacity. Solution? Optimized AI models that run efficiently on low-power hardware.

‍Data Security & Governance. Decentralized AI increases security risks. Solution? Built-in cybersecurity strategies and strict access controls.

Legacy System Integration. Many industries rely on outdated infrastructure. Solution? Interoperability-first platforms like Barbara that connect AI with existing industrial systems.

Real-World Impact: AI at the Edge in Action

Seeing is believing. The webinar featured real-world applications proving AI at the Edge is more than just a concept:

Predictive Maintenance: AI detects machine anomalies before failures occur, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Energy Optimization: Smart Edge AI algorithms adjust real-time energy consumption, boosting efficiency and sustainability.

Automated Visual Inspection: AI-powered cameras identify production defects instantly—no cloud dependency needed.

‍

Reexperience the webinar here

‍

‍‍What’s Next? The Future of AI is at the Edge

AI at the Edge is not just a trend, it’s the future of industrial intelligence. By combining optimized hardware, efficient AI models, and robust security, Edge AI is revolutionizing operations across industries.

If you'd like to learn more, we recommend reading "Edge AI in 2025: Bold Predictions and a Reality Check."

Whether you're looking to optimize efficiency, improve security, or drive innovation, Barbara is here to help. Contact us

‍