Empowering Power-Efficient Edge AI: Portwell WEBS-89I0 with Hailo AI Accelerator for Smart Industrial Applications

AI Challenges and Opportunities in the Field
As artificial intelligence (AI) technology rapidly proliferates across various industries, enterprises face several challenges when integrating AI applications, especially in edge computing environments. These challenges include the need for scalable camera deployment, flexible wiring, and managing network bandwidth constraints. Additionally, modifying basic power infrastructure can be difficult. In scenarios requiring multiple interconnected cameras and equipment, bottlenecks in central servers and cloud computing can lead to increased latency, which affects real-time application performance.

Edge computing has emerged as a core solution to these challenges. By deploying data processing and AI inference functions at field terminal devices, the need for transmission bandwidth is alleviated, and real-time response capabilities are enhanced. Portwell’s WEBS-89I0 fanless compact Edge AI Box PC, powered by the Hailo-8R AI acceleration module, features innovative architecture and robust computing capabilities. This optimized combination not only meets these needs comprehensively but also provides an enhanced solution that transforms intelligent industrial environments.

Innovative Design and Hailo AI Acceleration Technology: Comprehensive Solutions to Pain Points
The WEBS-89I0 features an ultra-compact design, approximately palm-sized, and is equipped with the Hailo-8R Mini PCIe (mPCIe) AI acceleration module, delivering up to 13 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) of inference performance. It also features an Intel® Celeron® Processor J6412, which integrates Intel® UHD Graphics for enhanced video processing, includes Intel® Quick Sync Video for accelerated video encoding and decoding, and supports the Intel® Distribution of OpenVINO™ Toolkit for efficient AI model deployment. Additionally, Intel® Virtualization Technology (VT-x) improves the efficiency of virtualized environments. This combination makes the WEBS-89I0 with the Hailo-8R AI accelerator ideal for handling multiple AI workloads simultaneously, addressing common industry challenges by providing a high-performance and energy-efficient solution for edge computing devices.

Space Optimization and Deployment Flexibility: In space-constrained environments, the palm-sized WEBS-89I0 with DIN-rail mounting provides high flexibility without occupying excessive space. Even in situations where DIN-rail mounting is not feasible, the device can be easily deployed using simple installation methods.

Fanless Design and Vibration Resistance: The fanless design eliminates dust accumulation issues and reduces maintenance costs in industrial environments. Its vibration-resistant structure ensures stable operation in high-vibration conditions, such as on production lines or within medium-to-large mobile equipment, including machinery and vehicles.

Low Power Consumption: Designed for low-power environments, the WEBS-89I0 is particularly suitable for large-scale deployment in areas with limited power supply, such as remote locations or outdoor field stations.

High-Performance Hailo AI Accelerator: Equipped with the Hailo-8R mPCIe AI acceleration module, the WEBS-89I0 provides robust edge inference capabilities, supporting a wide range of AI applications, including facial recognition, object detection, sensor data analysis, and predictive maintenance.

These technical advancements enable the WEBS-89I0 to effectively address challenges such as complex wiring configurations, environmental constraints, and computational latency.

13 TOPS: Delivering Industry-Leading AI Performance for Edge Devices
The Hailo-8R mPCIe AI acceleration module, delivering 13 TOPS AI performance with industry-leading power efficiency, is at the core of the WEBS-89I0’s computational capabilities. It supports high-density image and data inference, meeting the stringent real-time and accuracy requirements of industrial applications:

Reducing Network Transmission Load: By leveraging edge computing, image and data processing can be performed on-site, eliminating the need to transmit them to a central server. This significantly reduces bandwidth requirements and latency issues.

Diverse Inference Applications: The 13 TOPS AI acceleration power supports various use cases, including defect detection on production lines, environmental sensing in commercial vehicles, and security surveillance in smart buildings.

Enhanced User Experience: Edge computing technology enables more real-time responses, such as precise decision-making in industrial machine control or rapid authentication in facial recognition systems, improving immersive user experiences and business operation efficiency.

Hailo’s edge AI technology, combined with the WEBS-89I0’s space- and energy-efficient hardware structure, ensures seamless integration from data acquisition to deep neural network inference.

Dynamic Application Scenarios: Delivering Value Across Industries
The versatile design of the WEBS-89I0 makes it suitable for a variety of applications, showcasing its unique value in multiple fields:

Smart Manufacturing and Production Line Monitoring: In industrial control environments, the WEBS-89I0 seamlessly integrates with PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) to monitor production processes and conduct quality inspections, improving overall production efficiency and outcomes.

Intelligent Applications in Space-Constrained Environments: For premium spaces such as smart retail stores or transportation hubs, the compact design of the WEBS-89I0 allows for seamless integration without occupying additional space.

Cost-Effective Edge AI Deployment: For large-scale deployments, such as smart city camera networks or logistics hub monitoring systems, the WEBS-89I0 offers a cost-effective, high-performance solution.

Embedded System in Mobile Equipment: With its vibration-resistant design and low power consumption, the WEBS-89I0 is ideal for installation in medium-to-large mobile equipment, supporting Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and other mobile computing applications.

The successful implementation of these applications highlights the WEBS-89I0’s effectiveness as a high-performance edge computing solution. By integrating advanced AI acceleration and efficient hardware, it stands out as a reliable and scalable solution for diverse industrial applications. The WEBS-89I0’s versatile design and robust capabilities not only address current industry challenges but also pave the way for future innovations in smart manufacturing, intelligent environments, and mobile computing.

Remote Management and System Integration: Empowering Ever-Evolving Smart Environments
Beyond its innovative hardware build, the WEBS-89I0 is equipped with Portwell’s proprietary RPET Remote Monitoring Software, further enhancing control over large-scale deployments. RPET enables real-time device monitoring and maintenance, reducing labor and time costs—especially beneficial for distributed environments.

Additionally, the WEBS-89I0 integrates seamlessly with Portwell’s ecosystem partner’s Video Management System (VMS), facilitating a more efficient path for users to easily connect cameras and quickly deploy AI applications. This modular and holistic system-level solution streamlines AI adoption, driving industry upgrades and facilitating the transition to intelligent automation.

WEBS-89I0 Rugged Fanless Embedded System

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