Google is working with California-based Synaptics on developing edge AI for the IoT to define the optimal implementation of multimodal processing for context-aware computing.

The collaboration will integrate Google’s MLIR-compliant ML core on the Synaptics Astra hardware with open-source software and tools. The combination should accelerate the development of AI devices for the IoT.

This will support the processing of vision, image, voice, sound and other modalities that provide context for seamless interactivity in applications such as wearables, appliances, entertainment, embedded hubs, monitoring and control across consumer, enterprise and industrial systems.

The Astra (www.synaptics.com/products/embedded-processors) AI-native compute platform for the IoT combines scalable, low-power compute silicon for the device edge with open-source, easy-to-use software and tools, a partner ecosystem, and wireless connectivity. The platform builds on Synaptics’ foundation in neural networks, field-hardened AI hardware and compiler design expertise for the IoT, and refined, in-house support of a broad base of modalities.

Google’s ML core is an efficient open-source machine learning (ML) core that is compliant with the multi-level intermediate representation (MLIR) compiler.

“We are on the brink of a transformative era in edge AI devices, where innovation in hardware and software is unlocking context-aware computing experiences that redefine user engagement,” said Vikram Gupta, senior vice president at Synaptics. “Our partnership with Google reflects a shared vision to leverage open frameworks as a catalyst for disruption in the edge IoT space. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences while validating Synaptics’ silicon strategy and roadmap for next-generation device deployment.”

Billy Rutledge, director of systems research at Google Research (research.google), added: “Synaptics’ embrace of open software and tools and proven AI hardware makes the Astra portfolio a natural fit for our ML core as we ramp to meet the uniquely challenging power, performance, cost and space requirements of edge AI devices. We look forward to working together to bring our capabilities to the broad market.”

Synaptics (www.synaptics.com) specialises in AI at the edge, bringing AI closer to end users and transforming engagement with intelligent connected devices, whether at home, work or on the move.