Introduction to Edge AI
Arm has announced that it’s providing its most powerful edge AI platform, Armv9, to startups via its Flexible Access programme. This programme is essentially a ‘try before you buy’ for chip designers, giving companies upfront, low-cost, or no-cost access to a wide range of Arm technology, tools, and resources.
What is Flexible Access?
The “Flexible Access” model allows companies to experiment and iterate designs freely while only paying license fees for the technology they use in final designs. This approach has already been a “catalyst for innovation,” according to Arm, helping to create around 400 successful chip designs over the last five years. Companies like Raspberry Pi, Hailo, and SiMa.ai are already using this model.
The Armv9 Edge AI Platform
The Armv9 edge AI platform pairs the super-efficient Arm Cortex-A320 processor with the Arm Ethos-U85 NPU, which handles the heavy AI lifting. This duo is capable of running AI models with over one billion parameters right on the device itself, no cloud connection needed. This technology will power the next-gen edge AI applications such as smart cameras, smart home gadgets, and robots that can interact with users using vision, voice, and gesture.
Benefits of Edge AI
A huge benefit of edge AI is privacy and security. By processing everything locally, machines can “perceive and respond like humans, while keeping inference and data processing securely on-device”. This means that personal data doesn’t have to be sent off to a server just to figure out what you said. The Armv9 platform also bakes in security features like Pointer Authentication Code (PAC) and Memory Tagging Extension (MTE) to keep that on-device data safe.
The Future of Edge AI
Research from VDC predicts that, by 2028, AI will be the “dominant technology used across IoT projects”. Arm’s technology is “already at the center of this transformation,” and this move just solidifies its position. For developers keen to get started with edge AI, the Arm Cortex-A320 will be available through the programme in November 2025, with the Ethos-U85 AI processor following in early 2026.
Getting Involved with Edge AI
For those interested in learning more about AI and big data, the AI & Big Data Expo is taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is part of TechEx and is co-located with other leading technology events, including the Cyber Security Expo.
Conclusion
The introduction of the Armv9 edge AI platform to startups via the Flexible Access programme is a significant step forward for the development of edge AI applications. With its powerful processing capabilities and focus on privacy and security, this technology is set to revolutionize the way we interact with devices and systems.
FAQs
- What is the Flexible Access programme?
The Flexible Access programme is a ‘try before you buy’ model for chip designers, giving companies upfront, low-cost, or no-cost access to a wide range of Arm technology, tools, and resources. - What is the Armv9 edge AI platform?
The Armv9 edge AI platform pairs the super-efficient Arm Cortex-A320 processor with the Arm Ethos-U85 NPU, which handles the heavy AI lifting. - What are the benefits of edge AI?
The benefits of edge AI include privacy and security, as well as the ability to process data locally, reducing the need for cloud connections. - When will the Arm Cortex-A320 and Ethos-U85 AI processor be available?
The Arm Cortex-A320 will be available through the programme in November 2025, with the Ethos-U85 AI processor following in early 2026.
