Project Description
The hyper-connected world we live in thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT) has a big problem: the processing of the information that is collected by the devices and sent to the cloud. This off-site processing is often not optimal, given that to a large extent this processing can be carried out in the network nodes themselves. In other words, processing closer to where the information is collected, so-called edge computing.
To achieve Edge Computing, new devices are required that satisfy a new set of challenging requirements such as time forecasting, reliability, energy efficiency and security. FRACTAL's objective is to create a node in an intelligent platform, through a "Cognitive Edge", under the industry standards. This platform node will be the basic scalable component of the decentralized IoT (from intelligent low consumption computer systems to the Edge Computing nodes).
FRACTAL follows a disruptive approach. Taking advantage of the latest research in high-performance processor architectures and artificial intelligence, FRACTAL will make intelligent systems in particular, and edge systems in general, capable of learning from the surrounding context, adapting to change, transforming and remaining connected to an extremely dynamic environment. This will allow edge systems to become Cognitive Systems that will gain capabilities and efficiency in a fully autonomous way as required for the most demanding industrial applications.
Collaborating Companies or Organisations
Indra's Role
Prointec and Indra lead the case of use 1 (UC1), called "Edge computing technologies applied for engineering and maintenance works". This pilot is born from the need to digitize the construction sector, whose late technological evolution has meant an increase in costs and a reduction in efficiency on a regular basis.
The UC1 is composed of two demonstrators:
- UAV supervision of critical structures: This demonstrator aims to systematize the visual inspection of structures such as bridges or viaducts, for the early detection of pathologies and classification of cracks in concrete materials. Through the development of Artificial Intelligence algorithms, a great variety of early pathologies can be detected by analysing the information collected by the UAV images.
- Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) for safety at construction sites: The second demonstrator focuses its activity on the monitoring of workers and machinery within a field construction environment. Through the deployment of a network of sensors on both workers and machinery, proximity alerts will be generated in real time according to their position, trying to reduce the risk of accidents between them.
Both demonstrators seek to improve safety and operating conditions on construction sites.
Together with Prointec, Indra Sistemas and Indra Factoría Tecnológica (IFT), both as linked third party of Prointec, with their knowledge in artificial intelligence, participate in the UC1 to obtain successful results.
Universities and Technology Centers
Technologies used
- Fractality & Edge Integration
- Node Architecture & Building Blocks
- Safety & Security 4
- Low power compatible with real-time/cognitive/environment requirements
- AI & Safe Autonomous Decisions
More information
This project, under reference nº H2020-877056 has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.
ONU Sustainable Development Goals:
