NTT DATA, Schneider Electric team up for AI edge computing

NTT DATA and Schneider Electric have announced a collaborative endeavour to drive AI innovation at the edge of computing. This pioneering synergy combines technologies such as Edge, Private 5G, IoT, and modular data centres, with the aim of maximising energy efficiency and meeting the demands of compute-intensive tasks like machine vision, predictive maintenance, and other AI inferencing applications.

The developers' solution brings together NTT DATA's Edge as a Service, encompassing fully managed Edge to Cloud, Private 5G, and IoT capabilities and Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure, a modular data centre that combines OT solutions with advanced IT technologies. This union is aimed to enable operations in even the most remote locations, delivering real-time data insights securely.

Excited about this venture, Shahid Ahmed, EVP of New Ventures and Innovation at NTT Ltd., stressed: "Processing vast amounts of data generated by edge devices is where the future of digital transformation lies. We're excited to announce that we have the solution to meet these obstacles and are ready to lead the way towards a more connected and efficient digital world."

The companies are ready to address joint customer requirements to meet the growing demand from organisations seeking to utilise edge computing for automation and data-driven decision making. Approximately 70% of enterprises are accelerating edge adoption to counter critical business challenges, according to NTT DATA's Edge Advantage report.

The collaboration's first deployment has been announced at the historic industrial complex Marienpark Berlin. A former canning factory, Marienpark Berlin will be developed into a leading innovation park. The campus spans more than 30 hectares and aims to deliver enhanced connectivity and computing experiences for users.

Managing Director of Marienpark Berlin, Guido Schütte, emphasized the importance of the project, saying that the "innovation ecosystems in Marienpark increasingly depend on specific technological infrastructures. Easy-to-access computational power combined with advanced connectivity are a key issue. We need an innovative environment with such an infrastructure to satisfy future user demands of our community."

NTT DATA and Schneider Electric initially co-innovated to test the capacities of Private 5G at Schneider Electric's Lexington Smart Factory. Schneider Electric's President, Cloud & Service Provider Segment, Rob McKernan, commented on their new, broader agenda, "After leveraging NTT DATA's expertise in Private 5G connectivity and then maximising synergies with our EcoStruxure architecture in our facilities, it's time to expand our collaboration and bring a complete solution to industrial customers."

The collaboration hopes to address the challenges presented by industry 4.0 applications, ensuring seamless integration and safe data insights through Edge data centres. NTT DATA and Schneider Electric will further showcase their co-innovation partnership at the Mobile World Congress to highlight how edge and private 5G are transforming industries.