NXP Expands Edge AI Capabilities
NXP Semiconductors has added two new tools to its eIQ AI and machine learning development software, making it easier to deploy and use AI at the edge across a full spectrum of edge processors.
The eIQ Time Series Studio features an automated machine learning workflow that streamlines the development and deployment of time series-based machine learning models across MCU-class devices, such as the MCX portfolio of MCUs or i.MX RT portfolio of crossover MCUs, according to company officials.
The GenAI Flow provides the building blocks that power generative AI solutions. Designed to be used with MPUs such as NXP’s i.MX family of applications processors, these generative AI solutions make it easier to deploy intelligence at the edge by training LLMs on specific contextual data.
Additionally, the studio simplifies and reduces time required for development and deployment of time series-based AI models. The automatic machine learning capability enables developers to extract meaningful insights from raw time-sequential data and quickly build AI models tailored to meet performance, memory, flash storage size, and accuracy criteria.
“AI is the key to a world that anticipates and automates based on user wants and needs, but it must be developed in a way that is practical for edge deployment,” said Charles Dachs, senior vice president and general manager, industrial and IoT, NXP Semiconductors. “NXP is delivering an unparalleled breadth of options for developers across the full spectrum of AI models and AI-enabled edge processors. NXP is making edge AI truly practical for developers across a wide range of markets.”
Checkpoint Systems Achieves ARC Certification
Vertically integrated RFID solutions supplier Checkpoint Systems recently became one of the first manufacturers to get an ARC-certified RFID inlay fitted with brand-new M800 series Impinj chips.
Impinj’s M830 and M850 RAIN RFID tag chips are considered the next generation of RFID technology. These brand-new chips deliver improved readability and better sensitivity, have a 30 percent lower power consumption and a small footprint, making them ideal for use across shoes, apparel, general merchandise, and more.
Checkpoint installed the chips into their versatile range of RFID inlays, including Vortex, which is popular with retailers, and Tyfung which is specially designed for logistics, among others and secured ARC certifications in a variety of specifications from the RFID lab at Auburn University.
“Securing an industry-recognized ARC certification for the Impinj M800 series shows our commitment to staying ahead of the game where innovation and customer confidence is concerned,” said Inge Fleuren, Global Product Solution Manager RFID, Checkpoint Systems. “Checkpoint customers expect high performance and industry-leading tech, and we’ll always strive to give it to them.”
ApertureData Raises $8.25 million, Launches ApertureDB Cloud
ApertureData recently closed its oversubscribed seed round at $8.25 million for a purpose-built database for multimodal AI. The funding round was led by TQ Ventures with participation from Westwave Capital, Interwoven Ventures, and a group of high-caliber angel investors. Existing investors also reaffirmed their commitment to ApertureData’s vision.
According to company officials, ApertureData is bridging a crucial gap in today’s data infrastructure by offering a purpose-built database that provides teams with a unified solution for managing and accessing complex multimodal datasets—perfectly tailored to meet the demands of AI workflows.
ApertureDB provides enterprises with a single interface that centralizes all relevant datasets – including large images, videos, documents, embeddings, and associated metadata – for efficient retrieval and query handling. It stores the data, giving a uniform view of the schema to the users, and then provides knowledge and vector search capabilities for use across the AI pipeline.
The company has already secured initial deployments with select Fortune 100 customers, including a major retailer in home furnishings, a large manufacturer, some Biotech, retail, and emerging Generative AI startups.
“The increasing adoption of multimodal data in powering advanced AI experiences, including multimodal chatbots and computer vision systems, has created a significant market opportunity,” said company CEO Vishakha Gupta. “As more companies look to leverage multimodality, the demand for efficient management solutions like ApertureDB is expected to grow.”
With this new funding, ApertureData plans to scale its production deployments, enhance user experience through improved documentation and sandbox environments, focus on ecosystem integrations, and significantly expand its sales and marketing efforts. As large-scale multimodal data continues to play an increasingly vital role in AI and machine learning, the company is poised to lead the charge in providing a robust, scalable database for the next generation of AI innovations.