As the demand for intelligent systems grows across industries, edge AI is quickly becoming the new standard for responsive, efficient, and secure computing. Rather than relying on cloud infrastructure for processing, edge AI enables devices to analyze data and make decisions locally in real time. At the heart of this shift is the NXP i.MX8M Plus processor, designed specifically to bring AI to embedded systems through its integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU).

At Estone Technology, we harness the capabilities of the i.MX8M Plus to deliver scalable, application-specific platforms that combine powerful edge computing with rugged, industrial-grade reliability. Our products such as PPC-4910, PPC-4907, and BIS-2239 are optimized for edge AI applications in industrial automation, building systems, robotics, and IoT gateways.

What Makes the i.MX8M Plus NPU Ideal for Edge AI?

The i.MX8M Plus features a dedicated NPU capable of delivering up to 2.3 TOPS (trillion operations per second), making it well-suited for on-device inference tasks like image recognition, object detection, and speech processing. It supports popular machine learning frameworks including TensorFlow Lite, ONNX Runtime, and DeepViewRT, enabling developers to deploy AI models trained in the cloud directly onto Estone devices at the edge.

This architecture ensures low latency, improved data privacy, and significantly reduced network dependency, all critical factors for industrial and embedded environments.

Industrial Automation: Smart Inspection and Maintenance

Challenge: Factories need real-time visual inspection systems to detect defects or wear before they cause downtime.

Solution: Estone's PPC-4910 and BIS-2239 allow integration with dual cameras and leverage the i.MX8M Plus NPU to run AI models locally for anomaly detection, product classification, or predictive maintenance. The fanless design and wide temperature tolerance make them ideal for deployment directly on production floors.

Building Automation: Intelligent Control Interfaces

Challenge: Smart buildings demand intelligent interfaces capable of face recognition, environmental control, and occupancy sensing.

Solution: The compact PPC-4907 offers a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, built-in wireless connectivity, and NPU-powered AI for recognizing users, automating HVAC systems, or enabling voice interaction. All inference runs locally, ensuring fast response and data security in building environments.

Robotics: AI for Navigation and Interaction

Challenge: Autonomous robots require low-latency AI for path planning, object avoidance, and user interaction.

Solution: The BIS-2239 provides edge AI processing in a compact, rugged DIN-rail or VESA-mount system. With CAN bus, serial I/O, and support for vision systems, it enables robots to perform real-time object recognition or navigation with minimal processing delay.

IoT Edge Gateways: Smarter, Safer Local Decision-Making

Challenge: IoT devices often need to preprocess sensor data, detect anomalies, or trigger alerts without relying on cloud services.

Solution: Estone’s i.MX8M Plus-based platforms offer the compute power to run inference models locally. Whether in smart vending machines, kiosks, or energy systems, the NPU ensures quick and secure decisions, reducing latency and bandwidth usage.

Why Choose Estone for Edge AI Development?

Estone Technology provides complete hardware and software integration, including:

• Custom OS development (Yocto, Ubuntu, Android)
  
• Secure boot, OTA updates, and locked-down environments
  
• I/O customization for camera, GPIO, CAN, LTE, and more
  
• In-house testing for EMI, ESD, thermal, and reliability compliance
  
• ODM services to tailor platforms to exact customer needs
  

Whether you need a panel PC with HMI or a compact embedded gateway, Estone delivers production-ready, AI-enabled platforms based on the i.MX8M Plus, backed by a long lifecycle and industrial-grade durability.

Start Building at the Edge

Looking to develop your next AI-powered industrial, building, or IoT device? Estone Technology’s ARM-based platforms with integrated NPU are ready to bring intelligence to your application.

Contact us today to discuss your edge AI project or request a sample evaluation.