Towards deployment of Cloud-Edge-IoT solutions across the computing continuum

To achieve a successful green and digital transition, Europe must significantly increase its investments in IoT and connectivity. This includes improving access to data and data services across vital industries such as automotive, energy, buildings, and agriculture. A particular focus should be on investing in energy-efficient edge nodes and enhancing data capacity at both the cloud and edge levels. This approach provides a strategic advantage during global crises, including energy shortages and climate-related natural disasters. Europe has a unique opportunity to shape this technological landscape and position itself as a significant player in the global CEI ecosystem, advancing toward digital independence and economic resilience.

During the AIOTI Days, Tanya Suarez, our CEO provided an overview of the Meta-OS ecosystem, sharing insights from the CEI-LING tool that assesses companies’ readiness for CEI technologies. Following her presentation, six case studies were showcased, allowing participants to pitch their innovative solutions. The event concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Tanya, featuring industry experts Atif Syed from Wootzano and Natalie Samovich from Enercotium, who examined the implications and advancements of the Meta-OS projects.

Assessing Readiness: The CEI-LING Tool

The CEI-LING tool, developed under the EU’s UNLOCK-CEI initiative, serves as a self-assessment framework for organisations to evaluate their readiness for adopting CEI technologies. It focuses on five key pillars: Organisation, Financial, Technology, Risk & Compliance, and Industry & Market. The tool analyses readiness across 21 parameters, guiding businesses in identifying the necessary steps for successful CEI technology transitions.

An analysis of the responses from users of the CEI-LING assessment reveals that the majority of participants fall within the ICT sector (26%), followed by manufacturing at 16%. Overall, organisations are currently in the process of recognising the potential of Cloud to Edge IoT. When examining CEI readiness by sector, for instance in manufacturing, it becomes clear that while strengths are noted in the Industry & Market pillar, there are significant gaps in Risk & Compliance.

Two key findings have emerged to date: First, there is a correlation between investment in CEI technologies and the identification of new revenue streams. This trend is expected to grow as companies work to address their technical debt and integrate more advanced AI and IoT capabilities. Second, a notable connection exists between compliance, certification, and overall CEI readiness. Insights from our qualitative research with CEI solution providers suggest that comprehensive system certification for CEI could unlock significant market growth opportunities.

METAOS use cases

The event showcased six innovative Meta-OS projects, each demonstrating technical feasibility and market viability across various industries. For instance, the AerOS project focuses on creating data-driven production lines, while NebulOuS utilises drones for efficient windmill maintenance. Other projects include ICOS for agricultural robotics, NEPHELE for managing distributed computing resources, FluidOS for critical infrastructure management, and NEMO for enhancing media experiences during live events.

Panel Discussion

Following the presentations, Tanya Suarez moderated an engaging panel discussion with Atif Syed and Natalie Samovich. They underscored the necessity of transitioning from legacy systems to orchestrated edge computing solutions, highlighting that scalability hinges on recognising key success factors. Their dialogue illuminated the implications for supply chains, emphasising the need for adaptability and collaboration to fully harness the potential of cloud-edge-IoT solutions. Atif discussed his company’s disruptive technology in the food and agriculture sector, focusing on automation and waste reduction. Natalie highlighted the transformative potential of MetaOS projects in optimising energy management and enhancing grid resilience.

CEI-Sphere

Tanya Suarez, CEO of BluSpecs, spoke about the CEI SPHERE initiative, which aims to foster an open, interoperable, and competitive ecosystem for large-scale CEI pilots. The project is driven by key objectives: first, to establish a robust foundation for collaboration among inter-Large Scale Pilots (LSPs); second, to develop a comprehensive data framework that deepens understanding of the European CEI market; third, to support the creation of a privacy-preserving open edge ecosystem that includes SMEs, startups, and system integrators; fourth, to build a CEI technology backbone that underpins this open edge ecosystem and ensures the scalability of LSP solutions; and finally, to cultivate a broad stakeholder ecosystem that raises awareness and generates significant impact. Together, these objectives position CEI SPHERE as a major component of the next generation CEI.

The event underscored the urgent need for Europe to ramp up investments in IoT and connectivity. By embracing IoT and edge computing, Europe can empower localised decision-making, enhancing resilience in the face of global emergencies. Establishing a robust CEI environment that integrates data collection, storage, and processing is vital for cultivating a competitive and resilient economy. Addressing the common CEI reference architecture and understanding the needs of industrial adopters will ensure that technological advancements align with economic opportunities, paving the way for a sustainable future.