Autonomy's Computing Edge

Reducing latency by processing data closer to the devices using it will play a huge role in AV functional safety. Stellantis is a first mover in edge-computing trials.

Computing clouds get more headlines, but edge computing is likely to play a more crucial second-to-second role in the autonomous-vehicle (AV) future. Roughly defined as bringing the processing of data physically closer to the devices requiring it, edge computing will form a critical part of the digital infrastructure required to make AVs a safe and responsive transportation option. If computing clouds are the centralized processing centers forming the hub of a network wheel, then edge computing exists out towards the end of the wheel's spokes, closer to where data is acted on or being gathered.

Digital networks can transfer data at the speed of light, which sounds fast until a split-second traffic decision is required - and the cloud-based server feeding data to your AV is half a world away. Latencies measured in microseconds might not dampen a web-browsing experience, but not knowing that the bridge you're about to cross just iced over, or another vehicle just pulled out to block the intersection you're entering could prove genuinely detrimental. Edge computing seeks to leverage locality to improve the relevancy and immediacy of vital data.