Embedded AI Frameworks: Need and Major Frameworks

In the previous articles we have covered some of the important machine learning algorithms as well as the deep learning algorithms. It does not make sense to develop these algorithms from scratch on target embedded platform. Rather pre-written proven libraries - embedded AI frameworks – can help accelerate the development. These specialized software tools and libraries enable artificial intelligence (AI) models to operate efficiently on resource-constrained hardware, such as microcontrollers, smartphones, and edge devices. Unlike traditional AI systems that rely on powerful servers or cloud infrastructure, embedded AI frameworks optimize models to function with limited computational power, memory, and energy, making them indispensable in today’s tech landscape.

This article introduces embedded AI frameworks, explores their critical importance, and provides an in-depth look at major frameworks, including Tiny Machine Learning (TinyML), TensorFlow Lite, PyTorch Mobile, Apple’s Core ML, OpenVINO, NVIDIA JetPack, and MLPerf Tiny. We’ll also touch on additional tools like Edge Impulse and Apache TVM to round out the discussion. By examining their purposes, features, and applications, we highlight how these frameworks are shaping the future of intelligent edge devices.

Need for Embedded AI Frameworks

With AI/ML algorithms becoming better and better, it is important they are managed by a common framework. But unfortunately, each of the AI/ML/GPU silicon vendors follow their own design approach. They need to create optimized frameworks for their architecture to get the best out of their offerings. This led to the creation of Embedded AI frameworks and tools that will allow conversion of standard models to target framework optimized models.

As AI becomes integral to everyday technology—from smart thermostats to industrial robots—embedded AI frameworks enable developers to scale intelligence across billions of devices, even those with minimal resources. Let us have a look at the common embedded AI Frameworks.

Tiny Machine Learning (TinyML)

TinyML is a community-driven initiative and toolset focused on deploying machine learning models on ultra-low-power microcontrollers, often with less than 256 KB of RAM. It aims to bring AI to the smallest, most cost-effective devices.

Key Features:

• Employs techniques like model quantization (reducing precision of weights) and pruning (removing unnecessary connections) to shrink models without significant accuracy loss.
• Integrates with tools like TensorFlow Lite for Microcontrollers for seamless deployment.
• Supports devices cost under $1, broadening AI accessibility.

Use Cases:

• Predictive Maintenance: Detecting equipment failures in industrial sensors.
• Voice Recognition: Enabling 'wake word' detection in smart speakers.
• Anomaly Detection: Monitoring environmental changes in IoT devices.

TinyML’s ability to embed intelligence into tiny, ubiquitous hardware is revolutionizing industries by making AI scalable and affordable.

TensorFlow Lite

Developed by Google, TensorFlow Lite is a lightweight version of TensorFlow tailored for mobile and embedded devices, bridging the gap between powerful AI models and constrained hardware.

Key Features:

• Supports diverse platforms, from smartphones to microcontrollers and edge TPUs.
• Offers model conversion tools to adapt TensorFlow models for on-device use.
• Includes optimization techniques like quantization and pre-trained models for rapid deployment.

Use Cases:

• Image Recognition: Real-time object detection on smartphone cameras.
• Natural Language Processing: On-device text analysis for virtual assistants.
• IoT Monitoring: Anomaly detection in smart home systems.

TensorFlow Lite’s versatility and extensive ecosystem make it a go-to choice for developers targeting a wide range of edge devices.

PyTorch Mobile

Created by Facebook, PyTorch Mobile extends the PyTorch framework to iOS and Android devices, enabling mobile developers to leverage PyTorch’s flexibility for on-device AI.

Key Features:

• Provides APIs for optimizing and deploying models on mobile hardware.
• Supports dynamic computation graphs, allowing adaptability across devices.
• Integrates with PyTorch’s training pipeline for end-to-end development.

Use Cases:

• Augmented Reality: Real-time object overlays in mobile apps.
• Recommendation Systems: Personalized content suggestions on-device.
• Video Analysis: Motion detection in security apps.

PyTorch Mobile appeals to developers who value PyTorch’s research-friendly design and seek to deploy models on mobile platforms.

Apple’s Core ML

Core ML is Apple’s framework for embedding machine learning into iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS apps, leveraging Apple’s hardware for seamless AI integration.

Key Features:

• Supports diverse model types, including neural networks and decision trees.
• Ensures on-device processing for privacy and offline functionality.
• Utilizes Apple’s hardware acceleration (e.g., Neural Engine) for high performance.

Use Cases:

• Facial Recognition: Identifying faces in photos or videos.
• Health Monitoring: Analyzing sensor data on Apple Watch.
• Text Recognition: Converting handwriting to text in real time.

Core ML empowers Apple developers to create privacy-focused, intelligent apps within the company’s ecosystem.

OpenVINO

Intel’s OpenVINO (Open Visual Inference and Neural Network Optimization) toolkit optimizes and deploys AI models on Intel hardware, such as CPUs, GPUs, and VPUs, with a focus on edge applications.

Key Features:

• Specializes in computer vision and deep learning inference.
• Includes tools for model optimization to boost speed and efficiency.
• Supports models from TensorFlow, PyTorch, and ONNX formats.

Use Cases:

• Smart Surveillance: Real-time object detection in cameras.
• Industrial Automation: Identifying defects in manufacturing.
• Medical Imaging: Edge-based analysis of X-rays or scans.

OpenVINO excels in vision-centric edge deployments, leveraging Intel’s hardware strengths.

NVIDIA JetPack

NVIDIA JetPack is an SDK for AI at the edge, designed for NVIDIA’s Jetson devices (e.g., Jetson Nano, Jetson AGX Xavier), enabling high-performance embedded AI applications.

Key Features:

• Includes libraries for deep learning, computer vision, and multimedia.
• Provides end-to-end tools for training, optimization, and deployment.
• Leverages GPU acceleration for real-time processing.

Use Cases:

• Autonomous Drones: Navigation and object avoidance.
• Robotics: Warehouse automation with real-time decision-making.
• Smart Cities: Traffic analysis via edge cameras.

NVIDIA JetPack is ideal for developers building complex, compute-intensive edge solutions.

MLPerf Tiny

MLPerf Tiny is a benchmark suite for evaluating the performance of tiny machine learning systems, helping developers assess hardware and software for embedded AI.

Key Features:

• Offers standardized tests for tasks like image classification and keyword spotting.
• Targets ultra-low-power devices like microcontrollers.
• Facilitates comparisons across platforms and optimization strategies.

Use Cases:

• Performance Testing: Evaluating TinyML models on microcontrollers.
• Hardware Selection: Choosing optimal devices for specific tasks.
• Optimization Research: Comparing model compression techniques.

MLPerf Tiny provides a critical yardstick for the embedded AI community.

Additional Frameworks

Beyond these major players, there are other tools enhance the embedded AI ecosystem. In prominent framework is Edge Impulse - a platform for designing, training, and deploying TinyML models, offering a user-friendly workflow for IoT developers. Similarly, Apache TVM is an open-source compiler that optimizes ML models for diverse hardware, from CPUs to specialized accelerators. These frameworks address niche needs, expanding the reach of embedded AI.

Challenges in Embedded AI frameworks

These Embedded AI frameworks are not without their own challenges. Some of the important issues include:

• Model Compression: Balancing size and accuracy on tiny devices.
• Hardware Variability: Adapting to a diverse range of edge platforms.
• Power Constraints: Optimizing for energy-limited environments.

Future advancements, such as neural architecture search and hardware-specific accelerators, promise to overcome these challenges, pushing embedded AI into new frontiers.

Conclusion

Embedded AI frameworks are transforming technology by enabling intelligent, on-device processing at the edge. From TinyML’s microcontroller focus to NVIDIA JetPack’s high-performance capabilities, these tools empower developers to embed AI in everything from wearables to industrial systems. As IoT and edge computing grow, frameworks like TensorFlow Lite, PyTorch Mobile, and Core ML will drive innovation across industries, unlocking a future where smart devices are faster, more private, and universally accessible.