Avnet, STMicroelectronics (ST), and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have joined forces to launch cutting-edge EdgeAI Vision and cloud-connectivity solutions powered by ST’s new STM32N6 microcontroller (MCU). If you’re a developer looking to harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the edge with incredible efficiency and seamless cloud management, this is the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
A New Era of AI at the Edge
The STM32N6 MCU is at the heart of this innovation. Featuring an on-chip Neural Processing Unit (NPU), the STM32N6 brings real-time decision-making capabilities directly to edge devices. This means quicker responses and improved power efficiency. It also has the ability to run AI models, such as those developed with Amazon SageMaker, without draining the battery.
The result? Smarter, faster, and more energy-efficient Internet of Things (IoT) devices that open up a world of possibilities for industries like industrial automation, smart cities, healthcare, and more.
What Makes the STM32N6 Stand Out?
Thanks to ST’s proprietary Neural-ART Accelerator™, this MCU delivers an unprecedented leap in AI performance while significantly cutting down on power consumption. Developers can deploy embedded neural networks at the edge, ensuring low-latency decision-making without sacrificing battery life.
At AWS re.Invent 2024 in Las Vegas, the STM32N6 took the spotlight. At the event, Avnet demonstrated a Smart Camera reference solution, powered by the STM32N6. Combined with Avnet’s IoTConnect platform and AWS IoT Core, the solution showcased how developers can connect their devices to the cloud effortlessly while ensuring data is securely managed.
As Patrick Aidoune, GM at STMicorelectronics put it, “We're thrilled to offer developers an entirely new level of AI performance and efficiency for microcontrollers with the STM32N6. Our collaboration with Avnet and AWS ensures that these devices can be deployed and managed securely at scale, enabling a new era of intelligent, connected products."
Key Benefits for Developers
- Next-Level Edge AI Efficiency: The STM32N6 brings a game-changing combination of power efficiency and cost-effectiveness. It’s the perfect tool for building smart IoT systems with robust AI capabilities.
- End-to-End Ecosystem: Developers gain access to a complete hardware and software ecosystem that includes cloud connectivity and device management. This makes it easy to quickly deploy and scale AI-powered products.
- Market-Ready Solutions: Need to get to market fast? Avnet and its partners offer ready-made EdgeAI solutions that streamline your go-to-market strategy with minimal setup.
AI Meets Cloud Connectivity
What sets this collaboration apart is how smoothly EdgeAI solutions integrate with the cloud. Avnet’s IoTConnect platform, powered by AWS IoT Core, offers real-time device health monitoring, data aggregation, and seamless over-the-air (OTA) updates. This ensures that AI models deployed on the STM32N6 can be constantly refined and optimized, essential for staying competitive in today’s fast-paced tech landscape.
As Jennifer Skinner-Gray, Sr. Director, Supplier Technology Enablement, Avnet noted, "Cloud connectivity is critical when deploying AI at the edge, and IoTConnect, combined with AWS services, gives customers the tools to scale their AI solutions with confidence."
Fast-Track Development with AWS Qualified Devices
The STM32N6 Discovery Kit has already earned its place in the AWS Qualified Device Program, ensuring smooth integration with AWS’s powerful cloud infrastructure. This makes the process of developing and managing AI-powered devices faster and easier than ever before.
"We’re excited to work with ST and Avnet to promote the STM32N6 as part of AWS’s Qualified Device Program," said Dave Kranzler, GM IoT Services at AWS. "This program ensures that developers have access to the necessary tools they need to quickly get started and launch innovative products at scale."
A Turnkey Solution for EdgeAI Vision Systems
To make things even easier, Avnet and e2ip Technologies have partnered to introduce a reference solution based on the N6 Dev Kit, an EdgeAI Vision Sensor Platform powered by the STM32N6. With built-in cloud connectivity through Avnet’s IoTConnect, this solution allows developers to adopt EdgeAI technology quickly and efficiently.
"Our collaboration with Avnet is focused on delivering ready-to-deploy Edge AI vision solutions to customers, allowing them to harness the power of AI quickly," said Eric Saint-Jacques, CEO at e2ip technologies. "The N6 Dev Kit represents a leap forward enabling us to unleash the real power of smart devices by adding intelligence at the edge, where sensors operate ."
Ready to Dive In?
The STM32N6 Discovery Kit is available now through Avnet and listed in the AWS Device Catalog. With easy integration into IoTConnect, it’s never been simpler to turn innovative ideas into reality.
To learn more and get started with your own EdgeAI project, check out the Avnet, STMicroelectronics and AWS websites.
Watch a Demo: EdgeAI Applications using the STM32N6 featured at AWS re:invent 2024