What is Intel Movidius?

Intel Movidius is a specialized hardware platform designed for efficient deep learning and computer vision applications. It is part of Intel's broader portfolio of products aimed at enabling intelligent and connected devices. The Movidius technology focuses on providing low-power, high-performance processing capabilities for edge devices, allowing for real-time data processing and analysis without the need for cloud-based resources.

The Movidius platform includes a range of neural compute sticks and system-on-chip (SoC) solutions that leverage advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques. These products are particularly well-suited for applications such as image recognition, object detection, and other AI-driven tasks, making them invaluable in industries such as robotics, smart cameras, drones, and IoT devices.

Features

Intel Movidius offers a variety of features that make it a powerful tool for developers and businesses looking to implement AI and machine learning solutions at the edge:

1. Low Power Consumption

• Energy Efficiency: Designed to operate with minimal power, Movidius products can perform complex computations while consuming much less energy compared to traditional processors.
• Battery Life: Ideal for portable devices, Movidius enables longer battery life for applications such as drones and wearables.

2. High Performance

• Neural Compute Engine: The Movidius architecture includes a dedicated neural compute engine that accelerates deep learning inference, allowing for faster processing times.
• Parallel Processing: Supports multiple processing threads, making it capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously.

3. Versatile Interface Options

• USB and PCIe Interfaces: Movidius products can be easily integrated into various systems through standard USB and PCIe interfaces, providing flexibility in deployment.
• Compatibility: Works with multiple operating systems and development environments, making it easier for developers to incorporate into existing projects.

4. Comprehensive Software Support

• OpenVINO Toolkit: Intel provides the OpenVINO toolkit, which helps developers optimize and deploy deep learning models on Movidius hardware, enhancing performance and efficiency.
• Model Optimization: The toolkit includes tools for model conversion, optimization, and deployment, simplifying the process of getting AI models running on edge devices.

5. Robust Security Features

• Data Privacy: With the capability to process data locally, Movidius helps in maintaining data privacy by minimizing the need to send sensitive information to the cloud.
• Secure Boot: Ensures that only authorized software runs on the device, enhancing overall security.

6. Scalability

• Multiple Product Options: From the Movidius Neural Compute Stick to integrated SoCs, there are various options available to meet different performance and application needs.
• Ecosystem Support: Intel Movidius is supported by a wide ecosystem of partners and developers, ensuring that users have access to a wealth of resources and community support.

Use Cases

Intel Movidius is versatile and can be applied in various industries and applications. Here are some notable use cases:

1. Smart Cameras

• Facial Recognition: Movidius can be used in smart cameras for real-time facial recognition, enhancing security and access control systems.
• Object Detection: Enables smart cameras to identify and track objects in various environments, useful in retail analytics and traffic monitoring.

2. Robotics

• Autonomous Navigation: Robots equipped with Movidius can process visual data to navigate and make decisions in real-time, improving efficiency in tasks such as warehouse management.
• Human-Robot Interaction: Facilitates understanding and interaction between robots and humans through gesture and voice recognition.

3. Drones

• Real-Time Image Processing: Drones can utilize Movidius for image analysis during flight, allowing for applications in agriculture, surveillance, and mapping.
• Obstacle Avoidance: Processing visual data on board enables drones to avoid obstacles autonomously.

4. IoT Devices

• Smart Home Devices: Movidius can power smart home devices that respond to voice commands or recognize faces, enhancing user experience and security.
• Wearable Technology: In wearables, Movidius enables health monitoring and activity recognition without relying heavily on external processing.

5. Healthcare

• Medical Imaging: Movidius can assist in analyzing medical images for diagnostics, allowing for quicker and more accurate assessments.
• Remote Patient Monitoring: Devices can process data from patients locally, ensuring timely alerts and reducing the need for constant cloud connectivity.

Pricing

Pricing for Intel Movidius products can vary based on the specific model and configuration. Generally, the following ranges are observed:

• Movidius Neural Compute Stick: Typically priced around $80 to $100, making it an affordable option for developers and small businesses.
• Integrated SoCs: Pricing for integrated solutions varies widely based on the performance specifications and volume purchases, often requiring direct consultation with Intel or authorized distributors for bulk pricing.

Overall, the cost-effectiveness of Movidius products, combined with their performance capabilities, makes them an attractive option for businesses looking to implement AI solutions.

Comparison with Other Tools

When comparing Intel Movidius with other AI processing tools, several key factors come into play:

1. Power Efficiency

• Movidius vs. NVIDIA Jetson: While NVIDIA Jetson products offer powerful GPU capabilities for AI, they tend to consume more power compared to Movidius, making Movidius a better choice for battery-operated devices.

2. Ease of Use

• Movidius vs. Google Coral: Both platforms provide ease of integration and development support, but the OpenVINO toolkit with Movidius offers a more comprehensive set of optimization tools for existing models.

3. Performance

• Movidius vs. Raspberry Pi: While Raspberry Pi is a versatile platform for various applications, it lacks the dedicated AI acceleration found in Movidius, making Movidius a better option for high-performance AI tasks.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

• Movidius vs. FPGA Solutions: FPGAs can offer high performance but often come with a steeper learning curve and higher costs. Movidius provides a more accessible entry point for developers looking to implement AI without extensive hardware knowledge.

FAQ

What types of applications can Intel Movidius be used for?

Intel Movidius is suitable for a wide range of applications, including smart cameras, robotics, drones, IoT devices, and healthcare technologies, particularly where real-time processing and low power consumption are crucial.

How does Movidius improve energy efficiency?

Movidius is designed with low-power architecture that allows it to perform complex computations while consuming significantly less energy than traditional processors, making it ideal for battery-operated devices.

Can I use existing AI models with Intel Movidius?

Yes, with the OpenVINO toolkit, you can optimize and deploy existing AI models on Movidius hardware, enhancing their performance for edge computing applications.

Is Intel Movidius suitable for large-scale deployments?

Yes, Movidius products are scalable and can be deployed in large numbers across various devices, making them suitable for large-scale deployments in industries such as smart cities and industrial automation.

Where can I find support for Intel Movidius?

Intel provides extensive documentation, community forums, and support resources for developers using Movidius products. This ensures that users have access to the information they need to successfully implement their projects.

In conclusion, Intel Movidius stands out as a powerful, efficient, and versatile tool for developers and businesses looking to harness the power of AI at the edge. With its array of features, diverse use cases, and strong support ecosystem, Movidius continues to be a leading choice for edge AI solutions.