1. The Power of Modular Computing for AI and Edge Applications
Embedded computing is evolving rapidly to meet the increasing demands of AI, machine vision, and industrial automation. Traditional fixed-board designs can limit scalability, upgradeability, and flexibility, leading engineers to seek modular computing solutions that can adapt to diverse use cases.
Advantech’s AI on Module (AoM) solutions provide a scalable, power-efficient, and rugged approach to integrating AI acceleration into industrial and embedded systems. By leveraging COM Express, SMARC, OSM, and SBC architectures, Advantech enables engineers to balance performance, power efficiency, and form factor flexibility.
Why Modular AI Computing?
Faster Development → Swap out computing modules without redesigning the entire system.
Scalability → Choose from low-power to high-performance AI models depending on application needs.
Extended Product Lifecycle → Industrial-grade support ensures long-term availability.
Optimised Power Efficiency → AI inference at the edge without excessive energy consumption.
By providing a broad range of modular computing options, Advantech ensures seamless AI deployment across industries like robotics, industrial automation, smart cities, and medical imaging. The following sections will explore how Advantech’s AI on Module (AoM) solutions address these challenges with powerful, customisable embedded AI hardware.
2. Advantech’s Modular Portfolio: Wide Range of Form Factors
Advantech offers one of the most comprehensive modular computing portfolios, covering a variety of industry-standard form factors and their own custom solderable System-on-Modules (SoMs). This breadth of solutions enables engineers to select the best-fit hardware for their application, balancing performance, power efficiency, and environmental ruggedness.
Popular Form Factors for Embedded AI & Edge Computing
Advantech supports four primary modular computing architectures, allowing seamless integration across industrial, AI, and IoT applications:
Form Factor | Description | Key Benefits |
COM Express | Computer-on-Module (CoM) standard for high-performance AI workloads. | High scalability, PCIe expansion, long-term availability. |
SMARC | Low-power, compact form factor designed for AI at the edge. | Power-efficient, ideal for vision AI, robotics, and IoT. |
OSM (Open Standard Module) | Solderable SoMs optimised for rugged applications. | Compact, highly integrated, no connector wear issues. |
Single Board Computers (SBCs) | Fully integrated solutions ready for deployment. | Out-of-the-box functionality, rapid prototyping. |
Customisation & Ruggedisation
Beyond standard modules, Advantech provides custom SoMs that are solderable, rugged, and designed for extreme environments. These modules are built to withstand:
✅ Shock & vibration → Ideal for automotive, industrial, and military applications.
✅ Extended temperature ranges → Operates reliably in harsh industrial conditions.
✅ Long product lifecycles → Reduces risk of obsolescence for mission-critical applications.
By combining standard modular form factors with customisable solutions, Advantech delivers unparalleled flexibility for engineers looking to deploy scalable, high-performance AI computing at the edge. The next section will focus on Advantech’s AI on Module (AoM) family and how it brings dedicated AI acceleration into modular computing.
3. AI on Module (AoM): Purpose-Built for AI & Machine Vision
Advantech’s AI on Module (AoM) family is designed to bring dedicated AI acceleration to embedded and industrial applications. Unlike standard CPU-centric computing modules, AoM integrates Neural Processing Units (NPUs), enabling efficient AI inference for tasks like machine vision, robotics, medical imaging, and industrial automation.
Why Choose AI on Module (AoM)?
Traditional modular computing solutions rely on CPU or GPU-based AI inference, which can be power-hungry and inefficient for edge applications. Advantech’s AoM family overcomes these challenges by offering:
✅ Dedicated AI acceleration → On-board Neural Processing Units (NPUs) optimised for deep learning workloads.
✅ Low-power AI inference → Efficient processing for vision AI, anomaly detection, and speech recognition.
✅ Compact, modular AI computing → Available in COM Express, SMARC, and OSM form factors.
✅ Long lifecycle support → Industrial-grade reliability for long-term deployment.
AI on Module Product Lineup
Advantech’s AoM portfolio includes multiple options tailored to different performance and environmental requirements:
Model | Processor & AI Engine | Key Applications |
AOM-5xxx | NXP i.MX 8M Plus with 2.3 TOPS NPU | Vision AI, edge analytics, smart kiosks. |
AOM-3xxx | Rockchip RK3568 with 1 TOPS NPU | Smart surveillance, industrial automation. |
AOM-Pico | MediaTek Genio 1200 with AI processing unit | Robotics, medical devices, IoT gateways. |
Each module is pre-validated with Advantech’s AI toolkits, making software integration seamless. Engineers can deploy AI models using TensorFlow Lite, ONNX, or custom frameworks, reducing development time.
With dedicated NPUs, scalable form factors, and industrial-grade reliability, Advantech’s AI on Module solutions provide a future-proof path for edge AI computing. The next section will explore ruggedisation and customisation options, enabling AI deployment in the most demanding environments.
4. Customisation and Ruggedisation for Demanding Environments
For industrial, automotive, and mission-critical AI applications, standard computing modules may not always meet the durability, longevity, or integration requirements. Advantech addresses this with customisable and ruggedised System-on-Modules (SoMs), ensuring reliability in harsh operating conditions while offering the flexibility to tailor hardware to specific application needs.
Solderable SoMs for Shock & Vibration Resistance
Traditional connector-based modules can be vulnerable to mechanical stress in high-vibration environments like automotive, aerospace, and industrial robotics. Advantech’s solderable SoMs eliminate these concerns by:
✅ Removing fragile connectors → Direct PCB mounting increases durability.
✅ Enhancing shock and vibration tolerance → Ideal for transportation, heavy machinery, and factory automation.
✅ Ensuring long-term reliability → No risk of connector wear or detachment over time.
Extended Temperature & Environmental Protection
For outdoor, industrial, and medical AI applications, Advantech offers modules designed to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations, humidity, and dust exposure:
Extended operating temperatures (-40°C to 85°C) → Essential for outdoor IoT and industrial automation.
Conformal coating & industrial-grade components → Protection against moisture, dust, and contaminants.
Fanless design with passive cooling → Suitable for sealed enclosures and energy-efficient designs.
Customisation for Tailored Performance
Beyond ruggedisation, every aspect of an Advantech AI on Module solution can be tailored to meet specific engineering requirements:
✅ Custom I/O configurations → Flexible support for Ethernet, USB, CAN, SPI, LVDS, and MIPI-CSI.
✅ Bespoke AI acceleration → Optimised NPU, CPU, and GPU configurations based on workload.
✅ Long lifecycle support → Industrial customers benefit from 10+ year availability.
Advantech’s customisation and ruggedisation capabilities allow engineers to deploy AI-powered solutions in demanding industrial, medical, and automotive environments without compromising on reliability. The next section will explore software and ecosystem support, ensuring seamless AI deployment at the edge.
5. AI and Industrial IoT: Software & Ecosystem Support
Advantech’s AI on Module (AoM) solutions are not just about hardware performance—they also come with a comprehensive software ecosystem that simplifies AI development, deployment, and system integration. With pre-configured AI toolkits, OS support, and remote management capabilities, engineers can accelerate their time-to-market while ensuring seamless AI processing at the edge.
Pre-Optimised AI Toolkits for Edge Computing
Advantech provides AI software frameworks that enable efficient deployment of machine learning and deep learning models on Neural Processing Units (NPUs):
✅ RKNN-Toolkit (Rockchip-based AoM) → Optimised for low-power vision AI applications.
✅ eIQ® Toolkit (NXP-based AoM) → Full support for TensorFlow Lite, ONNX, and OpenCV.
✅ SUSI API → Provides hardware abstraction for I/O control, watchdog timers, and security functions.
These toolkits allow engineers to train, optimise, and deploy AI models with minimal effort, making Advantech’s
AI on Module solutions ideal for edge AI workloads like:
Object detection & tracking
Speech & natural language processing
Predictive maintenance
Smart surveillance
Operating System & Driver Support
Advantech’s AoM modules support multiple operating systems, allowing engineers to integrate them into existing and new embedded designs:
Linux (Yocto, Ubuntu, Debian) → Ideal for industrial AI applications.
Android → Preferred for smart devices, kiosks, and human-machine interfaces (HMIs).
Windows IoT Enterprise → For applications requiring Microsoft ecosystem compatibility.
Remote Management & AI Model Deployment
For large-scale industrial deployments, Advantech’s DeviceOn AIoT Agent provides:
✅ OTA updates → Secure remote firmware and AI model updates.
✅ Edge device monitoring → Real-time performance tracking and diagnostics.
✅ Cloud connectivity → Seamless integration with AWS, Azure, and private cloud platforms.
With a robust AI software ecosystem, broad OS support, and remote management tools, Advantech ensures that AI on Module solutions can be deployed quickly, managed efficiently, and optimised for long-term performance. The next section will help engineers choose the right module for their AI application.
6. Choosing the Right Module for Your Application
With multiple AI on Module (AoM) solutions available, selecting the right form factor, processing power, and AI acceleration capabilities is critical for ensuring optimal performance in embedded AI applications. Advantech’s diverse portfolio allows engineers to match the right module to their workload, power constraints, and environmental requirements.
Comparing AI on Module vs. Standard CoMs
While traditional Computer-on-Modules (COMs) focus on general-purpose computing, AI on Module (AoM) solutions are purpose-built for AI acceleration. Here’s a comparison:
Feature | AI on Module (AoM) | Standard CoM |
AI Processing | Dedicated NPU for ML/DL tasks | Relies on CPU/GPU, less efficient |
Power Efficiency | Optimised for low-power AI inference | Higher power draw for AI workloads |
Scalability | Multiple NPU, CPU, and GPU options | Limited AI-specific configurations |
Edge Deployment | Designed for real-time AI at the edge | Better suited for general-purpose computing |
AI Framework Support | Pre-validated with TensorFlow Lite, ONNX, eIQ Toolkit | Requires manual AI software optimisation |
For applications requiring dedicated AI inference, Advantech AoM solutions deliver higher efficiency, better performance, and lower power consumption compared to traditional CoMs.
Selecting the Right AI on Module
When choosing an AI on Module solution, engineers should consider:
✅ Processing Needs → Does your application require real-time AI inference, image processing, or predictive analytics?
✅ Power Constraints → Is low-power AI acceleration necessary for battery-powered or energy-efficient designs?
✅ Environmental Factors → Does your project require ruggedisation, extended temperature support, or solderable modules?
Here’s a quick selection guide for key AI applications:
Application | Recommended Module | Key Features |
Machine Vision & Robotics | AOM-5xxx (i.MX 8M Plus) | 2.3 TOPS NPU, high-speed image processing |
Smart Surveillance & Automation | AOM-3xxx (RK3568) | 1 TOPS NPU, IoT-ready AI computing |
Medical Devices & Industrial IoT | AOM-Pico (Genio 1200) | Compact OSM form factor, power-efficient |
With a scalable AI on Module product range, long-term industrial support, and power-efficient NPU acceleration, Advantech provides engineers with a future-ready modular computing platform for AI at the edge.
7. Conclusion
As AI-driven applications continue to expand across industrial automation, robotics, medical imaging, and IoT, engineers need scalable, efficient, and rugged computing solutions that can handle AI inference at the edge. Advantech AI on Module (AoM) solutions provide the flexibility of modular computing while integrating dedicated NPUs for low-power AI acceleration.
By offering COM Express, SMARC, OSM, and SBC form factors, along with solderable, industrial-grade SoMs, Advantech ensures:
✅ Scalable AI performance → Optimised AI acceleration for real-time edge computing.
✅ Long-term reliability → Industrial lifecycle support for mission-critical deployments.
✅ Customisation & ruggedisation → Tailored solutions for harsh environments.
✅ Comprehensive software ecosystem → AI toolkits, OS support, and remote management.
Whether you’re developing vision AI, robotics, industrial IoT, or medical AI solutions, Advantech’s AI on Module family delivers the computing power, efficiency, and flexibility engineers need.
👉 Get in touch with our team today to explore Advantech’s modular AI computing solutions, request samples, or discuss integration support for your next AI-powered application.