Synaptics, Google Join Hands to Advance Edge AI for IoT Devices

The US-based semiconductor firm Synaptics announced a collaboration with Google to enhance Edge AI capabilities for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The partnership aims to integrate Google’s machine learning (ML) core with Synaptics’ Astra hardware, accelerating the development of smart, context-aware devices.

The collaboration focuses on multimodal processing, enabling devices to seamlessly process inputs like vision, sound, and voice for applications in wearables, appliances, entertainment systems, and more. These innovations will benefit a wide range of industries, including consumer electronics, automotive, and enterprise systems.

“We are on the brink of a transformative era in Edge AI devices, where innovation in hardware and software is unlocking context-aware computing experiences that redefine user engagement,” said Vikram Gupta, senior vice president and general manager of IoT processors at Synaptics. “Our partnership with Google reflects a shared vision to leverage open frameworks as a catalyst for disruption in the Edge IoT space.”

Synaptics CEO Michael Hurlston said  Semiconductor firms such as Qualcomm, AMD, and Intel, which operate in India, usually handle part of the solution in India, another part in the US, and yet another in Europe. 

Synaptics’ Astra platform combines low-power silicon with open-source software, aiming to make AI solutions easier and faster to develop. Google’s ML core, designed for efficiency and compatibility with various systems, will complement Synaptics’ strengths in AI hardware.

“Synaptics’ embrace of open software and tools and proven AI hardware makes the Astra portfolio a natural fit for our ML core,” said Billy Rutledge, Director of Systems Research at Google Research. “We look forward to working together to bring our capabilities to the broad market.”