Edge Impulse Review: The Ultimate Guide to Edge AI Development

Edge Impulse is a leading platform for edge AI development, enabling efficient machine learning on IoT devices. It offers end-to-end tools for data collection, model training, deployment, and monitoring. Accessible and versatile, it's ideal for developers of all skill levels.

Last modified on February 28, 2025 at 8:45 am
Edge Impulse Review: The Ultimate Guide to Edge AI Development

About Edge Impulse

Edge Impulse: Empowering Edge Machine Learning

Edge Impulse is a leading development platform for machine learning on edge devices. It caters to developers, engineers, and businesses looking to implement AI and machine learning capabilities in their IoT devices, wearables, and other embedded systems. By enabling efficient, low-latency machine learning directly on edge devices, Edge Impulse solves the challenges of data privacy, real-time processing, and reduced cloud dependence in IoT applications.

The platform’s primary purpose is to simplify the entire machine learning workflow for edge devices, from data collection and model training to deployment and management. It addresses the growing need for intelligent, responsive IoT solutions across various industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and consumer electronics.

Edge Impulse’s user-friendly approach democratizes edge AI development, making it accessible to both seasoned machine learning experts and developers new to the field. This inclusivity has positioned Edge Impulse as a game-changer in the rapidly evolving world of edge computing and IoT.

Comprehensive Features and Intuitive Usability

Edge Impulse offers a robust set of features designed to streamline the development of machine learning models for edge devices:

  1. Data Acquisition: The platform provides tools for efficient data collection, including mobile apps and integrations with various sensors and devices.
  2. Data Analysis: Users can visualize and analyze their datasets, ensuring data quality and identifying patterns.
  3. Signal Processing: Edge Impulse offers a range of signal processing blocks to extract meaningful features from raw sensor data.
  4. Model Training: The platform supports various machine learning algorithms, including neural networks and traditional ML models, with options for transfer learning and AutoML.
  5. Testing and Validation: Comprehensive tools for model evaluation and testing ensure optimal performance before deployment.
  6. Deployment: Edge Impulse generates optimized code for a wide range of target devices and microcontrollers, simplifying the deployment process.
  7. Monitoring and Management: The platform includes features for ongoing monitoring and management of deployed models.

The user interface is intuitive and well-organized, guiding users through each step of the machine learning workflow. This design philosophy makes Edge Impulse accessible to developers with varying levels of ML expertise, from beginners to advanced practitioners.

Choosing Edge Impulse: A Clear Advantage in Edge AI Development

Edge Impulse distinguishes itself from competitors through several key advantages:

  1. End-to-End Solution: Unlike many competitors that focus on specific aspects of edge AI, Edge Impulse provides a comprehensive platform covering the entire development lifecycle.
  2. Device Optimization: The platform excels in optimizing models for resource-constrained edge devices, ensuring efficient performance on a wide range of hardware.
  3. Community and Ecosystem: Edge Impulse boasts a strong, active community and partnerships with leading hardware manufacturers, providing users with extensive resources and support.
  4. Flexibility and Customization: The platform supports various ML techniques and allows for custom implementations, catering to diverse project requirements.
  5. Continuous Innovation: Regular updates and new feature releases keep Edge Impulse at the forefront of edge AI technology.
  6. Free Tier Availability: Edge Impulse offers a generous free tier, allowing developers to explore and experiment with the platform before committing to a paid plan.

These factors combine to make Edge Impulse a compelling choice for organizations and developers looking to implement edge AI solutions efficiently and effectively.

Target Audience: Who Benefits Most from Edge Impulse?

Edge Impulse caters to a diverse range of users across various industries and skill levels. Here’s a breakdown of the ideal user groups and their specific use cases:

User GroupDescriptionUse Cases
IoT DevelopersProfessionals working on Internet of Things projects– Smart home device automation
– Industrial sensor monitoring
– Wearable health trackers
Embedded Systems EngineersEngineers designing and implementing embedded systems– Predictive maintenance in manufacturing
– Autonomous robotic systems
– Smart agriculture solutions
Data ScientistsExperts in data analysis and machine learning– Developing custom ML models for edge devices
– Optimizing existing models for edge deployment
– Exploring novel applications of edge AI
Startups and SMEsSmall to medium-sized businesses innovating in IoT and AI– Developing proof-of-concept IoT products
– Rapid prototyping of AI-enabled devices
– Cost-effective ML implementation
Enterprise IoT TeamsLarge organizations implementing IoT strategies– Fleet management and logistics optimization
– Smart city infrastructure monitoring
– Large-scale industrial automation
Academic ResearchersStudents and faculty exploring edge AI applications– Environmental monitoring projects
– Human-computer interaction studies
– Novel sensor applications in various fields
Hobbyists and MakersEnthusiasts and DIY project creators– Custom home automation projects
– Artistic installations with AI components
– Personal health and fitness tracking devices

Edge Impulse’s versatility and user-friendly approach make it an excellent choice for a wide range of users, from beginners taking their first steps in edge AI to experienced professionals tackling complex, large-scale projects.

Features

Comprehensive Reporting Capabilities

Edge Impulse provides robust reporting tools that track key metrics crucial for businesses utilizing AI and machine learning models. These metrics include model performance, data usage, error rates, and deployment efficiency. Businesses can leverage these insights to optimize their models, identify bottlenecks, and ensure the effective functioning of their AI solutions. The platform’s ability to provide actionable reports empowers teams to make data-driven decisions, enhancing overall productivity and accuracy in AI projects.

Seamless Integrations With Other Tools

Edge Impulse integrates seamlessly with various cloud services and MLOps tools, including AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and other machine learning platforms. These integrations enhance functionality and streamline workflows by allowing users to deploy models directly onto preferred platforms, share data effortlessly, and utilize pre-existing infrastructure. This interconnectedness simplifies the AI development lifecycle and ensures compatibility with diverse environments, boosting efficiency for developers and engineers.

Accessibility on Mobile Platforms

While Edge Impulse does not currently offer dedicated mobile applications, the platform is fully accessible via web browsers on mobile devices. This ensures that users can stay connected and manage their projects on-the-go. Key features available through mobile access include data collection, model training, and deployment monitoring. This flexibility allows users to work from anywhere, providing convenience for field operations or remote tasks.

Single Sign On for Enhanced Security and Convenience

Edge Impulse supports Single Sign-On (SSO), ensuring a secure and streamlined login process. Compatible with major SSO providers like Okta, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Azure AD, this feature enhances user convenience by allowing access to the platform with a single set of credentials. It also improves security by enforcing centralized authentication policies and reducing the risk of credential theft.

Time Saving Automation Features

Edge Impulse includes automation features that significantly streamline AI workflows. Examples include automated data preprocessing, model optimization, and deployment setup. These features save time by reducing manual intervention, allowing developers to focus on high-value tasks. The platform also supports continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, ensuring that AI models are always up-to-date with minimal effort.

Strong Security Measures and Compliance

To ensure data protection and privacy, Edge Impulse employs robust security measures, including encryption and strict access controls. The platform is compliant with industry standards like GDPR, providing businesses with confidence that their data is handled responsibly. These measures safeguard sensitive information and mitigate risks associated with data breaches.

Versatile API Capabilities

Edge Impulse offers a comprehensive API that enables advanced customization and integration opportunities. Users can leverage the API to build custom workflows, integrate Edge Impulse functionalities into existing applications, and automate repetitive tasks. This flexibility makes the platform adaptable to various use cases, enhancing its utility for businesses with unique requirements.

Flexible Deployment Options

Edge Impulse supports both cloud-based and on-device deployment options. Cloud-based deployment allows for scalability and ease of access, ideal for teams working collaboratively across locations. On-device deployment, on the other hand, enables models to run locally on IoT devices, reducing latency and ensuring real-time processing. Each option has its pros and cons, with cloud deployment offering convenience and scalability, while on-device deployment provides speed and offline capabilities.

Advantages and Challenges of Edge Impulse

Advantages:

  • Comprehensive tools for end-to-end AI development.
  • Seamless integrations with cloud services and IoT platforms.
  • Strong focus on security and compliance.
  • Flexible deployment options catering to diverse needs.
  • Robust API for customization and workflow enhancements.

Challenges:

  • The platform may have a steep learning curve for beginners.
  • Cost may be a concern for smaller businesses or individuals.
  • Lack of a dedicated mobile app may limit accessibility for some users.

Edge Impulse stands out as a powerful platform for AI and machine learning development, offering a wide range of features designed to cater to both developers and businesses. Its strengths in integration, security, and automation outweigh its minor challenges, making it a valuable tool for modern AI workflows.

Location

Locations and Branches

Location TypeAddressCountry
Headquarters3031 Tisch Way, Suite 110 Plaza West, San Jose, California, 95128United States
BranchesNo additional branches listed. The company primarily operates from its headquarters in San Jose, California. 

History and Team

Year Founded

Edge Impulse was founded in 2019.

Number of Employees

The company currently has 70+ employees.

Team

Below is a table summarizing the founders’ names and their positions:

NamePosition
Zach ShelbyCo-founder and CEO
Jan JongboomCo-founder and CTO

Edge Impulse is based in San Jose, California, and is focused on enabling developers to create the next generation of intelligent devices using machine learning. The company aims to simplify the process of building, deploying, and scaling embedded ML applications.

Pricing

Edge Impulse Pricing Plans

PlanMonthly PricePrivate ProjectsPublic ProjectsImpulse ExperimentsCompute TimeLicense RestrictionsCollaboratorsAdditional Features
Community$02Unlimited3 experiments/project20 minutes/jobCommercial use allowedCollaboration on public projects– Basic feature set for students, universities, and individual developers.
ProfessionalStarting at $40010UnlimitedUnlimited60 minutes/job (1,000 minutes/month, $0.10/minute overage)Commercial use allowedCollaboration on public projects– Advanced features like NVIDIA TAO model integration, GPU training, image auto-labeling, and DSP autotuner.
– Email support with priority response times.
– Ideal for professional developers and small teams.
EnterpriseCustom PricingCustom (10+)UnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited compute time per jobCommercial use allowedEnterprise-wide collaboration– Designed for larger teams and organizations.
– Includes all features from Professional Plan plus additional enterprise-specific tools and support.
– Option for free trials available.

Additional Details:

  • Free Trial: Edge Impulse offers a free trial for the Enterprise plan, providing access to all features for 14 days.
  • Contact Sales: For the Professional and Enterprise plans, interested parties need to contact sales for more information and customized pricing options.

For more information and to sign up, visit the Edge Impulse Pricing Page or read the Professional Plan Announcement.

Funding and market

Detailed Information about Edge Impulse

Industry:

Edge Impulse operates in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) industry, specifically focusing on Machine Learning (ML) solutions for embedded systems. Their platform allows developers to create and deploy machine learning models on edge devices, enabling efficient data processing and real-time analytics.

Market:

The market for edge AI and machine learning is rapidly expanding, driven by the increasing demand for real-time data processing in various sectors like industrial automation, healthcare, and consumer electronics. According to Gartner, machine learning in the form of deep learning is expected to be included in over 65% of edge use cases by 2027, up from less than 10% in 2021. This significant growth highlights the potential market opportunity for Edge Impulse. As of their latest funding round, Edge Impulse has seen a substantial increase in its user base, with nearly 30,000 developers creating over 50,000 custom ML projects, indicating a strong market presence.

Funding:

Edge Impulse has raised a total of $52.8 million over three funding rounds. Below is a summary table of their funding rounds:

DateFunding AmountRound NameInvestors
Dec 09, 2021$34 millionSeries BCoatue, Canaan Partners, Acrew Capital, and others
May 18, 2021$9 millionSeries AInvestors included but not specified
Jul 21, 2020$4.8 millionSeedInvestors included but not specified

The Series B funding was significant as it tripled their market valuation and expanded their growth forecast for 2022 and beyond, reflecting the growing interest in edge ML solutions.

Stocks:

As of now, Edge Impulse is not publicly traded and does not have a ticker symbol. The company has focused on private funding rounds to support its growth strategy.

Latest news

Latest News and Updates about Edge Impulse

Ceva and Edge Impulse boost edge AI with streamlined vision model for NeuPro-Nano NPUs

Date: January 9, 2025
Wireless communications, sensing, and edge AI service provider Ceva and Edge Impulse have announced enhanced computer vision capabilities for embedded systems.

Edge Impulse and STMicroelectronics launch microcontroller for next-gen edge AI

Date: December 12, 2024
Edge Impulse and STMicroelectronics have collaborated to support the STM32N6 microcontroller, which enhances edge AI solutions by offering a Neural-ART architecture.

Ambiq and Edge Impulse partner for low-energy AI on edge devices

Date: November 20, 2024
Edge Impulse is collaborating with Ambiq to scale AI model deployment on Apollo4 Plus, a low-power semiconductor platform.

Edge Impulse unveils generative AI tools for synthetic data creation

Date: July 8, 2024
Edge Impulse introduced generative AI features aimed at creating and managing synthetic data directly on edge devices.

Edge Impulse Imagine 2023 Event Highlights

Date: October 17, 2023
Edge Impulse hosted its 3rd annual Imagine event at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California. Key highlights included:
Partnership with NVIDIA for advanced TAO algorithms, enabling deployment across MCUs, NPUs, and GPUs through Edge Impulse software.
– Collaboration with IAR Systems to integrate IAR Workbench for better ML efficiency.
– Focus on AI for Health and AI for Industry, introducing innovations such as distributed clinical trial capabilities, SOC2 Type 2 compliance, and a new heart rate variability algorithm.

Edge Impulse’s New HRV Algorithm

Date: October 13, 2023
Edge Impulse launched a heart rate variability (HRV) algorithm to improve health monitoring capabilities on edge devices.

IAR and Edge Impulse Partnership Announcement

Date: October 2, 2023
IAR Systems and Edge Impulse teamed up to enhance the integration of AI and ML workflows.

Additional Developments

  • NVIDIA Omniverse Integration: Edge Impulse introduced tools for synthetic dataset creation using NVIDIA Omniverse.
  • Flood Monitoring System: Edge Impulse collaborated on advanced flood monitoring solutions.
  • Speed Limit Sign Detection: Edge Impulse released a computer vision-based project for detecting speed limit signs using OpenMV.

For more insights, visit the Edge Impulse Official Blog.

Search Volume Analysis for Edge Impulse

KeywordSearch VolumeCompetitionCPC (Cost-Per-Click)Low Top of Page BidHigh Top of Page Bid
edge368,000LOW$2.63$0.74$4.99
impulse33,100LOW$2.42$0.11$7.86
keyword spotting70LOW$6.52$30.79
audio classification110LOW
hello world90,500LOW$2.15$0.98$4.00
  • Imagine 2023 Event: Edge Impulse hosted its 3rd annual Imagine event in September 2023, highlighting innovations in edge AI. Notable announcements included:
    • Integration with NVIDIA’s advanced TAO algorithms for versatile processor deployment.
    • Partnership with IAR for native Workbench support.
    • Introduction of clinical trial capabilities, SOC2 Type 2 compliance, and HIPAA compliance for AI in health.
    • Launch of a best-in-class heart rate algorithm.
  • Industrial Applications:
    • Pallet cell automation with Ready Robotics.
    • Elevator solutions with TKE.
    • Gateway applications with Lexmark.
    • IoT applications with Particle.
  • Partnerships and Ecosystem Expansion:
    • Collaboration with Nordic Semiconductor for edge AI capabilities.
    • Partnership with Capgemini for advanced solutions like smart animal trackers and safety systems powered by computer vision.
  • Awards and Recognition: Edge Impulse won the AI TechAward at AI DevWorld 2023, further boosting its reputation in the AI and machine learning industry.

These factors collectively explain the observed trends in search volumes for Edge Impulse.

Review

Customers

  1. Hyfe AI
    • Application: Hyfe AI uses Edge Impulse to analyze cough audio data, translating coughs into valuable health insights. By leveraging a massive dataset of cough recordings, they aim to enhance health monitoring and provide actionable insights related to respiratory health. This innovative approach enables individuals to better understand their health conditions and seek timely medical care.
  2. GlobalSense
    • Application: This San Diego-based startup has developed a new standard in automotive diagnostics using Edge Impulse. Their technology allows for real-time event detection and diagnostics in vehicles, improving the efficiency and reliability of automotive systems. This application not only enhances vehicle safety but also optimizes maintenance processes.
  3. Lexmark
    • Application: Lexmark incorporated machine learning into their Optra Edge industrial gateways using Edge Impulse. This integration allows for more advanced data processing and analytics at the edge, enabling smarter document management and printing solutions. By leveraging AI, Lexmark enhances the functionality and efficiency of their products.
  4. NVIDIA
    • Application: NVIDIA collaborates with Edge Impulse to optimize machine learning models for deployment on edge devices. This partnership focuses on enhancing performance and enabling real-time inference for various applications, including smart city initiatives and industrial automation.
  5. Sony
    • Application: Sony utilized Edge Impulse for predictive maintenance applications, particularly with their Spresense microcontroller. By detecting vibrations and air quality anomalies in industrial environments, they are able to prevent equipment failures and ensure operational continuity.
  6. Various Research Institutions
    • Application: Edge Impulse has partnered with academic institutions, including Harvard SEAS, to develop educational materials and research initiatives focusing on edge machine learning solutions. This collaboration aims to address challenges faced by the edge and embedded machine learning communities.
  7. Agricultural Robotics
    • Application: Companies in the agricultural sector are using Edge Impulse to develop ML-powered robotics that can monitor crop conditions and optimize irrigation levels. This application enhances agricultural productivity and sustainability by leveraging real-time data analysis.
  8. Healthcare Innovations
    • Application: Edge Impulse is also being used to develop portable medical devices that can detect diabetic retinopathy stages without requiring extensive computational power. This application is crucial for early diagnosis and management of diabetes-related complications.

Alternatives

Software PlatformKey FeaturesPricing ModelTarget Audience
Edge Impulse– End-to-end machine learning for edge devices
– Built-in data acquisition tools
– Supports various ML frameworks
Subscription-based, custom pricingDevelopers, IoT engineers, data scientists
Microsoft Power BI– Interactive dashboards
– Data connectivity
– Real-time analytics
$10 per user/monthBusiness analysts, data professionals
Google Data Studio– Free data visualization tool
– Connects to various Google services
– Customizable reports
FreeMarketers, business analysts
Tableau– Advanced data visualization
– Drag-and-drop interface
– Real-time data analytics
Starts at $70 per user/monthBusiness intelligence professionals
Looker– Business intelligence and data analytics
– SQL-based interface
– Real-time dashboards
Contact vendor for pricingData analysts, financial analysts
Canva– Graphic design tool
– Extensive template library
– User-friendly interface
$15 per monthMarketers, content creators
MATLAB– Advanced mathematical modeling
– Data analysis
– Extensive toolbox support
$90/month or $2,150/yearEngineers, researchers
AWS Edge Services– Comprehensive edge computing solutions
– Integration with AWS cloud services
Pay-as-you-go pricingEnterprises, developers
NVIDIA EGX Platform– AI at the edge
– Real-time data processing
– GPU-accelerated computing
Contact vendor for pricingAI developers, IoT solutions
Databricks Data Intelligence– Unified analytics platform
– Collaborative workspace
– Scalable data processing
Contact vendor for pricingData scientists, data engineers

This table summarizes the key aspects of various alternatives to Edge Impulse, including their features, pricing models, and target audiences. The information was collated from trustworthy sources such as SoftwareWorld and G2.

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Both FlowHunt and Edge Impulse emphasize modular AI solutions for simplified workflows and enhanced automation. While Edge Impulse specializes in deploying AI models on edge devices, FlowHunt offers a robust no-code visual builder for creating AI-driven chatbots and workflows. Users seeking automation, integration capabilities, and ease of deployment can leverage FlowHunt’s drag-and-drop flow editor and customizable AI agents to achieve comparable outcomes in streamlining operations and enhancing customer engagement.

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