Closer to the edge
Why do all these chickens keep crossing the road? That’s not that important. But knowing whether the chicken is alone, its entry and exit points, crossing patterns and timing is a great starting point for data analysis and value creation. It’s also what the Bolder Edge Camera solution is all about.
Bolder is consistent in our mission to create better, fairer and more privacy-driven data collection. Those values are not only transferrable to software solutions but can be adapted and integrated into tangible hardware solutions as well.
QED: The Bolder Edge camera.
A pocket-sized powerhouse
– The Bolder Edge cameras are fully GDPR compliant devices that enables users to count, map and analyze visitor- and crowd movements in their surrounding areas. The collected data is completely anonymized before being processed within the camera unit itself, and an ever-evolving machine learning algorithm enables the camera to improve data results over time, explains project Lead Truls Engstrøm.
The unit is not a traditional camera, per se. It’s a tool to map timelines, movement, and traffic, not record video feeds and stills. It provides valuable data that can be used to improve site-centric user experiences, optimize facilities, opening hours, staffing and more. The edge computing aspect effectively eliminates potential data leaks, safeguarding privacy as well as business operations.
– The value of accurate counting and mapping is immense. What we have done with this product is to combine our core privacy and data security values with a compact, portable, future-proof and fully customizable product that can be tailored towards any client needs, says Truls.
Results ticking in
The first prototype was installed at the beaches of Jaeren in collaboration with University of Stavanger in 2019. Today both Magma Geopark and Ryfylke museums has started to use edge computing to improve user experiences at key points of their businesses, and requests for pilot projects and tryouts are currently coming from several other public and private service providers.
– Data quality assurance aside, this is also a less expensive solution than what has been offered to the market until now. Despite the software being customized for every client, says Truls.
The business model is based on a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution, with software subscription and installation being the only cost drivers; there is little to no cost for the actual equipment itself.
– We’ve only just begun exploring the potential of this product and its related services. The application possibilities are almost unlimited, and the next step ahead is to expand the pilot program to encompass all of Norway, initially focusing on museums, cultural institutions, and outdoor venues, explains Truls.
For more information on Bolder’s Edge Camera solutions and how it can improve privacy-based data collection and value creation, please contact Truls Engstrøm at truls@bolder.no or give us a call at +47 907 71 446
What is edge computing?
Collected data is usually sent to a centralized server. We call it cloud computing, and it’s used by the likes of Google, MS Azure and AWS. Although the infrastructure for cloud computing has grown robust and reliable, the paradox is that it’s practically and environmentally unsustainable in the long run, as the processing power and power consumption needed grows exponentially.
Edge computing is the principle of data processing closer to the data source, or at the “edge” of a network. The result is less latency, more efficient IoT devices, less bandwidth and power usage and not least: Vastly improved privacy protection, as processed data does not go through a myriad of nodes and potential leak points before its final stop.
It also provides the edge user total control of outgoing data, which is right at the core of Bolder’s beliefs.
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