ICAA Founding Chairman Li Ying-Zhen 2023 July Feature Interview

Embedding AI into Industrial Computing: Empowering Professional Applications Across Industries and Seizing New-Era Business Opportunities

Compared to the costly deployment of large language models (LLMs), the industry is increasingly shifting toward small language models (SLMs) that can operate locally. The integration of AI and embedded systems is now considered a critical pathway to expand AI applications across various sectors, creating immense potential for the industrial computing (IPC) market. The Industrial Computer and AIoT Association (ICAA) is actively uniting industry players to capture these AI-driven business opportunities.

By Yu-Feng Chen, Special Correspondent | Photos by Chien-Hung Lai

ICAA Chairperson and AAEON Vice Chairperson Li Ying-Zhen: AIIA Provides a Powerful Platform for Cross-Sector Collaboration

COMPUTEX 2024 in Taipei was significantly more vibrant than in recent years, evoking the global enthusiasm of decades past and drawing over 85,000 visitors—far exceeding previous records. AI was the undeniable centerpiece, with global giants like NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, Qualcomm, and Supermicro gathering in Taipei. “This shows that after the PC era, Taiwan is once again becoming a major driving force—this time in the age of AI,” stated Li Ying-Zhen, Chairperson of ICAA and Vice Chairperson of AAEON Technology.

Positioning AI as Intelligent Assistance (IA): Making Real-World Applications a Reality

At COMPUTEX, the rapid advancements in AI hardware and software were remarkable. However, Li pointed out that industries cannot rely solely on LLMs, as the computational demands and costs are too high—only tech giants like Google and Meta can afford the hundreds of millions needed for such development. The industry is thus embracing SLMs and purpose-built embedded AI solutions, which are more efficient, cost-effective, and suitable for local deployment.

Li emphasizes the need to position AI as Intelligent Assistance (IA)—a supportive tool that enhances operations rather than replaces them. “The fusion of AI and embedded systems is already driving innovation in transportation, retail, healthcare, and beyond,” she added. Li also made a key distinction: while industrial PCs (IPCs) focus on factory automation, industry computers extend far beyond manufacturing, addressing broader needs in various sectors through embedded technologies.

Driving Collaborative Synergies to Enhance Global Competitiveness

The ICAA was established to promote collaboration within Taiwan’s industry computer ecosystem. By creating synergy among members, the goal is to expand from traditional industrial PCs to a wider range of vertical applications. “Each company has its unique expertise and market focus, with little overlap,” Li explained. “This creates a non-competitive environment where collaboration is not only possible but mutually beneficial.”

To further meet diverse demands, ICAA welcomes key parts suppliers—including WPG Holdings, Synnex, and PCB manufacturers—along with leading storage solution providers such as Phison, Transcend, G.Skill, Innodisk, and ADATA. Recognizing the growing importance of software in fields like smart manufacturing and healthcare, ICAA also emphasizes partnerships with software developers.

ICAA is also working toward alignment with international standards to ensure Taiwan’s continued competitiveness in the global IPC market.

Promoting AI Innovation Through Events and Industry Alliances

As AI evolves rapidly, ICAA has hosted numerous events focused on AI adoption. One recent seminar, “AI Moving Forward,” featured speakers from Microsoft, ARM, MediaTek, and NVIDIA, who shared insights on AI use cases, the future of IA, and global trends.

On the topic of AI security, Li explained that most IPC systems use closed embedded architectures, limiting software installation and reducing exposure to external threats. Hardware-level protection, such as Trusted Platform Module (TPM) technology, further enhances security. All software undergoes strict vetting, ensuring a high level of cybersecurity in IPC deployments.

Uniting Taiwan’s Strengths to Advance Industry Innovation

To accelerate AI implementation, ICAA has joined forces with TEEMA, AITA, IBMI, CIAT, CISA, PIDA, TIACS, and others to form the AI Innovation Application

Alliance (AIIA).

Li praised AIIA as “an exceptional platform for integrating Taiwan’s associations and domain experts,” enabling cross-sector collaboration and innovation that enhances Taiwan’s position in the global market. She also emphasized that AIIA’s mission aligns with ICAA’s longstanding principles of “co-creation, co-prosperity, and collective advancement.”

“By uniting Taiwan’s wisdom and collective strength, we can drive the future of industry and innovation,” concluded Li Ying-Zhen.

2024-07-01