Nokia has launched Cognitive Operations (CO), a platform combining mission-critical communications, edge computing and operational AI for field-based applications, including mining and construction.
The platform combines AI-assisted operations, 3D digital twins, video analytics, predictive maintenance and hybrid wireless connectivity. It can be deployed on-site using local IT infrastructure or hosted through Microsoft Azure Marketplace.
A key component is Nokia’s Cognitive Edge Node (CEN), a rugged network and edge-computing platform designed for deployment in vehicles and remote locations. It combines connectivity, multi-access networking and GPU-accelerated computing to process data closer to where it is generated.
According to Ildefonso de la Cruz Morales, Senior Principal Analyst at Omdia, “The convergence of AI, edge computing, and mission-critical communications is becoming a key requirement for organizations seeking to improve operational performance and worker safety.”
For mining applications, Cognitive Operations combines the platform’s AI and edge-computing capabilities with communications infrastructure delivered through the Cognitive Edge Node. Nokia says the mining application is available for both on-premises deployment and cloud deployment through Microsoft Azure Marketplace.
The system is intended to support applications including equipment and asset monitoring, video analytics and predictive maintenance. Processing data at the edge can allow information from equipment, cameras and other field devices to be analysed locally rather than relying entirely on a remote data centre or cloud connection.
Nokia has also integrated Rajant’s InstaMesh technology into the Cognitive Edge Node. The technology provides wireless networking between connected devices and can be used alongside other communications technologies.
For maintenance and reliability teams, the platform’s predictive-maintenance and edge-analytics capabilities are relevant where equipment data needs to be processed close to the operating environment. This could include remote mining operations where connectivity, data latency and access to equipment information can affect condition-monitoring and maintenance decisions.
The Cognitive Operations platform is initially being made available for mining, public safety and defence applications, with Nokia positioning the Cognitive Edge Node as the hardware platform for deploying edge computing and connectivity in field environments.
