OBJECTIVES
PROJECT SENECA™4.0 aims to develop a “secure by design” architecture for the entire AIoT chain, based on MYWAI™’s patented neuromorphic edge computing technology. The main objective is to ensure the safety and reliability of critical processes, such as the classification of welding defects, validated at the industrial partner WALTER TOSTO™ and supported by industry experts such as the Italian Institute of Welding, TICASS, and the DIME Department of the University of Genoa.
The SENECA™ security architecture is structured on three levels (as shown in the figure):
- Very Edge Security Layer (SENECA™ VESL): Ensures the security of sensors and peripheral devices through vulnerability assessment and the creation of secure communication channels between VERY EDGE and EDGE devices, taking into account the technological diversity and security limitations of existing industrial sensors.
- Edge Neurocomputing Security Level (SENECA™ ENSL): Implements a secure trust chain for neurocomputing algorithms, which can be integrated into standard industrial computers for effective testing on dedicated hardware, optionally using neuromorphic chips.
- Cloud Server Security Level (SENECA™ CSSL): Provides MLOps services for the certification of XAI (Explainable AI) algorithms, with a distributed workflow across cloud and hybrid architectures based on DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) and distributed file systems to ensure transparency and reliability.
All components will be integrated and tested directly on production plants using welding defect recognition algorithms within the industrial demonstrator for weld defect classification, installed at the Italian Institute of Welding in accordance with specifications provided by WALTER TOSTO™.
EXPECTED RESULTS
By 2025, 75% of enterprise data will be generated at the edge, with artificial intelligence covering over 65% of use cases by 2027—creating a major opportunity for AI/ML providers. The EDGE AI market, valued at $14,787.5 million in 2022, is projected to grow at an annual rate of 21% from 2023 to 2030, driven primarily by the hardware segment (53.6% in 2022), especially IoT devices equipped with AI processors for diagnostics, surveillance, and quality control.
Security in deploying AI solutions on the edge has therefore become a critical necessity.
Technologies such as blockchain (DLT) integrated with cybersecurity and edge computing, as seen in SENECA™4.0, represent a solution for AI that is more secure, transparent, and explainable.
The project strengthens the leadership of Ligurian SMEs MYWAI™ and KNOWHEDGE™, which have developed advanced EDGE AI technologies, integrating them with a “secure by design” infrastructure for delivering AI algorithms at the edge. This infrastructure is supported by START 4.0 and UNIGE, and validated by the Italian Institute of Welding according to specifications provided by WALTER TOSTO™ SPA, a global leader in Industry 4.0.
SENECA™ 4.0
Secured Neuromorphic EdgeAI Computing Architecture for Industry 4.0
UE NEXT GEN MIMI START 4.0
Coordinated by:
