PUBLISHER: Prescient & Strategic Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1803363
PUBLISHER: Prescient & Strategic Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1803363
The global edge AI hardware market was valued at USD 23.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 87.9 billion by 2032, advancing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.9% during 2025-2032. This rapid growth is driven by the increasing adoption of edge computing devices, coupled with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), real-time low-latency processing, and enhanced data functionality. The integration of AI into edge computing is enabling faster, more accurate data processing, enhancing the functionality of devices used across various industries. Moreover, the surging demand for AI-powered devices in sectors such as government, BFSI, retail, consumer electronics, automotive, and healthcare is fueling market growth.
The rising concern over privacy and security, along with ongoing research and development (R&D) investments, is further bolstering the adoption of edge AI hardware. As the world moves towards Industry 4.0, edge AI devices are becoming integral to business models that require real-time decision-making without data transfer delays, particularly in autonomous systems like self-driving cars, medical devices, and robotics.
Key Insights
Shift to on-device AI processing is a major trend in the market. The traditional cloud-based AI systems are limited by latency issues, especially in time-sensitive applications like autonomous vehicles and industrial IoT. The shift toward on-device AI processing, where data is analyzed locally, reduces transmission delays and enhances real-time decision-making, improving operational efficiency. This trend is contributing to the growth of edge AI hardware, with companies like MediaTek and Qualcomm leading the way in developing on-device AI chips.
Development of smart cities is a key market driver. With cities increasingly adopting advanced technologies, edge AI hardware plays a crucial role in smart homes, surveillance, traffic management, and healthcare. Edge devices are integral to enabling real-time responses, such as in automated services, intelligent manufacturing, and safety solutions in smart cities. The demand for smart devices in residential areas and urban environments is driving the need for more efficient, localized AI processing solutions.
Data security and privacy concerns are significant challenges. While edge AI devices are advantageous for reducing latency, they are also deployed in remote or public spaces, which increases the risk of unauthorized access or tampering. Unlike centralized cloud systems with established security protocols, edge devices face difficulties in maintaining standard security measures, hindering their adoption in certain applications. Cyberattacks on edge devices are a growing concern, requiring more robust security measures.
Smartphones continue to dominate the edge AI hardware market, accounting for the largest share in 2024. With the widespread integration of AI technologies like neural processing units (NPUs) and graphic processing units (GPUs), smartphones are increasingly capable of performing real-time data processing, such as advanced photography, translation, and personalized location services. Major companies, including Apple, Qualcomm, and Samsung, are heavily investing in AI-enhanced smartphones, driving this category's growth.
Robots are expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 18.2% during the forecast period. Robotics adoption is rapidly increasing across industries such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and consumer services. With the increasing use of AI in robots for tasks such as industrial automation and healthcare assistance, the demand for edge AI hardware solutions that enable real-time data processing is on the rise.
Inference-based edge AI devices hold the largest market share (70%) due to their use in real-time applications, such as automotive systems, smart cameras, and wearables. These devices rely on AI algorithms to make rapid decisions, process data locally, and reduce reliance on cloud infrastructure. The increasing use of edge AI devices for quicker decision-making is driving their adoption across various sectors.
Automotive and transportation is the fastest-growing vertical, with a CAGR of 18.5%. The growing demand for autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, and advanced transportation management systems is contributing to this growth. Edge AI plays a critical role in autonomous vehicles by enabling real-time processing of sensor data, including radar and LiDAR, for navigation and safety features.
The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is the largest market and is expected to maintain the highest growth rate (18.1%) during the forecast period. The rapid expansion of 5G networks, increasing adoption of IoT, and the growing smartphone penetration in countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea are driving the demand for edge AI hardware. Additionally, the region's focus on enhancing its automotive, electronics, and semiconductor industries, particularly in China and South Korea, further boosts the market.