20 crossroads magazine AI models running directly on local devices, such as drones or industrial robots, not requiring a constant in- ternet connection or cloud access, offer many advantag- es. To start, sensitive data remains on the device, reduc- ing exposure to breaches or misuse; it is also easier to comply with data protection laws. Additionally, results are delivered instantly, with no latency from cloud com- munication, and AI features remain functional even without internet access. Operating offline also helps reduce data transmission costs and the higher energy consumption typically associated with cloud computing. “This is a major trend that we will see expanding over the next 5-10 years – but our technology is already here,” says Ben Kim (in the picture (R) with Daniel Park, CTO), Head of Business Development at Data De- sign Engineering (DDE). Founded in Seoul in 2014, the company introduces on-edge device offline AI tech- nology, embedding AI models within robots and un- manned equipment for autonomous operations, even when offline and in GPS/GNSS-denied environments. While many other AI devices that function without cloud access still require a connection to a local server via Wi-Fi or 5G, DDE’s technology is fully autonomous. Utilising compressed large multi-model AI systems, it supports real-time decision making, planning and hu- man interaction without cloud or network reliance. DDE’s intelligence on-edge device offline AI technol- ogy recently won the first Luxembourg AI Excellence Award in the category “AI Innovation Excellence”. Achieving full AI autonomy DDE arrived in Luxembourg in 2022 with the vision of expanding into the European market and beyond. A meeting with the CEO of a Luxembourg-based ul- tra-lightweight technology specialist company, Gradel, opened DDE’s eyes to the opportunities Luxembourg offers to innovative businesses. “Gradel became our first client and a close partner, and we discovered a place where the government actively promotes opportunities, supports cooperation among Originally from South Korea, Data Design Engineering is pushing the boundaries of the highly innovative offline, on-device technology from its HQ in Luxembourg. BY LENA MÅRTENSSON © Luxinnovation/Capsule