When AI Meets the Edge

Is your AI strategy optimized for scale, cost, and real‑time decision making—or just for model size?

In this episode of the AI at Scale podcast, I sit down with Ghaia Belaakaria, Senior Data Scientist – Embedded AI at Schneider Electric, to explore a critical shift in how enterprises approach artificial intelligence. The conversation focuses on embedded and edge AI—where intelligence runs directly on devices, not in the cloud—bringing computation closer to the physical world and business operations.

Ghaia explains why this approach is not just a technical alternative, but a strategic advantage. Running AI locally enables real‑time decisions in milliseconds, improves system resilience when connectivity is unreliable, and significantly reduces energy consumption and data transmission costs. From smart thermostats that can reduce energy usage by up to 35% to industrial systems where milliseconds can prevent equipment failure, she shows how smaller, purpose‑built models deliver tangible business impact. The discussion also highlights a key mindset shift: in enterprise AI, success is not about bigger models—it’s about deploying the right intelligence, in the right place, for the right outcome.

What you will learn

• Why smaller, purpose‑built AI models can outperform larger ones in real‑world operations
• How edge AI enables real‑time, reliable decisions without relying on the cloud
• Where embedded AI already delivers measurable impact—from energy optimization to industrial safety
• The trade‑offs leaders must understand when downsizing AI models without losing performance
• Which future applications—tinyML, robotics, physical AI— will have the biggest impact
  
  It is a great episode to rethink AI beyond the cloud and discover a pragmatic perspective on when less can truly be more.

Listen to the AI at Scale podcast

Listen to Ghaia Belaakaria: Downsizing AI: small models with big impact episode. Subscribe to the show on the preferred streaming platform (Apple Podcasts, Spotify). 

Like what you hear?

• Visit our AI at Scale website to discover how do we transform energy management and industrial automation with artificial intelligence technologies to create more sustainable solutions.  
• Listen to the other episodes of the AI at Scale podcast or watch them on YouTube 

AI at Scale Schneider Electric podcast series continues!

The first Schneider Electric podcast dedicated only to artificial intelligence is available on all streaming platforms. The AI at Scale podcast invites AI practitioners and AI experts to share their experiences, insights, and AI success stories. Through casual conversations, the show provides answers to questions such as: How do I implement AI successfully and sustainably? How do I make a real impact with AI? The AI at Scale podcast features real AI solutions and innovations and offers a sneak peek into the future.