embedUR and Synaptics partner to deliver AI-powered Edge solutions for India’s smart device market

embedUR systems, the US-based embedded technology company with most of its employees working in Chennai, has tied up with the $1 billion US-based Synaptics Inc, a fabless semiconductor company listed on the Nasdaq, to deliver affordable, Artificial Intelligence powered Edge solutions for India’s smart device market.

The partnership announced that it will focus on developing solutions across different segments, including smart home devices, manufacturing processes, medical monitoring and automobile driver assistance.

• Read more: Indian student population in the US rising driven by computer science discipline 

Giving an example, Rajesh Subramaniam, founder and CEO of embedUR said the chips from Synaptics can be embedded in small devices that can be used in door locks and baby monitoring. These can be motion sensors that have the capability to wake a device.

embedUR’s ModelNova AI platform offers pre-trained models and blueprints for various applications. This can enable developers to deploy edge computing-based AI solutions, he said.

Chips from large companies cost nearly $10,000 and are expensive to be used in small applications. However, chips from Synaptics would cost $5-$10 and can be used by small companies in different applications, said Michael Hurlston, President & CEO, Synaptics.

Giving an example, Hurlston said, in the US, one of the greatest difficulties is children being left inside a car when the vehicle is turned off. The auto industry is now installing devices with sensors to power the battery and keep the vehicle running on very minimal power. In India, there could be many such applications where the solutions developed by both the companies can be used, he said.

• Read more: 79% of Indian companies plan to increase AI spending in 2025: Freshworks’ AI Workplace Report

Some of the applications being developed through the collaboration include image segmentation of objects and people enabling advanced vision applications and personalised services; low latency facial identification to provide secure access to appliances and physical assets and real-time motion analysis to improve interaction between users and appliances, says a release.

When asked if Synaptics could start chip manufacturing in India, Hurlston said there is no such immediate plan. The company currently outsources most of its requirements from Taiwan and would in the future look at India to partner with companies on assembly.

On shortage of chips globally, Hurslton, post Covid, there was a severe shortage 2021-2022. In 2023, many companies stored chips and it became an issue of inventory. However, in 2024, the situation has eased a lot, he said.