Avnet has entered into a strategic partnership with MACSO Technologies to accelerate and scale Internet of Things (IoT) deployments globally.
This collaboration aims to advance artificial intelligence (AI) models on hardware and electronic components through Avnet’s IoTConnect Partner Programme.
“MACSO is making hardware smart by putting AI models on it,” said MACSO Founder and CEO Saba Samiei. “It’s like a CCTV camera directly notifying you if an intruder is going up a flight of stairs instead of watching people and requiring a human to go back and watch a video to make decisions. We are trying to make sensors smart.”
MACSO Technologies specialises in training advanced AI models that can simultaneously utilise various types of sensors integrated with Avnet’s components. Initially, MACSO’s AI focuses on audio and air quality. As the platform expands, additional capabilities, such as vision, temperature, and pressure, will be incorporated.
“The problem is that unless you have a good technical understanding of AI, creating models is very hard,” Samiei says. “What we are doing is building AI models and licensing them, so we are taking all that heavy lifting off the customer – all they do is subscribe to the AI models and pay for the subscription.”
Avnet is extending its distribution value to make IoT accessible and scalable for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) by offering comprehensive hardware, software, and engineering/consulting/Cloud services.
“Our customers are exploring the use of AI-enabled devices to improve data-driven business outcomes. Our collaboration with MACSO will enable fast deployment of these systems leveraging AI,” said Avnet’s Senior Director, Supplier Technology Enablement, Jennifer Skinner-Gray.
The IoTConnect Partner Programme by Avnet empowers OEMs and independent design houses (IDHs) to develop innovative solutions and service models using Avnet’s IoTConnect platform. Avnet’s expertise in edge technology, combined with substantial investments in Cloud, digital, and software services, and the collaborative efforts of IoTConnect Partner Program members, enables Avnet to leverage solutions effectively, scale projects, and maximise opportunities.
