We are witnessing a fundamental shift in the computing landscape, a paradigm shift where intelligence is rapidly migrating to the very edges of the network. This is the era of edge AI, which embeds decision-making, perception, and control directly into devices that shape our physical world.

This book is a selected collection of the presented work from the European Conference on EDGE AI Technologies and Applications (EEAI) held on 21–23 October 2024 in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy.

The conference is part of a series of annual conferences that delve into the expanding continuum of micro-, deep-, and meta-edge architectures, which form the backbone of emerging intelligent autonomous systems across numerous sectors. From the complexities of advanced algorithms and the design of novel edge AI hardware accelerators to the architecture of next-generation communication networks, AI frameworks and software systems, the EEAI fosters a vibrant exchange of ideas that are following the future and actively defining it.

From industrial automation to environmental monitoring, from manufacturing to smart mobility, the expansion of micro-, deep-, and meta-edge AI processing is propelling a new class of autonomous systems. These systems thrive on distributed intelligence, leveraging advancements in edge AI hardware architectures, accelerators, performant algorithms, and advanced software frameworks.

The chapters in this volume celebrate this paradigm shift and offer a glimpse into the vibrant ecosystem shaping the future of edge AI technologies and applications. The numerous chapters describe novel solutions and rigorous investigations spanning verification and validation, federated learning, neuromorphic design, scalable architectures, sensor fusion, and human–machine collaboration, each chapter demonstrating the innovation wave fuelling Europe's edge AI landscape.

Together, these twenty chapters provide a rich, multi-layered, and deeply insightful perspective on the state of edge AI. Each chapter documents the achievements made and highlights the path forward, offering a compelling vision of a future where intelligence is seamlessly and securely integrated into the fabric of the real world.

This book is an essential guide for navigating, understanding, and contributing to the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of edge AI.

The real value of this book lies in its innovative, forward-looking perspective, offering a guided exploration of the latest scientific breakthroughs and practical advancements shaping intelligent systems at the edge.

For researchers, students, practitioners, and visionaries, this book provides a comprehensive roadmap for the next stage in the evolution of intelligent, connected systems at the edge.