Distributed edge intelligence is a disruptive research area that enables the execution of machine learning and deep learning (ML/DL) algorithms close to where data are generated. Since edge devices are more limited and heterogeneous than typical cloud devices, many hindrances have to be overcome to fully extract the potential benefits of such an approach (such as data-in-motion analytics). In this paper, we investigate the challenges of running ML/DL on edge devices in a distributed way, paying special attention to how techniques are adapted or designed to execute on these restricted devices. The techniques under discussion pervade the processes of caching, training, inference, and offloading on edge devices. We also explore the benefits and drawbacks of these strategies.
Keywords: Internet of Things; artificial intelligence; distributed; edge intelligence; fog intelligence; machine learning.