Athena – The NSF AI Institute for Edge Computing

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Institute for Edge Computing Leveraging Next Generation Networks (Athena) seeks to foment a transformation in modern edge computing by advancing AI foundations, computing paradigms, networked computing systems, and edge services and applications from a completely new computing perspective. Led by Duke University, Athena leverages revolutionary developments in computer systems, machine learning, networked computing systems, cyber-physical systems, and sensing. Members of Athena form a multidisciplinary team from eight universities. Athena organizes its research activities under four interrelated thrusts supporting edge computing: Foundational AI, Computer Systems, Networked Computing Systems, and Services and Applications, which constitute an ambitious and comprehensive research agenda. The research tasks of Athena will focus on developing AI-driven next-generation technologies for edge computing and new algorithmic and practical foundations of AI and evaluating the research outcomes through a combination of analytical, experimental, and empirical instruments, especially with target use-inspired research. The researchers of Athena demonstrate a cohesive effort by synergistically integrating the research outcomes from the four thrusts into three pillars: Edge Computing AI Systems, Collaborative Extended Reality (XR), and Situational Awareness and Autonomy. Athena is committed to a robust and comprehensive suite of educational and workforce development endeavors alongside its domestic and international collaboration and knowledge transfer efforts with external stakeholders that include both industry and community partnerships.

Duke Scholars

Author Yiran Chen Electrical and Computer Engineering

Author Miroslav Pajic Electrical and Computer Engineering

Author Jeffrey L. Krolik Electrical and Computer Engineering