On-device training of artificial intelligence models on microcontrollers

Abstract

Numerous studies are currently training artificial intelligence (AI) models on tiny devices constrained by computing power and memory limitations by implementing model optimization algorithms. The question arises whether implementing traditional AI models directly on small devices like micro-controller units (MCUs) is feasible. In this study, a library has been developed to train and predict the artificial neural network (ANN) model on common MCUs. The evaluation results on the regression problem indicate that, despite the extensive training time, when combined with multitasking programming on multi-core MCUs, the training does not adversely affect the system's execution. This research contributes an additional solution that enables the direct construction of ANN models on MCU systems with limited resources.