Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, Apr 11: The National Institute of Technology Karnataka has introduced an innovative AI research platform named NOMAD (Node for Open-source Mobile AI Deployment) at its beachfront campus in Surathkal.

The platform is designed to operate effectively in remote, resource-constrained, and disaster-affected regions where traditional cloud-based infrastructure often fails.

With the growing dependence of artificial intelligence systems on centralised data centres, real-world environments such as coastal regions and disaster zones face major challenges related to connectivity, power supply, and infrastructure. NOMAD aims to bridge this gap by enabling on-site AI computing at the edge, ensuring real-time data processing and decision-making even in critical conditions.

The facility is set up within a repurposed shipping container at the NITK SEARCH research station along the Arabian Sea coast. It functions as a self-sufficient unit with four independent power sources, including grid supply, rooftop solar panels, a towable solar-battery unit, and a diesel generator supported by UPS backup. To ensure uninterrupted connectivity, the system integrates institutional fibre, broadband, and a wireless bridge.

NOMAD features a robust computing system that combines open-source clusters, edge devices, and high-capacity storage. Plans are also under way to integrate institutional high-performance computing (HPC) resources into the platform. The space is designed to support advanced research, teaching, and immersive learning experiences.

The project is spearheaded by Dr Pruthviraj U, associate professor in the department of water resources and ocean engineering. The platform focuses on areas such as edge AI architecture, AI-driven water systems, and coastal disaster intelligence, particularly aiding in situations like landslides and floods where connectivity is often disrupted.

The initiative is also supported and mentored by Padmanand Warrier, a distinguished alumnus of NITK with extensive experience in large-scale technological systems. The institute plans to further expand NOMAD through interdisciplinary collaborations and integration into academic programmes.

Speaking about the initiative, Warrier highlighted the importance of edge-based innovation in artificial intelligence. He stated that during coastal disasters, infrastructure is often the first to collapse, and platforms like NOMAD ensure that advanced AI systems continue to function, enabling timely and critical decision-making on the ground.

This initiative marks a significant step by NITK Surathkal towards advancing practical and resilient AI solutions, bringing technology closer to real-world challenges.