Air Force Wants to Analyze Internet of Things Data in Real Time

The Air Force wants to tap into the connected network of sensors and devices known as the Internet of Things, but doesn't want to constantly relay information back to a centralized data center to process it. 

Data culled from the Internet of Things could help improve communications and military logistics, as well as aid in monitoring service members' health, but the Air Force wants to process the data locally -- closer to the point of collection. 

The military branch wants tech companies to share how they analyze data at the "edge" or in the "fog," according to a new request for information. 

While commercial companies use data for predictive analytics, their predictive models are hindered when the user isn’t near the main data hub, resulting in a lag, the posting said. These systems only capture a part of customers’ “lives and activities."

In a military context, devices should be able to do their analysis locally so they can “keep the mission going without the aid of massive data centers."

The Air Force is also interested in technology that could be used in both the military and commercial sectors, the request for information said.