Edge Artificial Intelligence: A Systematic Review of Evolution, Taxonomic Frameworks, and Future Horizons

Abstract

Edge Artificial Intelligence (Edge AI) embeds intelligence directly into devices at the network edge, enabling real-time processing with improved privacy and reduced latency by processing data close to its source. This review systematically examines the evolution, current landscape, and future directions of Edge AI through a multi-dimensional taxonomy including deployment location, processing capabilities such as TinyML and federated learning, application domains, and hardware types. Following PRISMA guidelines, the analysis traces the field from early content delivery networks and fog computing to modern on-device intelligence. Core enabling technologies such as specialized hardware accelerators, optimized software, and communication protocols are explored. Challenges including resource limitations, security, model management, power consumption, and connectivity are critically assessed. Emerging opportunities in neuromorphic hardware, continual learning algorithms, edge-cloud collaboration, and trustworthiness integration are highlighted, providing a comprehensive framework for researchers and practitioners.