Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about our edge AI prediction technology based on Reservoir Computing.
1.
Key characteristics of our AI2.
Performance and accuracy3.
Deployment and integration4.
Explainability5.
Getting started
Key characteristics of our AI2.
Performance and accuracy3.
Deployment and integration4.
Explainability5.
Getting started
1. Key characteristics of our AI
What kind of time-series data can Reservoir Computing handle?
Reservoir Computing can be applied to a wide variety of phenomena that can be represented as time-series data — including mechanical vibrations, chemical processes, natural phenomena, and biological signals.
How much data does Reservoir Computing need?
Unlike deep learning algorithms, which often require vast amounts of data, Reservoir Computing can achieve accurate predictions with as few as 500–1,000 time points. For reference: if temperature is measured once per hour, a single day produces 24 data points.
How much training data is needed?
The training dataset should cover a sufficient variety of operating conditions and dynamics that you expect to encounter during actual operation. If the training data only reflects a narrow range of conditions, the model may not generalize well to situations outside that range.
Do I need to do feature engineering?
In most cases, no. Reservoir Computing is far more robust than deep learning in this regard and typically requires little to no manual feature engineering. Some basic preprocessing such as standardization may be needed depending on the data, but our team handles this as part of the project.
What frequency range can Reservoir Computing handle?
Reservoir Computing can handle a wide range of signal frequencies — from fast mechanical vibrations above 10 kHz down to slow processes in the sub-Hz range.
Where does training take place?
Training is performed by Entrox before the model is deployed to a device. This keeps the on-device algorithm light and compact. On-device retraining is also possible for applications that require periodic model updates.
How often should the model be retrained?
This depends on the application. Our AI learns the relationships between input variables and the target variable. Over time, factors such as equipment aging, wear and tear, or sensor drift can change these relationships. If these changes were already accounted for in the original training, the model can remain effective over its entire lifetime. If not, periodic or even continuous online learning is advisable.
I'd like to do a small test. How would that work?
If you can send us a dataset, we can show initial test results in most cases within one week. No special infrastructure is needed — our AI is extremely lightweight and requires no GPU or cloud setup.
What programming language is the model written in?
The trained model is delivered as code in a language suited to your target platform — C is a common choice, but not the only one. We develop and train internally in Python, but you don't need a Python runtime on your target hardware. See "How is the AI delivered to us?" below for full details.
2. Performance and accuracy
How accurate is Reservoir Computing compared to deep learning?
For the types of industrial time-series problems Reservoir Computing is designed for — soft sensors and virtual sensors, anomaly detection, and remaining useful life prediction — Reservoir Computing achieves accuracy comparable to deep learning methods such as LSTMs, while requiring significantly less data, less computational power, and less training time.
How does Entrox measure prediction quality?
We use standard metrics depending on the task: R² and RMSE for regression, soft-sensor and virtual-sensor tasks, AUC-ROC and F1 score for anomaly detection, and MAE/RMSE for remaining useful life prediction. We can also work with your own metrics on request.
3. Deployment and integration
How is the AI delivered to us?
The trained model is delivered as code that integrates into your existing firmware or application, generated in a language suited to your target — C is a common choice, but we are not limited to it. We can provide it as source files for your own build system or as a pre-built library, depending on your toolchain. The same model can be deployed across hardware ranging from microcontrollers and PLCs to industrial PCs and edge servers. The AI runs entirely on your hardware — no external runtime, no cloud connection.
Can we retrain the model ourselves?
Currently, retraining is something we handle in collaboration with you. On request, we can also discuss a desktop tool with a graphical interface that lets your team retrain the model as conditions change. The retrained model can be exported back to your target hardware in the same format as the original delivery.
What hardware does Reservoir Computing require?
Reservoir Computing runs on standard microcontrollers and embedded processors — no GPU, no cloud connection, and no special hardware required. Inference typically takes sub-milliseconds, making it suitable even for real-time control loops where speed is critical.
Does my data need to leave my company?
No. Because the model runs entirely on local devices, your data stays on-site. There is no need for cloud connectivity or external data transfer — making it suitable for environments with strict data security requirements.
What data formats can be processed?
Any standard time-series format works — CSV, database exports, or direct sensor feeds. The key requirement is time-stamped measurements from your sensors. We handle all preprocessing and formatting as part of the project.
How difficult is it to integrate Reservoir Computing into existing systems?
The trained model integrates seamlessly as a software module into existing infrastructure — control systems, PLCs, SCADA systems, microcontrollers, or edge devices.
4. Explainability
Can I understand why the model makes a specific prediction?
Yes. Our models are not a black box: the entire structure is visible as mathematical expressions. For soft-sensor and virtual-sensor applications, we can identify which mathematical terms in the model, including nonlinear interactions, are most influential in driving the prediction. We call this capability Sensitivity Analysis.
When an anomaly is detected, can I tell which sensor is responsible?
Yes. Our anomaly detection architecture naturally decomposes the overall anomaly score by sensor. When an anomaly is flagged, engineers can immediately see which specific sensor or component is behaving abnormally — providing directly actionable information.
5. Getting started
What do I need for a pilot project?
A dataset from your process, typically historical sensor measurements in any standard format. We can discuss specific data requirements during an initial consultation.
How long does a typical pilot project take?
An initial feasibility assessment can be completed typically within one week of receiving your data. A full pilot project, including model optimization and performance evaluation, typically takes 2–4 weeks depending on complexity.
What does the deliverable look like?
The output of a pilot project includes a trained model as optimized code (C for microcontrollers, or Python for more powerful edge devices), along with performance metrics, documentation, and recommendations for real-world use.
How can I contact Entrox?
Write to us at info@entrox-systems.com or use the contact section on the home page. We usually reply within a few working days.
Start with a feasibility study
We run a feasibility study using your real data to demonstrate effectiveness in your actual environment. Ultimately, you get deployable AI software optimized for your specific process, running on your existing devices. Get in touch to discuss your use case.
Test our AI on your data, free of charge. First results within 1 week. Our AI is extremely lightweight — no GPU or cloud infrastructure needed.
