Akri is a Kubernetes Resource Interface for the Edge. It's an open-source project under the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) Sandbox that aims to simplify the process of using various heterogeneous devices at the edge with Kubernetes clusters.

Purpose:

• Exposes devices as Kubernetes resources: Akri makes various edge devices, such as IP cameras, USB devices, sensors, and even embedded hardware like GPUs and FPGAs, visible and usable within a Kubernetes cluster.

• Simplifies device management: It eliminates the need for complex configurations or custom code to utilize these devices in your applications running on Kubernetes.

• Dynamic device discovery: Akri continuously detects new devices connected to nodes in the cluster, automatically adding them as resources.

• Workload scheduling based on devices: You can leverage Akri to schedule workloads on the cluster based on the capabilities and availability of specific devices.

Benefits:

• Easier development for edge computing: Akri bridges the gap between Kubernetes and edge devices, enabling developers to focus on application logic without worrying about low-level device interactions.

• Standardized approach: It provides a consistent way to manage and utilize various edge devices across different environments.

• Scalability and flexibility: Akri can handle a wide range of devices and workloads, making it suitable for diverse edge computing scenarios.