Edge devices are hardware components that process data closer to the source of data generation, rather than relying on a centralized data center. These devices can include IoT sensors, smart cameras, and gateways, which collect and analyze data in real-time. By performing computations at the edge, they reduce latency and bandwidth usage, making systems more efficient. The use of edge devices is crucial in various applications, such as smart cities, industrial automation, and healthcare monitoring. They enable faster decision-making and improve response times, enhancing overall system performance and reliability in environments where immediate data processing is essential.