IoT Edge Devices: The originators of IoT data, IoT edge sensor endpoints are the next frontier of distributed AI. The same sensor microcontrollers used to handle raw data ingest and connectivity, can also contribute significantly to IoT data processing as true smart sensors. Fully exploited, they can greatly improve overall IoT system performance, offer better data security/privacy, and simplify user deployments by allowing battery powered rich sensing over wireless networks. Additionally, smart sensors fill a crucial need for offline tolerant applications where real-time standalone operation allows local feedback and control in mission critical, safety, and mobile devices.