The far edge, home to IoT devices, brings unique challenges: smaller, distributed clusters and the need for efficient management across constrained environments. This talk explores how Kubernetes can be effectively pushed to the far edge, adapting cloud-native principles for IoT integration.

Using lightweight Kubernetes distributions, such as k0s - a CNCF Sandbox project, as examples, we’ll demonstrate how centrally managed control planes can support far edge nodes, enabling resilient, disconnected deployments. This approach simplifies operations while handling the proliferation of smaller, isolated clusters common in IoT use cases.

We’ll also highlight Akri, a tool that automates IoT device discovery and orchestration, exposing devices as native Kubernetes resources. With Akri, Kubernetes becomes a powerful platform for managing IoT devices at the edge.

This session explores how tools like k0s and Akri can unlock new possibilities for scalable IoT orchestration, offering practical strategies for building resilient edge solutions.