Artificial Intelligence of Things, also known as AIoT, is the new kid on the block attracting attention and investment. It offers the potential to continue this upswing and gain more popularity in 2020. What is AIoT all about, and how will it impact businesses? AIoT is the amalgamation of two powerful technologies – Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). These components work together to collect and analyze data and automate decision-making. Basically, removing the human element and giving machines the ability to make and implement decisions.
To understand how these technologies work together, we first need to understand them individually. Here, IoT comes in first. As we have explained in our previous blogs, IoT is a network of connected devices that collect data and sends it to the application to be processed and presented comprehensively. For example, vital data is collected from the engine of a truck and displayed in real-time on the dashboard of the Fleet Manager application. In this case, the manager has to study numbers and alerts and decide what actions need to be taken. This can vary from sending a vehicle for inspection or maintenance, route planning, fuel usage, to training the driver to develop a healthier driving behavior, and more.
In addition, if a business wants to automate its processes and reduce human involvement, then we add the layer of Artificial Intelligence. AI makes machines smart, giving them the power to make certain decisions without human intervention. Through data mining, machine learning, and pre-programming certain scenarios and guidelines, machines can assess a situation and execute a plan of action. Simply put, the device monitoring the truck’s engine can alert the driver, for example, when to take the vehicle for maintenance, what to do if the engine is overheating, idling prompts, alternative route, re-fuel alerts, and more. Instead of the Fleet Manager having to inform the driver to take the truck for a check, the truck will ask to be taken for a “spa treatment”.
This might sound too simple or basic; however, when a company has a large fleet of hundreds or thousands of vehicles, automating such processes can save significant time and resources. Plus, improve the efficiency of business operations. Devices capture huge amounts of data each day, and it is humanly impossible to study, analyze, resolve, and repeat constantly. Sophisticated solutions that have pattern recognition and sampling methodology for large chunks of data can not just highlight crucial developments but also conclude on instances before they take shape hence, prevent crisis occurrences.
AIoT can be implemented in a variety of industrial environments. Some enterprises have successfully integrated AIoT solutions with their systems and are witnessing the early benefits of taking this technological leap. Here are some sectors where AIoT has seen noticeable growth:
Transport & Logistics
Companies are using AIoT solutions for managing and optimizing fleet operations. Various parameters of vehicle health, driver behavior, and operations are being monitored by companies to improve utilization of fleet, reduce overhead costs, and increase the efficiency of human resources. Trucks are installed with camera systems powered by image recognition solutions that can identify if a driver is alert or drowsy. This is an invaluable tool for improving HSE and accident prevention. This is just one example substantial results are being seen in various areas like fuel savings, timely maintenance, and lean operations.
Building & Construction
Features such as facial recognition, remote access to on-site equipment, and health and safety alerts are increasingly put in use by this sector. It is of extreme importance to manage risks at building sites, and AIoT is giving site managers the tools to do this more accurately and speedily. Through authorizing site access, proper use of equipment, setting safety protocols, and real-time view of the site, companies can significantly improve time and resource management. The overall execution of the project is more streamlined and issues at the site are handled proactively.
Aviation & Cargo
AIoT is being implemented to improve the overall operations of airports. A variety of technologies are being introduced at cargo and passenger terminals to make processes smoother, faster and more secure. Automated immigration systems, smart baggage sorting, cargo e-seals, geofencing and green corridors, authorized personnel access, and other features are in use to efficiently manage airport facilities and mitigate a variety of risks. Specifically, issues of tampering and theft of cargo are being addressed and reduced through smart solutions.
Smart Shopping
Retail industry is using harnessing data to only understand the buying preferences and patterns of customers but also make other aspects of shopping smoother, so the purchasing process is quick. Through the use of facial recognition, smart re-ordering systems, quick payment methods (touch and go), and auto prompt of buy more things, are making the shopping experience available anywhere, anytime with transaction security. Furthermore, faster delivery chains are an additional value-add for the consumer.
Smart Cities
Authorities and councils around the world are using or testing AIoT solutions to better manage traffic, public transport systems, healthcare systems, and more. Again, the use of facial recognition is the key to road safety. Offenders are issued automated fines and tickets and can be tracked for repeat bad driving behavior. Similar technology is used in healthcare to access vital information on patient's medical records, doctor information, emergency contacts, etc. This is helping medical professionals to quickly respond to emergencies and ensuring the patient receives the best possible treatment. Smart cities are also using AIoT to keep commuters informed of the real-time train, bus location, helping them plan multi-transport journeys better, and automating ticketing systems to save the time of commuters.
AIoT has vast potential and flexibility to be used in almost any set-up/environment in all aspects of life and business. We have discussed the most popular, large-scale applications of this technology. From smart homes to smart offices, to smart industries, to smart cities, it’s all possible and all in the happening now. The day isn’t far when most aspects of our daily lives will be impacted, improved, managed by AIoT. The year 2020 will witness an increase in the adoption of AIoT and newer, smarter applications of this technology.
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