Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are the most transformative technologies elevating the growth of numerous industries. Together, the integration of AI and IoT will be the technology that fuels the revolution of smart industries. Known as AIoT, delivering intelligent and connected systems that will lead the charge in the next industrial revolution.
Combining success
IoT devices use the internet to communicate, gather, and exchange data about online activities. Each day, these devices generate approximately 1 billion GB of data.
According to Transforma Insights, the number of IoT devices globally is expected to grow from 7.6 billion in 2019 to 24.1 billion in 2030. This will be expected to generate a revenue of $1.5 trillion. As these devices grow, the data will grow with it.
This volume of data is essentially useless without analytics – it is too much to realistically manage and analyse for real-time insights. With AI’s self-learning abilities, businesses can react to insights in real time. This furthers organisations to greatly benefit from the information that data provides.
Combining AI and IoT is the next step in the widespread implementation of these fast-growing technologies.
Foundations of AIoT
AI with IoT acts as a go-between for the controller and the device. It can make decisions based on the gathered information. Instead of processing and presenting data for humans to decide, AI analyses the inputs to take required action. This may remove the requirement for human intervention.
IoT is enhanced by intelligence. But it also has the capability to analyse data either in batches or real time. It can prioritise which information needs to be acted upon quickly.
IoT relies on the following capabilities:
- Collect data from devices and sensors
- Store data in a scalable storage system
- Process and analyse information
- Use insights to form decisions
- Control devices based on best practices
AI is also improved by deep-learning models and neural networks for data. This can identify critical errors and issues in real time to shut down an entire system. A system this advanced will be crucial to implement to avoid the chance of a catastrophic event or accident occurring.
Benefits of AIoT
AIoT enables AI adoption across industries to improve on traditional methods. As discussed, with the removal of human intervention, many processes may become more streamlined. Here are some more of the major benefits of implementing AIoT:
Boosts operational efficiency
AIoT allows businesses to achieve the maximum level of operational efficiency. These devices can generate and analyse data to recognize patterns. As a result, AI allows repetitive tasks to be automated – reducing the overall workforce.
Promotes real-time monitoring
The real-time monitoring of systems saves time and reduces business disruptions. The system continuously supervises the system to detect anomalies and make decisions.
Reduces operational costs
AIoT devices and systems play an important role in reducing overall costs and improving resource efficiency. Automated adjustments of light, temperature, preventative maintenance, and more optimising of equipment and processes to reduce wasted resources.
Aids risk management
Risk management is a key component across all industries. Intelligent systems can accurately predict risks and take preventative measures, helping organizations stay ahead of any concerns and mitigate them in advance.
The application of AIoT
With the many benefits of AIoT in mind, it is only a matter of time before it is implemented widescale. It can and has been applied to many new digitised advancements to enhance their capabilities. These include the following:
Wearables
Wearable devices, such as smartwatches, monitor and track user performance, preferences, habits, and health parameters. This technology has incredible applications in healthcare for physicians and patients to monitor their health, but also in sports and fitness
Autonomous vehicles
Autonomous vehicles are essential self-driving vehicles that can automatically operate from point A to point B. Several technologies are necessary for autonomous operation. This includes sensors and cameras that rely on AI and IoT to collect and analyse a plethora of information in real time.
Traffic monitoring
AIoT sensors and devices are necessary for real-time traffic analysis in Smart City applications. These systems can assess congestion levels and conduct crowd analysis to identify accidents, traffic violations, and more.
Smart buildings
Smart buildings use IoT sensors and cameras to optimize energy usage for lighting and temperature control, based on occupancy. These systems can also be used for the safety and security of the occupants.
Video surveillance
AI with IoT makes video surveillance systems “smarter.” Conventional systems require human operators to watch multiple video feeds. This limits their efficacy with reaction times, subjectivity, and limited attention. AIoT uses machine learning to analyse data in real time, recognise people, detect objects, and identify events for rapid decision making.
Manufacturing
One of the predominant uses for AIoT devices is for the Industrial Internet of Things. Manufacturing uses intelligent systems for real-time monitoring and maintenance of machinery and to conduct quality control.
What does the future hold?
With the adoption of AIoT increasing, we’re seeing a move toward a more connected future. Operating independent of human intervention, AIoT could: streamline connected systems; analyse huge volumes of organisational data; and revolutionise virtually every industry.