top of page

AI in IoT: The Perfect Couple

Updated: Aug 1, 2020



In 2020, IoT ( Internet of Things) is already a well-implemented technology which basically means that you can control anything and everything with the help of the Internet. That's right folks! from simple door locks to complex robot mechanisms, anything is accessible with proper implementation of IoT.


AI or Artificial Intelligence, on the other hand, is the creation of intelligence for machines.



AI traditionally refers to an artificial creation of human-like intelligence that can learn, reason, plan, perceive, or process natural language.

In simple terms, we can train any device with the help of proper sets of data to take certain actions based on its own understanding.




But, what does that have to do with IoT in the first place?


Why AI is important for IoT?


Well, IoT is all about collecting data and connecting devices. Sensors from one IoT device collects data and transfer to another, which again does the same until either a collective response is created or a set of action is triggered. Since all this happens over the internet it is called Internet of Things.


But only if things were that simple in the first place!


A sensor can only collect and relay data. It is like picking up sand from the beach. You can pick as much as your bucket allows, but how much of that can really be used is the issue. Data collected from a sensor is something like that. It is raw or simply unfiltered. To make use of that collected data you need to process it. For that, we have a thing called Cloud computing.


Cloud refers to a centralized space to store your data such as google drive. And computing simply means processing the data. So in simple terms when you have a cloud with enough intelligence to process data, it is called cloud computing.


So here is a question for you, How do you make your Cloud intelligent?


You got it! We implement Artificial Intelligence.


Application of AI with IoT


AIoT in supermarkets


Implementation of AIoT( Artificial Internet of Things) is a great investment for supermarket owners. It will not only reduce the requirement of manpower but will also significantly increase the overall work efficiency.


How?


Well, folks imagine going to a mall that will have multiple devices sections with AIoT devices. These machines are equipped with both AI and IoT. The AI will help you choose your products with great detail. Then the chosen product will be delivered to you with the help of IoT devices.

This not only will save time but will also save a lot of space and other required resources.



At present moment malls like Walmart and Target are working on auto-checkout machines. By putting auto-checkout machines at the front of the malls you will only need enough space to store your products. All the customers will need to do is choose their desired product or simply share the list and the AI will take over from there.


Also, the data collected by the AI will comprise many factors like age, gender, and the product purchased. This information can then be used to determine a purchase summary which will help in re-stocking, understanding marketing, and customers' requirements.





AIoT in Buildings





The simplest implementation of AIoT in buildings is a thermostat that adjust temperature based on preset parameters or outside conditions. It will monitor the traffic and temperature in buildings; we can set air conditioning temperatures according to need.

But Why do we need an AI for that?


Well obviously enough AI can make anything smarter. It can use camera feed, to calculate the traffic (no of people) in public rooms. This feed can then be used to predict the temperature variations on multiple conditions.

This data can be used by IoTs to manipulate the behavior of the Air Conditioning unit. It can also read the traffic pattern and predict upcoming adjustments.


For example, If there is high traffic in the month of December; the Air Conditioners won't operate. Whereas, with the same conditions in the month of May; the case of vice versa will be followed.


Yes, there are options for Infrared upgrades on cameras, but it all depends on the capital you want to invest in.


AIoT In traffic monitoring


Traffic is one of the worst aspects of modern day roads. With the huge delays caused due to them in daily work schedules, it is hands down one of the worst problems. But with our favorite duo, we can solve this problem too!


Traffic drones consisting of our favorite duo will help analyze and solve problems. The best part is that we can solve these issues in real-time.

By using the data fed by the drones, AI will first analyze the flow of traffic. Then by using its own intelligence the AI will tweak the traffic lights depending on the situation. These traffic lights can be released and blocked according to the level of congestion.

Alibaba Cloud is already developing such technology called ET City Brain, which can help to smoothen traffic flows in modern cities.


AIoT in making deliveries





The COVID-19 is one of the worst pandemics to hit the modern-day. With an emphasis on social distancing, the E-commerce business is on the boom. However, the delivery segment is one of the most vulnerable spots.

You can be sure of the product you have bought but at the same time, you are really considerate to bring a box inside your house due to obvious reasons.


In such scenarios, several companies like Amazon FedEx are working on AI-controlled drones to handle product delivery. These drones would be fitted with cameras will be able to deliver packages without any human contacts.

Using an assigned path, altitude, and visuals from the camera; the AI can pilot the drone to the desired location and can register simple commands like "Order accepted" to confirm order delivery to the right person.




Conclusion


Apart from the instances discussed, there is a pletheura of seemingly possible instances. And the best thing about our duo is the inclusion of thinking capability. Just imagine, a device that can operate similar to humans; performing daily work more efficiently and precisely.


So to put it simple AI in IoT is a technological necessity just like IoT is daily life is a human necessity.





Comments


bottom of page