AIoT: Artificial Intelligence in the Age of the Internet of Things
The accelerated popularization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Internet of Things (IoT) has generated significant interest in the Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT). However, how much do you know about it?
These technologies are powerful on their own, but companies have already recognized the transformative potential of combining them to revolutionize how we collect, analyze, and use data.
In a market that demands faster, safer, and more efficient decision-making, this integration could be a game-changer. Let’s explore this concept more deeply.
What is AIoT?
AIoT is the combination of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). It is a technology that collects data from IoT devices (e.g., monitoring equipment) and uses artificial intelligence to analyze it.
IoT sensors receive a substantial amount of data. With AI, patterns, phenomena, and trends can be analyzed instantly, enhancing operational efficiency and providing managers with comprehensive, transparent reports more quickly and effortlessly.
This scenario is especially relevant with the advent of 5G and the spread of Blockchain, Augmented Reality, and Edge Computing. After all, the combination of these concepts forms the foundation for developing smarter, more intuitive solutions across various industries, including:
- Manufacture;
- Healthcare;
- Agribusiness;
- Cities;
- Mobility.
Investments in AIoT are on the rise, making it a current and growing reality!
AIoT is no longer a distant concept but a growing reality, with investment increasing every year.
Research indicates that the global AIoT market will expand by 39.1% by 2027, reaching US$83.6 billion. The IoT solutions market is also projected to reach US$ 9.13 billion by 2027.
It is also noteworthy that companies specializing in detailed analysis, management reports, and infographics have increased their investments in IoT by 82% in recent years.
Why Combine AI and IoT? The Advantages of AIoT
The saying “unity makes strength” perfectly captures the importance of integrating AI and IoT. This technology can be seamlessly applied across all sectors, offering a comprehensive solution for addressing business challenges.
In essence, AIoT streamlines processes, eliminating inefficiencies and bottlenecks. And that’s just the beginning! Explore the key benefits of investing in this technology.
Greater operational efficiency
With AIoT, businesses can achieve optimal operational efficiency. And what is the reason for that? AIoT-powered machines can generate and analyze data, recognize patterns, and make strategic decisions,
facilitating the identification and resolution of issues that could impact production lines in real-time operations, for instance. Additionally, process automation contributes to enhanced efficiency.
Real-time monitoring
With such powerful technology at your disposal, monitoring processes in real time and preventing operational disruptions becomes much easier.
This is made possible by the constant monitoring of the system, which detects problems, predicts failures, and makes proactive decisions, reducing the need for human intervention and enhancing the precision and intelligence of processes.
A notable example of this is the use of cameras to detect leaks, a common occurrence on oil and gas platforms. Just imagine how crucial this is!
Cost reduction
AIoT systems are instrumental in cost reduction, primarily through the intelligent use of resources, as exemplified by sensors that adjust light and temperature when the room is unoccupied.
Another notable benefit is their role in the preventive maintenance of equipment, where sensors and cameras assess the condition of parts and predict replacement schedules.
AIoT in practice: six real-world applications
While the concept of AIoT may not immediately seem tangible, there are numerous examples of how technology can be seamlessly integrated into human life.
Find below a selection of practical, real-life cases that showcase the potential of AIoT and serve as valuable sources of inspiration.
1. Smart Homes
Imagine a smart home that is increasingly autonomous, safe, and sustainable. AIoT can learn from human interactions and responses, automating various processes to simplify and improve people’s routines.
Thermostats adjust room temperature according to residents’ preferences, and monitoring cameras identify intruders and recognize authorized persons and animals.
2. Facial recognition cameras
AI-enabled cameras can be installed to automatically detect any losses, recognize the faces of suspects, and notify the company immediately if they leave the establishment without scanning it.
This practice has already been implemented in several establishments to increase security and minimize losses and is becoming increasingly popular in the market.
3. Behavioral Analysis Sensors
Sensors can monitor customer behavior to find out what catches their eye, the times when they make the most purchases, the visual aspects that attract the most attention etc.
Based on this information, businesses can manage their routines to better meet customer needs and maximize sales.
4. Improving Automated Guided Vehicles
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are used to transport items in warehouses, distribution centers (DCs), and other industrial environments. However, they have lacked the autonomy to make decisions when encountering obstacles.
With the application of AIoT, robots collect data from the environment, analyze the information, and make the best decisions on their own to maximize efficiency, operations, and business outcomes.
5. Edge Computing
With AIoT, a computer can offload some of its processing requirements to another computer on the same network. This approach minimizes latency, enhances data security, and accelerates decision-making—key factors that set edge computing apart.
6. Urban Traffic Monitoring
A very useful application of AIoT is the real-time monitoring of urban traffic. Smart systems, supported by cameras, drones and sensors, can assess the level of congestion and analyze the possible reasons for it.
In short, it is possible to identify accidents, traffic violations, animals on the road, and various other incidents without human intervention.
Technology brings new responsibilities
AIoT is undoubtedly one of the most important technologies of our time. Not only does it promote efficiency and productivity, but it also helps companies increase profits and optimize processes that have hindered their competitiveness.
But it is important to say that the modern manager must be ready to deal with this advance. This is because they are not only coordinating teams, but also helping to make decisions and meeting with leaders on a constant basis.
It is part of the job description to interact with suppliers and customers, decide on budgets, measure technical results, meet targets and deliver results, among other administrative activities.
This new approach is supported by the capabilities of technology itself, such as cloud computing, big data, and mobile solutions. Where once it was necessary to go to the office to operate systems and work, now managers can work from anywhere.
So we have powerful technology, but it also brings new challenges. Taking advantage of the opportunities depends on taking the responsibility and precautions that come with such mobility and agility.
Pressure: A single security breach can upset everything
Speaking of challenges, it is important to mention security. One virtual attack can put everything at risk.
Therefore, companies need to know and keep their security solutions up to date and in perfect working order to detect the source and neutralize any threats. One mistake can ruin your entire plan!
It is worth noting that even with the use of protection tools such as antivirus, firewalls and other security solutions, it is possible to face incidents. It is the manager’s job to prevent threats and analyze attacks. Their work must be done with excellence to avoid loopholes being exploited by hackers and crackers.
It is also a good practice to “catechize” associates about the company’s information security policy. For example, everyone should know that using unauthorized devices can damage the system.
What about the future?
As we have seen, AIoT combines the best of AIand IoT. As such, it is an important resource for solving problems quickly, safely, and intelligently.
Solutions based on this technology are proliferating in retail, manufacturing, healthcare, security, banking, and many other sectors. With this in mind, it is not hard to predict that the future will be even more surprising, with data being used much more widely and strategically.
Is your organization ready for this new phase? Ignoring the evolution could be a risk. Find out more in our digital disruption content!
