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Intelligent IoT: How AI is pushing IoT forward in Medical, Auto, Hospitality and more
Consumers’ initial introduction to IoT has been at an extremely high level, with virtual assistants such as Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Home finding their way into more people’s homes each month. In the same way AOL introduced users of all ages to the internet with a small set of simple functions, most consumers are exploring only just the more basic capabilities of the most popular AI-powered IoT devices. But as their comfort level rises, consumers will begin to see similar devices being used in more industries than ever. Here are just four examples.
Medical
AI and IoT is starting to be used in the Medical industry now. Sensors are able to monitor patients and AI is able to learn about the delivery of treatment. This is helping automate the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Medtronic is one company innovating by creating applications to integrate sensor data and AI.
Nvidia, a semiconductor company known for producing at least half of the world’s PC graphics cards, is developing new technologies in the medical imaging space. Working with GE, they are using their expertise in AI and graphics to improve results in medical imaging.
“The new CT system in the Revolution Family is two times faster in imaging processing than its predecessor, due to its use of NVIDIA’s AI computing platform. The Revolution Frontier is FDA cleared and expected to deliver better clinical outcomes in liver lesion detection and kidney lesion characterization because of its speed – potentially reducing the need for unnecessary follow-ups, benefitting patients with compromised renal function and reducing non-interpretable scans with Gemstone Spectral Imaging Metal Artefact Reduction”
The integration of AI and IoT helps to better monitor patient adherence to treatment protocols and to improve clinical outcomes
Automotive
The automotive industry is already embracing the power of IoT devices. Jeep is currently running ads showcasing its vehicles’ remote starting capabilities. Simple functions like this are becoming commonplace for manufacturers, and soon more advanced AI IoT functions will begin emerging as well.
Take GM’s OnStar service, which has partnered with IBM’s Watson. The IoT and AI technologies within the car can, for example, recognize low fuel levels and direct the driver to the nearest gas station, or create personalized radio stations based on preset stations much as Pandora does. As consumers grow accustomed to IoT devices integrating into more aspects of their lives, they will come to expect higher levels of customization and intelligence from their vehicles as well as their homes.
“OnStar Go makes use of machine learning to analyze data gathered by the driver and use that to make informed decisions about potential product and service offerings from things in proximity to the car or within the car itself. For instance, it could recognize when the car is low on fuel, identify a nearby pump, pre-activate the pump for use and let the driver pay directly from their dash, or it could allow for pre-order of a coffee for pickup from a drive-in window, or use your listening habits to create a personalized radio station.”
Hospitality
Stories of the hotel industry’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. Employment has steadily risen, and the projected revenue growth for 2018 is strong. This has much to do with increased adoption of AI IoT devices. Already, AI IoT technologies help monitor the environment in hotels’ guest rooms and public spaces, reporting and optimizing air temperature and quality. Soon, smart rooms will be able to identify and resolve potential problems or breakdowns before they can degrade a customer’s experience, eliminating a call to the hotel staff and resulting in a more satisfied customer.
“Customers aren’t just expecting retail convenience as part of their hotel stay, they are expecting retail ecommerce to be integrated into the experience. An excellent example of this type of partnership is seen with Virgin Hotels, which recently partnered with The Gap, to allow guests to order online from gap.com from the convenience of their hotel room, and then have items delivered to their room within three hours.”
Home Monitoring
IoT offerings from companies like Nest have been staple devices in consumers’ homes for the past few years, but buyers will be looking for increased functionality. As such, there is a growing market for smart home-monitoring systems as well.
While home security cameras can show impending dangers to a viewer, newer devices can go much further, intelligently identifying changes in surroundings and alerting the authorities without prompting.
In addition to their security benefits, these home monitoring systems will also be able to detect health emergencies. Whereas wearable health monitoring devices need to be charged and on the person at the time of a critical event, these home monitoring systems will be always aware, capable, and ready to make their own intelligent decisions.
In Australia, Origin Energy recently launched its smart home controller, Home HQ.
“Receive notifications from your entry sensors, so you know the kids get home from school on time.
Check your camera to see if your furry friends are causing mischief or use 2-way talk to comfort them while you’re not home.”
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