5 Ways AI Can Make IoT More Intelligent

The ability to connect billions of devices that exchange data without any third-party interaction is what makes the Internet of Things (IoT) one of today's most intriguing topics. Since the human analysis of such a wide array of data is unpractical, to say the least, it was only a matter of time until AI was going to be put to use for a more efficient IoT.

Microsoft’s AI expert Rashmi Misra recently revealed in a podcast concerning the implementation of AI in IoT that Microsoft is interested in improving the value of data gathered by IoT devices. This date will provide businesses with solutions for the development of more efficient products and services that will fulfill customers' expectations.

Seeing Microsoft taking an interest in coupling IoT with AI is a clear signal that there's real potential in combining the two latest technologies. Let's take a look at how artificial intelligence can improve IoT.

Airline Crew Management

Boeing is a titan in the airline industry. As such, it pays close attention to its resource allocation strategy. Managing an airline crew is a challenging task, as you need to team-up skilled, rested, motivated, and available crew members for each flight. Boeing’s subsidiary company Jeppesen designed AI-based software that uses IoT data to assign crew members to duty.

The benefit of the Jeppesen Crew Rostering platform is that it provides seamless crew management that allows clients to cut their expenses and always have the most effective crew. The same principle could apply to any industry; even a service like NSBroker could use this approach.

Tesla's Self-driving Cars

Although the practical use of AI in combination with IoT is a relatively new concept, the most advanced companies are already working hard on leveraging big data for the development of better products. The Tesla company is doing an amazing job at utilizing a series of sensors, radars, cameras, and GPS to provide a safe auto-driving experience. For now, the combination of AI and IoT allows Tesla cars to learn and adapt to various traffic situations, which should eventually enable a fully automatic self-driving vehicle.

The best part is that all Tesla cars will be able to interact with each other to even further improve the performance of each unit.

Smart Thermostat

Managing the temperature in your home via a smartphone or other IoT control devices is becoming more common. The integration of artificial intelligence allows the production of devices that can learn from user experience and perform better.

Nest Labs created the next-generation, self-learning thermostat; it can manage home cooling and heating conditions on its own. The device takes a few weeks to learn the user’s preferences and schedule, which enables it an autonomous operating process. Smart Thermostat gathers data such as favorite temperature settings for each part of each day during the year and adapts the temperature according to that information.

Transport and Logistics

For now, IoT is allowing logistic and transport companies a real-time provision of information that allows a better decision-making process and provides data that prevents losses. With the integration of AI, business owners, especially companies with a large fleet of vehicles and busy schedules, could harvest and analyze data faster and generate more useful feedback.

AI implementation could lead to more effective routes, cut other operational expenses, and delegate work automatically, without human interaction. If we put self-driving vehicles into the equation, we could see a transport company that's fully operated by collaborative efforts of AI and IoT.

Preventing the Extinction of Species

We often take nature for granted and forget that inspiration and resources for technological progress are most commonly found in nature. To prevent the extinction of species that die out because of our negligence or direct influence, environmentalists are using all sorts of tools and practices.

Wild Track is a noninvasive method of wildlife tracking that includes the use of machine-learning algorithms to collect and analyze data gathered from images and other noninvasively harvested information to help us understand and keep track of endangered species. The researchers are optimistic about the potential of this technology in preserving wildlife, especially those species that can't be easily tagged or won't stand still while someone is trying to place a collar on their neck.

Conclusion

These are just some of the ways in which we can use AI to analyze big data gathered through IoT devices and to improve the capabilities of every smart device. We could soon live in fully automated homes that adjust to our needs and habits. The possibilities are virtually endless, and it’s up to us to make the best of what we have and to make the world a better place for us all.