What is AIoT?

AI – a term that needs little introduction – simply put, refers to the ability of computer systems to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as problem-solving or decision-making.

IoT describes a network of physical objects (mechanical or digital machines), such as vehicles or appliances, that are embedded with sensors, software and other technologies that enable them to connect and exchange data over the internet. These smart devices are becoming increasingly integrated into our homes, workplaces and cities.

AIoT, or the Artificial Intelligence of Things, is the convergence of AI and IoT, where the connectivity and data collection abilities of IoT is combined with the analytical and decision-making abilities of AI. The combination provides a system that can process high quantities of data, learn, and make autonomous decisions based on said data – creating efficient, responsive systems.

Promising applications of AIoT include predictive monitoring, industrial automation, autonomous driving, and smart home systems.

AIoT systems and devices embed AI into infrastructure components, like chips and programs, which are all connected using IoT networks. API’s (Application Programming Interfaces) are then used to ensure that all hardware and software components operate and communicate without the input of an end-user.

AIoT systems are designed and configured as either cloud-based or edge-based. Cloud-based systems (referred to as IoT-cloud) store, manage and process data using cloud computing platforms.

Edge-based AIoT utilises edge computing on-device machine learning models, AI chips and specialised sensors. This ensures processing happens quickly and locally, without delays caused by long distance data transmissions.

Lightweight machine learning models for on-device processing reduce latency and minimise energy consumption, allowing for real-time decision making and efficiency.

AI chips and specialised sensors help to mitigate some of the challenges associated with limited processing and memory capabilities caused by the large volumes of data IoT devices can generate. These specialised devices make it possible to run advanced algorithms directly on the IoT devices.

AIoT is transforming a variety of industries by merging real-time data collection with intelligent decision-making capabilities. 

AIoT enabled smart devices not only improve user satisfaction through personalisation based on usage and behaviour patterns but can also enhance efficiency and sustainability.

AIoT devices, such as a smart thermostat in a home, can be used to optimise energy consumption based on usage patterns by detecting when there are people at home and automatically turning heating or cooling systems on or off accordingly.

Security systems can utilise AI-enabled cameras and sensors to detect unusual movements while differentiating between an animal or an intruder, as well as then automatically notifying homeowners.

Healthcare is being further tailored and personalised by combining medical devices with intelligent analytics systems,  Wearable sensors can be used to track patient vitals, remotely monitor patients and instantly send medical alerts, if necessary. AI guided robotics are also being utilised in complex surgical procedures to reduce human error.

Through patient-data analysis, including historical records, AIoT systems can also help forecast and prevent potential disease outbreaks.

Smart cities utilise this technology in various ways to collect data that improves operational efficiency, drive economic growth and improve the lives of citizens.

AIoT devices can also be utilised to improve transportation and general roads infrastructure – a topical issue for many cities around the world – which Acumen Software's AI-powered pothole detection solution, SPOTTER has been developed to address.

These AIoT solutions enable proactive maintenance to ensure efficient budget allocation, resource management and improved service delivery - continuously analysing road conditions, detecting abnormalities and enabling real-time, automatic reporting of issues.

SPOTTER reduces the need for manual roads surveys and inspections, which - performed monthly, or sometimes annually - leave extended periods between inspections where  road infrastructural issues, are  left unchecked. SPOTTER provides real-time continuous data collection enabling proactive maintenance, before the repairs become excessive and costly.

Utilising computer vision, AIoT systems can also detect traffic incidents, allowing for route optimisation based on the data, as well as enabling authorities to respond as quickly as possible during emergencies.

AIoT can also be used for adaptive street lighting, adjusting streetlight brightness based on vehicle or pedestrian movements and minimising energy consumption.

AIoT continues to evolve, playing an increasingly active role in daily life, delivering automated, data-driven solutions across a wide range of industries.