AI: Why Convenience is Defining What We Think of Home
The onset of artificial intelligence (AI) has given us convenience and may define the way we think of home. I watched a documentary where our earliest ancestors lived in caverns and left their stories imprinted with paintings on cave surfaces. Cultural life depicted on rock walls. After all, the home is the hub of our stories rich with allure passed down over many centuries. What do our ancestors think of the evolution of our homes — from trees, caves, igloos, teepees, log cabins, bricks, current pre-fabricated structures to our progressively evolving smart homes? A wondrous time, indeed, to live on the cusp of innovative breakthroughs in every moment.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
First, I’m not an expert however will sum my understanding as best I can. AI is made up of interconnected systems. A subset of AI is Machine Learning which requires machines to make decisions by giving them data. A subset of Machine Learning is Deep Learning which leverages neural networks to solve complex systems.
Another way to describe this is to picture a large box. All the space inside represents AI. Then, you place a medium box (machine learning) inside the larger box. Next, you place a smaller box (deep learning) inside the machine learning box.
Great, except, AI also extends out into fields of:
· Object detection
· Language processing
· Robotics
· Connected systems (Internet of Things (IoT))
Now, picture the large box again. Only this time, you place a box for object detection, language processing, robotics, and IoT with the machine learning box that is already in there.
All these boxes are contained in the AI box.
Makes your brain hurt, doesn’t it?
Is AI’s Achievement Being Human?
Artificial Intelligence is a technology of using machines to work and behave like humans. Scientists are working to replicate the processing power of our human brain which is a beautiful puzzle. While AI can process large amounts of data, our brains with little effort can learn from a few examples.
The theory in deep learning research is that the more data given in an algorithm, the better it will learn.
The Influx of Smart Homes
In view of this, have you ever wondered what our homes will look like in five to ten years? The data from Statista shows the smart home market is rapidly growing:
· Revenue in the Smart Home market is projected to reach US$2,189m in 2021.
· Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2021–2025) of 11.7%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$3,409m by 2025.
· Household penetration will be 27.9% in 2021 and is expected to hit 46.6% by 2025.
· The average revenue per installed Smart Home currently is expected to amount to US$492.96.
· A global comparison reveals that most revenue is generated in the United States (US$28,864m in 2021).
AI Innovation Driven By You and I (Consumers)
As a result, the appeal of these top five smart technologies influence homeowners to make the gradual shift towards high tech, efficiency homes:
1. Advanced networks. This requires network equipment and wireless access points placed in areas of your home.
2. Remote Access. Customized access can let you check on your home such as locking or unlocking doors.
3. Light Controls. Create ambient lighting indoors and outdoors automatically (in other words, choose dim or bright light), or even make it seem as if you’re home (while you are enjoying a margarita on a beach).
4. Smart robots. iRobot is one of many examples of a vacuum and mop that can scoop up spills with the use of an app. Mordor Intelligence states, the robotics market was valued at USD 23.67 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 74 billion by 2026 and grow at a CAGR of 20.4% over the forecast period (2021–2026). Robots, increasingly, will adopt the roles of personal assistants, delivery vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and more.
5. Smart security systems. Set up your system to send intelligent notifications that differentiate between people you know and
discourage strangers.
A Smart Home Will Learn Your Preferences
Very much like the cartoon TV show, The Jetsons, an AI interconnected home knows what ‘wake up call’ music to turn on in the morning while the coffee maker starts to brew. In case of a restless night, pre-set mood lighting will ease you into dreamland. Given that, forget about misplaced car keys because your fully charged autonomous ‘always on’ car will go wherever you want to travel. Additionally, it won’t be necessary to guess whether the temperature in your home is ideal because the smart thermostat can turn itself up or down. In other words, robotics can handle cleaning, cooking, shopping, driving as improved sensors simultaneously keep tabs on your well-being.
Upkeep Notifications Replace To-Do Lists
Instead of scribbling your never ending to-do list in chalk, pen or pencil, digital notifications from a smart fridge with a touch-screen display, without a doubt, is here. Especially, the ability to look up digital recipes; less need to call a relative to share their secret sauce. In truth, amazing, but what happens to grandma’s handwritten recipe book? Also, what does it mean when a fridge speaks or sends an email to notify you of contents inside with the use of interior cameras? This is only the beginning. Moreover, say good-bye to calorie counting; you can expect your fridge to send you messages on healthier food choices.
Smart home sensors will be able to also check for water damage and pest infiltration allowing a more cost-efficient way to manage repairs. The array of lifestyle improvements is endless. While promising, the risk of privacy breaches is also very real. All this data is vulnerable to hacks, identity theft or ransomware.
AI is already a critical part of everyday life from the moment you use your mobile devices.
For example, when you do a Google maps search or use Siri, Cortana, and Alexa, you are using weak artificial intelligence.
As new homes are built, you can expect smart technology to be an essential part of your new home just like sinks and faucets; even rely on it as a upsell feature, for instance.
Does Chatbot or You Define Home?
As much as you rely on technology, is your capacity to live in sustainable spaces, where taxis are replaced with autonomous pick-up service, and your rooftop vegetable garden enough to keep you connected to your community? Or will sleek, streamlined accessories be the hallmark of a home?
Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and innovative building materials is affording you the convenience of living life with data readily available to make well-informed decisions — from health choices to home maintenance. And, yet, it makes you think about personal decisions. Namely, is personal choice independant or dependant on machines?
Also, if you are happy to trade your ability to do things for yourself for the convenience of smart technology, will your brain’s capacity to process, solve, create, and discern…decline?
Though it’s unclear how the future of AI will unfold. Do you imagine yourself in a self-governing car on-route to a construction site where you get to see your custom home built by robotic arms drilling because it reduces the high mortality rate and injury of workers? Is the future of curb appeal in suburbs robots zipping around to mow lawns, clip hedges, and clear your garbage?
Finally, there is no place like home. It’s the irreplaceable warmth, shared oral stories, and time spent together that makes a home. The AI gadgets — well, our ancestors will be both in awe and equally amused by them.
What do you like about artificial intelligent homes? Share your thoughts.
