IoT collects, AI analyzes: defining AIoT
IoT is defined as a network of physical devices equipped with sensors that collect and exchange data via wireless networks. With its growing adoption, IoT enables devices to gather massive amounts of data. However, most of these devices lack a crucial element: the ability to interpret this information.
For humans, making sense of such vast data volumes is a complex task—that’s where artificial intelligence (AI) comes in. AI-powered systems can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, decision-making, and pattern or voice recognition.
By integrating AI into IoT infrastructures, businesses can leverage devices that not only collect data but also analyze it in real time, extract insights, identify trends, and solve problems—all without human intervention.
The power of edge computing for AIoT
In an IoT system, AI transforms raw data into actionable and useful information. But at what level? In elements such as programs or chipsets, it can be integrated in two places: at the center of the network (cloud computing) or at its edge (edge computing).
- Cloud computing
The data from IoT devices are managed and processed on cloud computing platforms by various AI tools and integrated services. However, the transmission delay to the cloud can create latency between an event and a response, which is a disadvantage for critical applications. For example, an autonomous vehicle with onboard sensors detecting a pedestrian on the road.
- Edge computing
IoT data is processed locally, close to the source. Edge computing helps reduce latency while enhancing data privacy. By enabling faster information analysis, real-time decision-making is improved. It also allows for a reduction in both costs and dependency on resources provided by cloud services.
AIoT in action: 3 examples of concrete applications
In industries, AIoT revolutionizes IoT systems by making them more autonomous, intelligent, and capable of performing sophisticated tasks. By interpreting continuous data streams, devices develop innovative functionalities that pave the way for significant improvements in business efficiency and productivity.
The integration of AIoT is reshaping a variety of sectors such as:
- Smart cities
The development of smart cities goes hand-in-hand with artificial intelligence. The integration of AI algorithms in environmental sensors leads to innovative use cases, such as the autonomous adjustment of energy usage. For cities, this results in a triple reduction: energy waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and expenses. Regarding traffic, AI can also analyze real-time traffic patterns to help smooth out congestion.
- Industrial manufacturing
With IoT data collected, industrial machines can already perform predictive maintenance. Integrated AI goes further in improving operational efficiency by enabling the detection of anomalies and predicting when a machine is likely to fail.
- Healthcare and telemonitoring
With the real-time collection of patient health data, medical devices enhanced by AI functionalities identify irregularities and alert medical teams. They not only facilitate early detection of problems but also deliver personalized health recommendations. AIoT is revolutionizing telemedicine services, making them more efficient than ever before.
Businesses: what are the challenges of AIoT?
While it offers considerable advantages, AIoT also introduces its share of challenges. Starting with its complexity: this technology is still emerging, and integrating it into processes requires specialized knowledge and skilled labor. Additionally, it comes with a high cost due to the necessary infrastructure (equipment, software, protocols, etc.).
Moreover, there are issues related to privacy and cybersecurity: unauthorized access to sensitive data, potential poisoning of AI algorithms, DoS attacks… Implementing robust cybersecurity strategies is more crucial than ever.
Developing a solid strategy begins with setting clear objectives and identifying the problems that AIoT technologies will need to solve. Companies should also consider their budget constraints and collaborate with AIoT specialists.
In practice, AIoT is a technology accessible to companies equipped with high-performance and powerful equipment… but also with high-speed internet connections. To manage and exchange large amounts of data without delay, it requires powerful hardware and a secure network with ultra-low latency. One solution? 5G, whose characteristics in terms of reliability, network capacity, and data speed provide connectivity that meets the needs of AIoT.
Do you want to capitalize on the potential of AIoT?
Objenious, the Bouygues Telecom brand dedicated to IoT, leverages its multi-technologies portfolio to offer comprehensive and personalized solutions. Benefit from fast, reliable, and low-latency connectivity with our 5G IoT network and explore our XXL plans tailored to your data-hungry IoT needs.