What is AIoT? When Artificial Intelligence meets Internet of Things

In simple terms, AIoT is the combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). To understand this concept more effectively, consider devices like wearables, sensors, and other internet-connected equipment that gather and process data. On its own, AI is utilized to learn from this data, enabling a system to perform tasks intelligently.

When AI is integrated into the IoT, it empowers these devices to not only analyze data but also make decisions and take actions based on that data, all without requiring human intervention.

Market and economies of AIoT

According to IDC, global spending on the Internet of Things is projected to reach $805.7 billion in 2023, making a 10.6 percent rise compared to the preceding year. The same report anticipates that investments within the IoT ecosystem will surpass the $1 trillion mark by 2026.

Market reports underline the substantial promise of IoT technology for fostering product innovation, and companies are reaping financial benefits from this trend. As per Omdia’s findings, 66 percent of enterprises are either already employed or intend to leverage 5G connectivity for their IoT initiatives.

AIoT has the potential to benefit nearly every industry and sector. Leading the way in supplying the essential components for manufacturing AIoT devices are embedded device manufacturers and chipset companies. These components not only enable the integration of machine learning models but also deliver advanced 5G connectivity alongside energy-efficient processor modules.

Edge AI v/s AIoT

Distinguishing between these two acronyms can be tricky, but it’s crucial to clarify their meanings. Edge artificial intelligence (edge AI) refers to processing data where it’s generated rather than sending it to a central cloud for analysis via the internet. This involves deploying machine learning models directly to the network’s edge. Conversely, AIoT represents a broader fusion of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.

One could argue that the integration of edge AI and IoT exemplifies AIoT technology, offering unprecedented opportunities for businesses to leverage real-time data processing and make quick, data-driven decisions. This combination of edge AI with IoT taps into machine learning algorithms to analyze the data generated by IoT sensors.

AIoT and 5G: The future

The volume of data produced by IoT devices is vast, and as IoT technology continues to expand, exponential growth is anticipated. To effectively manage data transmission and enhance network capacity for rapid and extensive data transfer, the speed and reliability of wireless connectivity play a crucial role.

5G networks offer higher data speeds and reduced latency, enabling AIoT devices to transmit and receive data in real-time. This makes them particularly well-suited for applications demanding quick decision-making, such as autonomous vehicles and industrial automation. Moreover, 5G’s ability to handle a substantial number of IoT devices simultaneously is key for AIoT, where numerous devices collaborate, such as in the context of smart cities.

To explore some specific advantages, 5G network slicing can make a difference in AIoT applications by offering customized and dedicated network slices designed to meet the precise requirements of each use case. Network slicing allows network operators to allocate dedicated resources—like bandwidth, latency, and reliability—to various AIoT applications.

For instance, critical applications like autonomous vehicles can be granted a higher priority with low-latency, dependable connections. This adaptability also means that AIoT applications can respond to changing network conditions. In scenarios where uninterrupted service is essential, a dedicated slice can receive additional resources, while other slices can adapt to shifting demands.

Private 5G networks are another valuable asset, providing dedicated, secure, and high-performance connectivity to businesses. They give organizations full control over their network infrastructure, allowing customization of parameters such as bandwidth, latency, and quality of service (QoS).

Furthermore, private 5G networks can be physically isolated from public networks, ensuring data privacy and safeguarding against interference from unauthorized sources. This heightened level of security is especially important for protecting AIoT data and devices from potential data breaches or cyberattacks.

Global adoption

The significance of the technological progress caused by the introduction of AIoT cannot be emphasized enough. In understanding AIoT’s relevance across various industries, the integration with emerging technologies and connectivity solutions takes on even greater importance. This widespread adoption enables businesses to enhance operational efficiency and mitigate the risks and costs linked to disruptions.

As AIoT takes on the role of the foundational technology for edge computing, the significance of processing data nearer to its source, thereby reducing latency and minimizing dependence on cloud infrastructure, cannot be overstated.

Article Topics

5G  |  AI  |  AIoT  |  edge computing  |  generative AI  |  IoT