Artificial intelligence, or AI for short, is used to describe a machine that is capable of accurately perceiving and processing its environment in order to act in such a way that will maximize its chances of succeeding in its task or goal. To put it simply, artificial intelligence is demonstrated when a machine is able to mimic human intelligence, like problem solving skills.
For this reason, more and more technological advances are coming from products that utilize AI software, many of which are making daily life easier and less stressful. Here are 8 ways that artificial intelligence is changing daily life and making it easier.
1. Driverless Cars
One groundbreaking example of AI technology is the creation of driverless cars. These self-driving cars are outfitted with sophisticated technology that allows it to perceive its environment and get from place to place safely with little to no human input.
Advanced safety features, like automatic breaking and sounding an alarm in response to swerving caused by the driver falling asleep at the wheel, utilize artificial technology. In addition to these safety features, cars are being outfitted with AI programs that allow them to recognize the face of the person driving and those in the car, after which it can then automatically adjust the seats, mirrors, and temperature to the individual’s preference.
2. Robot Kitchens
Believe it or not, artificial intelligence systems have been present in kitchens for years. In fact, technical giant LG came out with the world’s first internet refrigerator in 2000, although the refrigerator was unsuccessful due to its hefty price tag of $20,000.
Nowadays, smart refrigerators are gaining popularity for their ability to sync with the cloud and communicate with smartphones. Smart refrigerators can have a multitude of features, depending on its make and model.
A few common features include sending video or picture of its contents to a connected smartphone, sending notifications if the door has been left open, and access to notes and calendar events on the fridge’s screen.
Kitchen AI appliances aren’t only limited to refrigerators either; smart appliances like blenders, kitchen scales, meat thermometers, and more, are gaining popularity for their ability to sync with smartphone apps.
Related: How Artificial Intelligence Vastly Improves Business Automation
3. Online Shopping Assistants
On the business side of things, online shopping assistants are changing the world of e-commerce. Online shopping assistants are dedicated systems that run on a mobile app and use data intelligence to optimize a consumer’s shopping experience.
Shopping assistants have a wide array of features to streamline a customer’s shopping experience; they can compare prices of products from another store to find the best deal, remember previous transactions and purchases as well as track packages, and find coupons that can apply to a purchase.
Additionally, shopping assistants can tailor a shopper’s suggested products based on the store’s current inventory and can answer basic questions such as returns, sales, and customer service issues, at any time of the day.
Surprisingly, researchers in Japan have started making strides in operating the world’s first smart warehouse. A recently upgraded warehouse in Shanghai, China became automated with 20 industrial robots that pick up, transfer, and pack packages. The warehouse is also outfitted with a separate fleet of robots that cart the merchandise to loading docks and trucks.
4. Virtual Assistants
Virtual assistants, also known as digital assistants, are described as an artificial intelligence system or program that is capable of hearing, understanding, and processing natural human language in order to complete tasks given by the user. Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, and Google Home are examples of virtual assistants that are powered by AI.
Virtual assistants are able to complete simple tasks for the user — like making a note, searching the internet, adding events and reminders to a calendar, and managing smart appliances – to help save the user time and effort.
Most virtual assistants have a specific button or phrase that will cue the assistant to start listening and reacting to the user’s command. Siri and Google Home, for example, wake up to the phrases “hey, Siri” and “Ok, Google”, respectively. Additionally, many digital assistants are programmed to analyze each input command and task to increase the accuracy of the AI and its predictions.
5. AI Security Systems
Artificial intelligence powered security systems are a break-through in making sure consumer’s feel safe in their own homes. Upgraded security systems are going far beyond the basic video-based security systems by integrating artificial intelligence monitoring software into their cameras.
These smart cameras are able to communicate with an onsite HUB to monitor the home for any unusual disturbances, such as break-ins or domestic disputes. When the system detects unusual activity, it can then use the HUB to focus on the area where the disturbance originated. From there, the AI powered HUB can send an alert to local police stations and sound an alarm to protect the home.
Upgraded cameras, like the highly popular Deep Sentinel, works in tangent to the AI powered HUB and can store up to 6 months of recorded video. When Deep Sentinel detects a crime occurring, it will automatically start recording and communicate with their remote surveillance center staff, who can then call law enforcement.
Related: Useful Tips on How and Where to Install Security Cameras in Your Tiny Home
6. Digital Tutors
In the realm of education, AI is proving to be a valuable asset to keep students on track to reach their academic goals. Both higher and lower education platforms are integrating AI powered chat boxes into their curriculum, allowing the students to get instant feedback and answers to their questions in real time.
AI designed language learning software, like the mobile app Duolingo are helping thousands of users learn a new language through their self-paced programs. What makes Duolingo’s program unique, however, is its ability to analyze normal speech patterns to help the user gain confidence in speaking with normal, everyday language.
7. Digital Pets
Shockingly, the creation of AI pets has been gaining momentum. The “Aibo”, a robot dog created by Sony is outfitted with sophisticated AI technology that allows it to detect and process its owner’s facial expressions and commands. Much like other AI systems, Aibo dogs grow smarter as they are used more, allowing them to accurately pick up on a person’s personality and tailor their actions to fit the owner’s mood and needs.
Additionally, Sony’s robot dog can recognize up to 100 faces and differentiate between a child and adult face. They can also learn basic commands through its app, where it can also be customized with a name, eye color, and gender.
8. AI Powered Home Cleaning Systems
Artificial intelligence has a wide variety of uses throughout a household. Robot vacuums, like the popular iRoomba, are a fan favorite for their ability to connect to Wi-Fi and respond to vocal commands through both Google Assistant and Alexa. Most robot vacuums can clean multiple types of floors and can affectively navigate around objects to clean the home.
AI pet waste removal systems are also starting to gain popularity for their convenience. Smart litter boxes are able to automatically separate clean litter from the used clumps, which are then disposed of in an airtight drawer. Smart litter boxes come in a variety of sizes.
Related: AI-Powered Facial Recognition- Enhanced Technology to Prevent Fraud
Conclusion
In conclusion, advances in artificial intelligence technology has made various impacts on normal day-to–day life and can be a valuable asset to have in the home. From security and protection to entertainment, AI systems are making life easier and more enjoyable.
