The Internet of Autonomous Things (IoAT), alternatively referred to as Autonomous of Things (AoT), is an emerging technological concept. It enables autonomous devices to establish connections and exchange data without the need for human involvement. AoT encompasses various embodiments such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, drones, and smart home devices. The advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning form the fundamental basis for all applications within the realm of AoT.
The Significance of Autonomous of Things (AoT)
According to Gartner, autonomous things will emerge as the most crucial technological trend in the coming years. Several factors contribute to this belief:
1. The impact of technology on the physical world holds greater significance compared to its influence on the digital realm.
2. The capabilities of AI hardware, software, and autonomy drivers are continually improving.
3. The cost of sensors, such as cameras, is decreasing.
4. When considering valuable companies that utilize mobile software, excluding social networks, WeChat and Uber stand out. These companies play a crucial role in enabling real-world payment and transportation functionalities.
The advancements in autonomy technology and artificial intelligence, as well as the decreased costs of sensors, have given rise to smarter autonomous devices capable of automating a wide range of tasks. Consequently, this has contributed to a growing expertise in the realm of autonomous technology. As businesses gain more experience in this field, they stand to reap the advantages offered by autonomous devices in the future.
Essential Topics in Autonomous of Things (AoT)
The field of autonomous things encompasses three key topics that hold great significance:
· One of these topics is the utilization of autonomous drones in various applications. Drones play a pivotal role in the delivery of goods and act as efficient data collectors from the surrounding environment. A notable example of delivery drones is Amazon's pioneering initiative in this area.
· Artificial intelligence encompasses another crucial topic - robotics. This field involves a diverse range of autonomous mobile robots, personal robots, smart robots, delivery robots, and other robotic appliances. Each of these advancements contributes to the growth and progress of robotics.
· Research indicates that the expansion of robotics will have a substantial impact on supply chain networks. With this growth, robots will be entrusted with performing hazardous tasks traditionally carried out by humans in warehouses. Already, we observe the emergence of delivery robots in sectors such as manufacturing, assembly, and warehousing.
Therefore, it is evident that drones, robotics, and self-driving cars are pivotal subjects within the realm of autonomous things. With the continuous progress in the realm of the Internet of Things (IoT), potential opportunities arise for the amalgamation of artificial intelligence (AI) and IoT. Consequently, we might witness a transformation from autonomous things to the convergence of AI and IoT, paving the way for the Internet of Autonomous Things (IoAT) in the future.
Current Applications of Autonomous of Things
Transportation
· Autonomous Cars: These vehicles heavily depend on a set of advanced technologies such as sensors, actuators, intricate algorithms, machine learning systems, and high-powered processors to effectively run their software. These autonomous vehicles employ an array of sensors strategically placed across the vehicle to create and maintain a detailed map of their surroundings. Radar sensors are responsible for continuously monitoring the position of nearby vehicles. Video cameras play a crucial role in identifying traffic lights, reading road signs, tracking other vehicles, and detecting pedestrians. Lidar sensors utilize pulses of light to accurately measure distances, identify road edges, and recognize lane markings. Additionally, ultrasonic sensors in the wheels effectively detect curbs and other vehicles during parking maneuvers.
The gathered sensory information is then seamlessly processed by sophisticated software. This software not only interprets all the sensory data but also plots a safe and efficient path for the vehicle. It eventually sends precise instructions to the vehicle's actuators, which expertly control acceleration, braking, and steering. To ensure compliance with traffic regulations and enhance safety, the software incorporates hardcoded rules, obstacle avoidance algorithms, predictive modeling, and object recognition capabilities.
· Vehicle Platooning: The utilization of Peloton enables the establishment of cooperation between vehicles by harnessing collective intelligent behavior and swarm intelligence within decentralized systems. Platooning involves a group of self-driving units that travel together at similar speeds, ensuring safe and efficient transportation. Trucks communicate with each other to maintain a consistent speed and synchronized braking.
· Robo-taxis: Tesla has introduced the concept of Robo-taxis, which serve as autonomous sharing networks. This innovative launch has the potential to revolutionize car ownership. In 2019, Elon Musk announced Tesla's ambitious plan to manufacture over 1,000,000 Robo-taxis in the following year.
Military
· Little autonomous weapons (LAWs), currently being researched by scholars, have generated mixed opinions concerning the ethical implications of incorporating them along with drones in military operations. Proponents of the use of lethal autonomous weapons (LAWs) argue that machines lack emotions such as love, fear, and anger, thereby ensuring transparent and clear decision-making processes. Additionally, the autonomy provided by these weapons is believed to aid in crime reduction, as drones provide more accurate information, enabling a distinction between enemy combatants and innocent civilians. However, opponents of this viewpoint assert that the implementation of lethal autonomous weapons (LAWs) would facilitate the ease of initiating warfare.
Retail
· There is a growing trend of autonomous shops such as Amazon Go, where customers can make purchases without the need for cashiers or checkouts. This type of shopping experience is gaining popularity in the United States, with startups like AiFi and Grabango leading the way. These innovative shopping systems aim to streamline the process by incorporating self-checkout technology, making shopping more convenient for customers.
Construction
· Autonomous cranes: Intsite, a heavy machinery company, has recently unveiled AutoSite100, an innovative autonomous crane product that revolutionizes the construction industry. The cutting-edge technology employed in this product, including AI and machine vision, allows for the seamless operation of heavy-duty machinery without human intervention.
· Haulage vehicles: In a significant development for the mining industry, Komatsu American Corp. introduced the FrontRunner autonomous haulage system. This groundbreaking product has paved the way for mine-wide optimization and enhanced safety. A remarkable accomplishment of this system is the successful movement of an astounding two billion tons of surface material through driverless operation.
Healthcare
Autonomous surgeon: Healthcare industry is currently developing SARAS, a smart autonomous robotic assisted surgeon that aims to enhance surgical procedures by enabling a single surgeon to perform operations. SARAS is equipped with a cognitive supervisor system, allowing it to understand the real-time status of the surgical procedure through its sensing system. This state-of-the-art technology enables SARAS to seamlessly align its actions with the specific requirements and preferences of the surgeon.
Conclusion - Future of AoT will Transform Almost all Sectors
The integration and intelligent networking of autonomous things with each other and their environment advance steadily. This entails the combination of autonomous things with language technology and emotional intelligence. As noted earlier, the term "AoT" is increasingly used to describe these technological advancements. Consequently, the progress in AI algorithms and IoT development is expected to enable computers to operate as autonomous entities freely moving and interacting with individuals in the physical world. Enabling machines to make autonomous decisions and accomplish tasks independently will transform our lives in many ways. This evolution is made possible by the integration of sensors, artificial intelligence, and analytical capabilities and as a result, autonomy will progressively be revolutionizing every industry.
댓글