Artificial intelligence: here to help?
The next generation of smart homes puts people front and centre
In future, AI will pave the way for services aimed at making everyday life easier. But such technology has benefits and pitfalls alike.
The launch of ChatGPT marks merely the beginning of the wave of different AI-based tools that are set to find their way into our day-to-day lives. Looking forward, we will see an array of AI-driven bots designed to support us in an increasing number of areas of life; from communication to planning our daily schedule, they help by creating recipes from leftovers from the fridge or providing children with bespoke learning tips. Besides controlling heating or lighting based on environmental and behavioural data, the next generation of smart homes will communicate with residents and offer suggestions for optimising everyday life. AI can also boost sustainability over the long term, not least by helping to reduce energy consumption. Other benefits include enabling elderly people to stay in their own homes by using the technology to make an emergency call if required.
As the range of possibilities grows, so too does the risk of increasing surveillance and monitoring through well-intentioned efforts at optimisation, which are increasingly perceived as digital paternalism. We must also be mindful that AI has no genuine understanding of the real world; instead, it generates content and training based on statistical connections between different data. As homes become increasingly digitally connected, the risk of cyber attacks or system failures is rising. In a building with a high level of automation, this could lead to the unintended locking of windows or doors.
A lack of clear measures governing which data is collected from residents and who has access to such information leads to uncertainty and jeopardises privacy. Yet it is vital that we protect our privacy, especially within our own homes. As such, having ethical criteria in place when dealing with artificial intelligence is a prerequisite for ensuring sustainable added value. Ideally, this should not come with any downsides. Last but not least, it is important to acknowledge that using and training AI requires considerable amounts of electricity.
Theories about the future of AI-assisted living
Homes and offices are being equipped with more and more sensors and automated controls that help make everyday life easier or increase security.
However, not all of the technology is actually beneficial. Indeed, in some cases it may lead to higher costs or dependencies. A digitally upgraded fridge, for instance, has a shorter lifespan than a traditional appliance and will have to be replaced sooner. Outsourcing more and more tasks to algorithms, from communicating to navigating city traffic, risks a loss of skills and independence. Only digital solutions that offer real benefits for residents have long-term potential.
As a counter-trend, low- or no-tech solutions are increasingly likely to prevail due to the desire for self-determination and for cost reasons.
The genuine ‘smart’ option will be for people to decide for themselves whether and when to open a window.
Creating standardised, secure data infrastructure is essential for the beneficial digitalisation of properties.
Such a system should clearly regulate which data is collected by whom, who has access to the information and how residents and building users can benefit from its use.
Together with the think tank W.I.R.E., Livit is venturing to take a look at the world of tomorrow to mark its 60th anniversary. The project examines six long-term developments in terms of their consequences for our daily lives and the spaces where we live and work. Follow us on LinkedIn to make sure you don’t miss a post.