A 5-Part Primer on Artificial Intelligence: Part Two – Everyday Products

By Karen Clay

Clay Technology and Multimedia, L.L.C.

So, now we know that some form of computational device has been in our lives for millennia. We also now know that we have been explicitly discussing, developing, and/or experimenting with AI since 1956. Here’s a look at examples of ordinary tools that use embedded AI in them, illustrating how AI has become an integral part of our lives.

1. Smartphones: AI powers various features in smartphones, such as voice assistants (e.g., Siri, Google Assistant), facial recognition, and predictive text. These technologies enhance our experience such as enabling hands-free operation and secure unlocking.
2. Email Filters: Services like Gmail use AI to filter out spam and organize emails into categories such as Primary, Social, and Promotions. AI algorithms analyze email content to identify and segregate spam, ensuring you see the most relevant messages.
3. Streaming Services: Platforms like Netflix and Spotify use AI to recommend movies, shows, and music based on our preferences and viewing/listening history. They use machine learning algorithms to predict what we will enjoy.
4. Navigation Apps: Apps like Google Maps analyze traffic patterns and provide real-time traffic updates, suggesting alternative routes, and estimating travel times.
5. Smart Home Devices: Devices such as Amazon Echo and Google Home use AI to respond to voice commands, control smart home systems, and provide information. These virtual assistants use natural language processing to understand and respond to your requests or questions. Examples of some of these smart home systems include:
   1. Smart Appliances: Smart refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, and dishwashers can make everyday decisions and tasks easier. Refrigerators can monitor the freshness of food and suggest recipes based on available ingredients. Washing machines can optimize washing cycles by detecting the weight/fabric type of your load and adjusting water levels, detergent usage, and cycle duration for optimal cleaning and energy efficiency. AI-powered ovens can recognize different types of food and suggest appropriate cooking times and temperatures. They use cameras and machine learning algorithms to identify the food and ensure it is cooked perfectly. AI-enabled dishwashers can detect the level of dirtiness on dishes and adjust the washing cycle accordingly. They use sensors to measure how cloudy or clear the water is to optimize the wash and rinse cycles for better cleaning and water efficiency.
   2. AI-Powered Coffee Makers: Smart coffee makers can be controlled via smartphone apps and voice assistants. They can learn your coffee preferences, schedule brewing times, and adjust the strength and temperature of your coffee.
   3. Robotic Vacuum Cleaners: Use AI to clean homes efficiently. They can map the layout of a home, avoid obstacles, and learn the most efficient cleaning paths.
   4. Smart Thermostats: Learn your household’s heating and cooling preferences over time and adjust settings automatically to optimize energy usage and maintain comfort.
   5. Smart Lighting Systems: AI-powered lighting systems can adjust brightness and color based on your preferences, time of day, and activity, learning your habits and adjusting lighting automatically to enhance comfort and energy savings.
   6. Smart Security Systems: AI-powered cameras and doorbells use facial recognition to identify people, detect unusual activities, and send alerts to homeowners. Some systems can also differentiate between humans, animals, and other moving objects.
6. Digital Cameras: Modern digital cameras use AI for various photography features, such as scene recognition, autofocus, and photo enhancement. AI algorithms analyze the scene and automatically adjust settings for the best possible shot. 
7. E-commerce Platforms: Online retailers use AI to provide personalized shopping experiences. AI-driven recommendation engines suggest products based on your browsing and purchase history, increasing the likelihood of sales.
8. Banking and Finance: Banks and financial institutions use AI for fraud detection, risk management, and customer service. AI algorithms analyze transaction patterns to detect unusual activities and provide virtual assistants to handle customer inquiries.
9. Healthcare Applications: AI is used in healthcare for diagnostic tools, personalized treatment plans, and health monitoring. For example, AI algorithms can analyze medical images to detect diseases or use wearable devices to monitor vital signs and alert you to potential health issues.
10. Social Media Platforms: AI is behind features like content recommendations, friend suggestions, and spam filtering. These platforms use AI to analyze your behavior and tailor content to your preferences.

Whether we know it or even like it, AI is already integrated into many aspects of our daily lives. As advancements in machine learning and natural language processing continue, we will experience a growing reliance on AI to simplify complex tasks, make informed decisions, and anticipate our needs. This will drive a future where AI ultimately is seamlessly integrated into all facets of our lives.