Page 12 - Spaces Magazine Volume 1

· 12 · Vol 0ne ® Smart Spaces AI: Expanding intelligence in smart buildings By Sarah Mac Smart Spaces Smart buildings pump out data. Where there’s data, there’s opportunity for AI. We’ve already seen AI drive change across multiple sectors. As AI driven optimisation continues, AI integrated smart buildings are set to become the benchmark. Whilst a smart building can be thought of as a single entity, it is in fact a node of convergence for a network of systems and devices. These communicate to give a seamless tenant experience. It’s these interactions that provide the data that maps out a building’s efficiency. By capitalising on AI, smart buildings can optimise environments to drive sustainable practices. How will AI be used in the smart buildings of the future? AI will transform the smart building in many ways, delivering benefits across the board for building owners, managers, tenants and end users alike. 1. Improving energy efficiency management The AI-powered smart building will optimise energy consumption using machine learned automations to adjust heating, lighting and cooling systems based on real time usage and occupancy. It will also react to external factors such as climate and natural light fluctuations. 2. Boosting the accuracy of predictive maintenance AI algorithms will predict potential issues with building systems and equipment, extending equipment life and cutting crippling downtime. Machine learning algorithms will recognise even the most subtle signs of potential failures. A process that might have proved challenging for traditional, rule-based systems to identify. Even better, as the model receives feedback on its predictions, it will adapt and improve its accuracy over time, leading to more dependable maintenance forecasts. 3. Enhancing the visitor experience Artificial intelligence will streamline the visitor experience in the future smart building. Guiding visitors through the sign- in process, callers may be greeted by anything from a simple tablet to a robot reception manager. Visitors will also enjoy wayfinding information delivered direct to their handsets, whilst hosts are automatically notified of their arrival. 4. Using knowledge as power One of AI’s most exceptional features, has to be its ability to process and analyse vast swathes of data in real time. Advanced analytics provide valuable insights into building performance and efficiency. It then scrutinises how resources and spaces are used, as well as highlighting opportunities for improvement and cost savings. IoT data mining will be used to automate many facilities management tasks, freeing up valuable time to refocus on more meaningful jobs. Things like strategic space planning, costs optimisation and budgeting can be a main focus. They’ll also be able to allocate time to tasks that require a more human feel, such as community engagement, culture and workplace transformation. Smart building management is one of several emerging AI-driven trends in the commercial real estate sector. Commercial real estate, buoyed by AI, will undoubtedly experience titanic growth. What important AI trends are set to transform the commercial real estate sector?