Integrating Next-Gen Sensors and IoT for Enhanced Building Performance

Integrating Next-Gen Sensors and IoT for Enhanced Building Performance

In an era where technology continuously redefines the boundaries of possibility, the integration of next-generation sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) devices into building automation systems is transforming how we manage and experience indoor environments. As buildings become more intelligent, these technologies are enhancing user control, optimizing space usage, and significantly improving energy efficiency. This shift not only benefits building operators and occupants but also aligns with global sustainability goals, making the adoption of Building Internet of Things (BIoT) strategies a compelling choice for forward-thinking organizations.

The Evolution of Sensors and IoT in Building Automation

Building automation has come a long way from simple thermostats and lighting timers. Today’s smart buildings are equipped with a network of sensors and IoT devices that work together to monitor, control, and optimize building operations in real time. These technologies offer unprecedented levels of insight and control, transforming static structures into dynamic environments that adapt to the needs of their occupants.

Next-Gen Sensors are the unsung heroes of this transformation. These devices, often small and unobtrusive, collect data on various environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, light levels, air quality, and occupancy. Modern sensors are more accurate, reliable, and energy-efficient than their predecessors, with many capable of wirelessly transmitting data over long distances.

Meanwhile, IoT devices serve as the connective tissue, enabling different systems within a building to communicate and work together. IoT devices can range from smart thermostats and lighting controls to advanced HVAC systems and security cameras. When integrated into a cohesive system, they allow building managers to monitor and control all aspects of the building’s performance from a single interface, whether on-site or remotely.

Enhancing User Control Over Environmental Conditions

One of the most immediate benefits of integrating next-gen sensors and IoT in building automation is the enhanced level of control it offers users over their environment. In the past, environmental controls in buildings were often centralized, with little flexibility to adjust conditions based on individual preferences or real-time changes in occupancy.

Today, IoT-enabled BMS can deliver a highly personalized experience. Occupants can use their smartphones or dedicated control panels to adjust the temperature, lighting, and ventilation in their immediate surroundings. This level of customization improves comfort and productivity, as users can tailor their environment to their specific needs.

Furthermore, these systems can learn from user behavior over time, using machine learning algorithms to anticipate preferences and adjust settings automatically. For instance, if a conference room is typically booked for meetings at 9 AM, the system can preemptively adjust the temperature and lighting to optimal levels before occupants arrive, enhancing both comfort and energy efficiency.

Optimizing Space Usage with IoT

In addition to improving user control, the integration of sensors and IoT devices offers powerful tools for optimizing space usage within a building. In commercial settings, where real estate costs are significant, maximizing the utility of available space is crucial.

Occupancy sensors, combined with IoT analytics platforms, provide real-time data on how spaces are being used. For example, sensors can detect when a meeting room is occupied, how many people are present, and how long they stay. This data can be analyzed to identify underutilized areas, enabling building managers to reconfigure spaces to better meet the needs of occupants.

Moreover, IoT systems can integrate with scheduling and reservation systems to automatically allocate resources based on demand. If certain rooms or areas are consistently underutilized, the system can suggest repurposing them for other activities or even adjusting the building layout to improve flow and efficiency.

This level of insight also supports more flexible workplace models, such as hot-desking and activity-based working, where employees do not have assigned desks but instead choose workspaces based on the tasks they need to complete. By understanding usage patterns, organizations can design spaces that better support these new ways of working, ultimately enhancing employee satisfaction and productivity.

Contributing to Energy Efficiency

Perhaps the most significant impact of integrating next-gen sensors and IoT into building automation is the potential for energy efficiency. Buildings are among the largest consumers of energy worldwide, accounting for about 40% of total global energy usage. Reducing this consumption is not only a cost-saving measure but also a critical component of efforts to mitigate climate change.

Sensors play a crucial role in monitoring real-time energy usage, detecting inefficiencies, and identifying opportunities for savings. For instance, occupancy sensors can ensure that lights and HVAC systems are only active when a space is in use, automatically turning them off when the space is vacant. This simple adjustment can lead to substantial energy savings over time.

IoT devices can also enable more sophisticated energy management strategies, such as demand response. By connecting to the grid, a building can automatically reduce its energy usage during peak demand periods, helping to balance the load and prevent blackouts while also reducing energy costs.

Moreover, IoT systems can integrate with renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, optimizing their usage based on weather conditions and energy demand. This integration supports the broader adoption of renewable energy, further reducing the building’s carbon footprint and contributing to global sustainability goals.

Aligning with Global Sustainability Goals

The integration of next-gen sensors and IoT in building automation is not just about improving comfort and efficiency—it is also about aligning with the global push toward sustainability. With the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement’s targets for reducing carbon emissions, there is increasing pressure on organizations to adopt greener practices.

BIoT strategies are a powerful tool in this effort. By enabling real-time monitoring and control of energy usage, water consumption, and waste management, IoT systems help buildings operate more sustainably. They provide the data needed to make informed decisions about resource usage and identify areas for improvement, whether it’s reducing energy consumption during off-peak hours or optimizing water usage in landscaping.

Additionally, BIoT systems can help organizations meet regulatory requirements and achieve certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). These certifications not only demonstrate a commitment to sustainability but can also enhance the market value of a building.

The Benefits of Adopting BIoT Strategies

For organizations considering the adoption of BIoT strategies, the benefits are clear:

  1. Enhanced Operational Efficiency: By integrating sensors and IoT devices, buildings can operate more efficiently, reducing energy and resource consumption while improving comfort and functionality.
  2. Improved Occupant Experience: With greater control over their environment and more responsive building systems, occupants enjoy a more comfortable, productive, and personalized experience.
  3. Cost Savings: Energy efficiency and optimized space usage translate directly into cost savings, with lower utility bills and more efficient use of real estate.
  4. Sustainability and Compliance: BIoT strategies support sustainability goals and help organizations meet regulatory requirements, contributing to a greener planet and enhancing corporate social responsibility efforts.
  5. Future-Proofing: As technology continues to evolve, buildings equipped with IoT systems are better positioned to adapt to new innovations, ensuring they remain at the cutting edge of building performance.

Conclusion

The integration of next-gen sensors and IoT into building automation is more than just a technological upgrade—it’s a fundamental shift in how we manage and experience our built environments. By enhancing control, optimizing space usage, and driving energy efficiency, these technologies offer a pathway to smarter, more sustainable buildings. As global sustainability goals become increasingly important, adopting BIoT strategies is not just a smart move; it’s an essential one for organizations committed to leading in the modern era. With the right approach, the buildings of tomorrow will not only meet the needs of their occupants but also contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

The Role of 5G in Next-Generation Integrations

The Role of 5G in Next-Generation Integrations

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, the integration of systems plays a pivotal role in driving efficiency, innovation, and growth across industries. As businesses seek to harness the power of connectivity to optimize operations and deliver value to customers, the emergence of fifth generation (5G) wireless technology stands poised to revolutionize the field of system integration. With its promise of faster speeds, lower latency, and greater reliability, 5G is set to unlock a new era of integration, transforming the way businesses operate and interact with the digital world.

Unleashing the Power of Speed and Reliability

At its core, 5G represents a paradigm shift in wireless connectivity, offering speeds up to 100 times faster than existing 4G networks and significantly lower latency. This exponential increase in bandwidth and responsiveness opens up a wealth of opportunities for system integrators, enabling them to design and deploy solutions that were previously unimaginable.

5G’s enhanced speed and reliability enable seamless communication between devices, systems, and applications, facilitating real-time data exchange and enabling near-instantaneous response times. This enables businesses to optimize processes, improve decision-making, and deliver superior customer experiences.

antenna mast for mobile communication

Empowering Remote Operations

One of the most profound implications of 5G technology for system integrators is its ability to empower remote operations on an unprecedented scale. With 5G-enabled connectivity, businesses can leverage high-speed, low-latency networks to remotely monitor and control equipment, machinery, and infrastructure in real-time, regardless of geographical location.

For instance, in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation, 5G facilitates the deployment of autonomous systems and remote-controlled drones for tasks such as asset inspection, maintenance, and surveillance. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also improves safety by minimizing the need for human intervention in hazardous environments.

Revolutionizing Real-Time Data Processing

In addition to enabling remote operations, 5G technology revolutionizes real-time data processing, allowing system integrators to extract insights and make informed decisions at unprecedented speeds. With 5G’s ultra-low latency, data can be transmitted and processed in near real-time, paving the way for applications such as predictive analytics, machine learning, and augmented reality.

For example, in healthcare, 5G-powered telemedicine platforms facilitate remote consultations, diagnostic imaging, and surgical procedures with minimal latency, enabling healthcare providers to deliver high-quality care to patients regardless of their location. Similarly, in retail, 5G enables immersive shopping experiences through augmented reality applications that allow customers to visualize products in their own environment before making a purchase.

5G and Internet Telecommunication

Overcoming Challenges and Maximizing Potential

While the potential of 5G technology in system integrations is immense, it also presents challenges that must be addressed to maximize its benefits. These challenges include infrastructure deployment, spectrum availability, security concerns, and interoperability issues.

To overcome these challenges, system integrators must collaborate closely with telecommunications providers, regulatory agencies, and technology partners to ensure the seamless integration of 5G into existing systems and workflows. This may involve investing in infrastructure upgrades, implementing robust security measures, and developing interoperable solutions that can adapt to evolving standards and protocols.

Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Integration with 5G

In conclusion, 5G technology is poised to revolutionize system integrations by providing faster speeds, lower latency, and greater reliability than ever before. With its ability to empower remote operations, revolutionize real-time data processing, and unlock transformative applications across industries, 5G holds the potential to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and shape the future of integration.

As system integrators, it is imperative that we embrace the opportunities presented by 5G technology and work collaboratively to overcome the challenges it presents. By harnessing the power of 5G, we can unlock new possibilities, accelerate digital transformation, and create a more connected, intelligent world for generations to come.

IoT in Industry: Connecting the Dots in the Modern Industrial Landscape

IoT in Industry: Connecting the Dots in the Modern Industrial Landscape

Imagine an industrial environment not just as a collection of machinery and processes but as a network—a community where each component communicates seamlessly. This is the world of the Internet of Things (IoT), where devices large and small connect and collaborate to streamline operations, enhance safety, and save energy. Let’s explore how IoT is revolutionizing system integration, making industrial operations smarter and more interconnected.

The Heart of Industrial IoT

At its core, IoT links devices to gather and share data in real time. Think of it as a team sport, where each player has a specific role, yet everyone needs to work together to win. In industrial settings, this means sensors on a machine can predict when it will need maintenance before breaking down, much like a point guard can anticipate a teammate’s move in basketball.

Key Benefits of IoT in Industry

  • Boosting Efficiency: IoT allows for real-time monitoring and control, which streamlines operations and minimizes downtime. It’s like having a dashboard that shows you traffic conditions, allowing you to choose the quickest route to your destination.
  • Enhancing Safety: IoT devices help monitor working conditions continuously, alerting staff to potential hazards before they become dangerous. This proactive approach to safety is akin to having a weather alert system that warns you about incoming storms, helping you prepare in advance.
  • Improving Sustainability: By optimizing energy use, IoT helps industries reduce their environmental footprint. It’s like smart home technology, where adjusting your thermostat remotely ensures your home is energy efficient, saving on costs and resources.
boat on dangerous seas at night

Navigating IoT Challenges

While IoT offers tremendous benefits, it comes with its set of challenges:

  • Security: With more devices connected, there’s a higher risk of cyber threats. Ensuring robust security protocols is crucial, much like installing a good security system in your home to guard against intruders.
  • Interoperability: The diverse range of IoT devices and standards can make seamless integration challenging. System integrators must be adept at making different systems work together as smoothly as orchestrating a symphony from a variety of musical instruments.
  • Scalability: As operations grow, so must the IoT infrastructure. This requires a flexible and scalable system, ready to incorporate new technologies and expand capabilities, like planning a city’s infrastructure to accommodate growth.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation

Staying current with IoT technology requires ongoing education and practical experience. For system integrators and industrial professionals, this means continuously updating their skills through workshops and training, akin to doctors who attend medical conferences to keep up with advancements in medicine.

robotic humanoid looking at the horizon

Looking to the Future

As technologies like 5G and AI evolve, they will further enhance the capabilities of IoT systems, making them even more efficient and integrated. This is the next step in the IoT journey—where faster connectivity and smarter algorithms turn industrial environments into highly responsive, efficient systems.

IoT is not just transforming how industries operate; it’s redefining the very fabric of industrial automation. By connecting devices and allowing them to communicate, IoT is creating a more cohesive, safe, and sustainable industrial environment. Embracing this technology means not only adopting new tools but also adapting to a new way of thinking about and managing industrial operations. With the right approach, the possibilities are as vast as they are exciting.

Revamping Workplace Productivity and Wellbeing Through Strategic Facility Design

Revamping Workplace Productivity and Wellbeing Through Strategic Facility Design

In today’s fast-paced environment, the design of workplace spaces significantly impacts the mood, health, and productivity of employees. Facility managers and owners are shifting their focus. They’re no longer just creating spaces that fulfill basic needs. Instead, they’re crafting environments that improve the well-being and efficiency of everyone inside. This shift towards spaces that positively influence the occupants’ physical and psychological states not only enhances productivity but also cultivates a healthier workplace culture.

The Significance of Well-Conceived Workspaces

Numerous studies have established a link between workspace design and employee productivity and well-being. Well-lit, ventilated, and aesthetically pleasing spaces can boost mood and energy, leading to enhanced work performance. On the flip side, poorly designed spaces can cause discomfort and even health issues. Thus, the design of a workspace plays a critical role in the well-being and efficiency of its occupants.

Enhancing Natural Light and Ventilation

Natural light and fresh air play pivotal roles in creating an optimal work environment. Integrating large windows, skylights, and smart positioning of workstations to maximize natural light can make a significant difference. Good ventilation is equally important for maintaining air quality and ensuring the well-being of everyone in the workspace.

Prioritizing Ergonomic Design

Comfortable furniture and equipment that promote good posture are essential. Options like ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks, and keyboard trays help in reducing physical discomfort, making a noticeable difference in daily productivity.

Introducing Green Spaces

Incorporating plants and living walls into the office not only beautifies the space but also enhances air quality and reduces stress levels. Such natural elements can transform the ambiance, making it more welcoming and restorative.

Flexible Workspaces for Diverse Needs

The rise of flexible workspaces reflects the evolving needs of today’s workforce. Offering a mix of areas for collaboration, focus, and relaxation supports various work styles and tasks, thereby boosting overall satisfaction and productivity.

Embracing Biophilic Design

Biophilic design takes the concept of integrating nature into the workspace to a new level. It includes using natural materials and colors, and even incorporating water features. This approach has been shown to reduce stress, enhance cognitive function, and improve mood and creativity.

Integrating Technology Seamlessly

Incorporating infrastructure for advanced technology ensures that workspaces are not only functional but also future-proof. This supports high-speed internet, wireless communication, and smart technology, facilitating seamless work processes.

Aesthetics and Personal Touches Matter

A visually appealing workspace that allows for personalization can significantly impact how connected and satisfied employees feel with their environment. Artwork, brand elements, and personal spaces contribute to a sense of identity and belonging.

Wellness Areas: A Must-Have

Dedicating spaces for physical and mental relaxation, such as fitness centers or quiet rooms, underscores the importance of holistic well-being in the workplace. It shows a commitment to supporting employees’ health and well-being comprehensively.

The Proactive Role of Facility Managers

Facility managers and owners play a crucial role in implementing these design principles. They must align the workspace design with the organization’s unique culture and needs. This may involve collaboration with interior designers and architects to create spaces that reflect the company’s values and goals. Additionally, staying informed about the latest workspace design trends and incorporating sustainable practices is key to creating environments that inspire and support employees.

Conclusion

Thoughtful facility design is a powerful tool for promoting productivity and well-being. By focusing on natural lighting, ergonomic setups, flexible spaces, and wellness areas, facility managers can create environments that not only meet functional needs but also inspire and uplift. As workspace design continues to evolve, the emphasis on creating people-centric environments will undoubtedly grow, highlighting the critical role of our surroundings in shaping our work experiences and overall well-being.

12 Short Video Categories for Creating Engaging Content

12 Short Video Categories for Creating Engaging Content

The most difficult part of creating short videos isn’t the production or sharing. It’s coming up with effective content ideas. One easy way to generate engaging content is to use a common category as a guide. Here are some popular categories that work well on most platforms, as standard corporate posts or paid ads.

One limitation you may run into is the maximum video length for each app. As of the time of this writing, the following max time limits apply for the following platforms:

  • TikTok: 10 Minutes
  • Instagram Reels: 90 seconds
  • YouTube Shorts: 60 seconds

If your video concept will require more than a minute, it probably isn’t practical for a YouTube Short.

1. Behind-the-Scenes

Show a glimpse into your daily operations and behind-the-scenes tour. This could include showcasing your team working on projects, setting up equipment, or testing systems. Behind-the-Scenes also work well for events. If your company attends industry events, trade shows, or conferences, capture moments from these events and share them. This can create excitement and showcase your company’s involvement in the industry.

2. Before-and-After Transformations

Highlight the transformational power of your work by sharing videos that show “before” and “after” shots of projects you have completed. This can be particularly captivating if you’re working on visual installations or upgrading systems.

3. Quick Tips and Tutorials

Educate your audience by sharing short, informative videos that provide tips and tutorials related to your business or industry. For example, you could explain how to set up a specific type of BMS or offer troubleshooting advice.

@hvacexplained

A lot to cram in for a three minute video but here goes nothing. This 150 ton cooling capacity chiller looks overwhelming but believe it or not it utilizes your main refrigeration components. #hvac #hvaclife #steamfitterslocal449 #hvacexplained #pittsburgh #commercialhvac #refrigeration #chiller #aquasnap #carrier#viper #condenser

♬ original sound – HVACEXPLAINED

4. Product Demos

Showcasing your products in action is a great way to engage with your audience. Demonstrate how your products work, highlight their unique features, and explain their benefits.

https://www.tiktok.com/@jantheman____/video/6984979626749644038?lang=en&q=commercial%20hvac&t=1687226551894

5. Employee Spotlights

Introduce your team members through short videos that highlight their roles, skills, and personalities. This humanizes your brand and helps your audience connect with the people behind the company.

6. Client Testimonials

Share short clips of satisfied clients discussing the positive impact your services have had on their businesses or lives. This can help build trust and credibility among your audience.

7. Q&A

Take questions from your followers and answer them with another video. Q&As give your audience valuable information, creates a direct connection with them, and addresses their immediate concerns.

@tonymormino

Here Jamie Ambeau explaines how air in our HVAC sytems can cause major long term problems. Jamie one of the countries foremost experts in removing air and dirt form water loops. #hvac #hvactechnician #commercialhvac #hvaclife #mechanicalcontractor

♬ original sound – Tony Mormino

8. Fun and Creative Projects

Showcase unique or creative projects you’ve worked on that go beyond your traditional work. For example, if you’ve integrated systems into an immersive art installation or a smart home with innovative features, capture and share those moments.

9. Industry Trends and Insights

Share your thoughts and insights on current trends and developments in the systems integration industry. This positions you as an expert and keeps your audience informed about the latest advancements.

@jointhetrades

For a debt-free 6-figure job, id say the pros outweigh the cons. #jointhetrades #commercialhvac #skilledtrades

♬ original sound – JoinTheTrades.com

10. Collaborations

Collaborate with other content creators or businesses in related fields to create engaging and mutually beneficial content. This can help expand your reach and bring new perspectives to your audience.

11. Company Culture and Employee Spotlights

Highlight your company culture and introduce your team members to your audience. This humanizes your brand and fosters a connection with your followers. Showing off your company culture also aids in employee recruitment.

12. User-Generated Content

If you want to get your audience hooked on short-form video content, get them to create their own! Encourage your audience to make short-form videos featuring your products. Social media advertising can be much more effective when it features user-generated content (UGC), whether it be product reviews or DIY tutorials.


Bonus: Popular Topics

Popular short form video apps consistently feature specific topics and genres that are popular with users. Mix these topics with the above categories to create engaging content unique to your brand. For example, you could showcase an access control project (Behind-the-Scenes) that made a building more accessible to folks with visual impairment (Social Responsibility).  

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

If your company has a strong commitment to sustainability or social responsibility, create videos that highlight your initiatives. Share your efforts to reduce your carbon footprint, support charitable causes, or make a positive impact on society.

@thelandcollective

London will soon be seeing it’s first women-only tower block! This 15-storey building will have 102 new flats to home single women. Despite several objections it has been given the green light by the Ealing Council. Do you think this is a good idea? #ukhomes #ukgoverment #womensonly #womensonlytower #singlewomen #ukinfastructure #ukconstruction #ukconstructionindustry

♬ Last Night – L.Dre

DIY and Life Hacks

Share creative DIY projects or life hacks that are related to your products or industry. This can provide value to your audience while promoting your brand.

Humor and Entertainment

Don’t be afraid to inject humor and entertainment into your videos. Create light-hearted content that resonates with your target audience and makes them smile.

Education

Create informative and educational content related to your industry. Share tips, tricks, and insights that can help your audience learn something new or solve a problem. During anniversaries of important dates, share a historical fact about your industry that’s interesting.

https://www.tiktok.com/@acguy91/video/7243873966052429099?lang=en&q=commercial%20hvac&t=1687226551894

Challenges and Trends

Participate in popular challenges and trends that are relevant to your industry or brand. Put your own spin on these trends to showcase your company’s personality and creativity.

Remember to keep your videos short, engaging, and visually appealing. Add music, captions, or other effects to make your content stand out. Also, don’t forget to use relevant hashtags and engage with your audience by responding to comments and participating in trends and challenges.

AI vs Machine Learning: What’s the Difference?

AI vs Machine Learning: What’s the Difference?

AI and machine learning (ML) are often used interchangeable, but they’re not technically the same thing. However, the difference is smaller than you think, and once you understand it, you’ll never mistake the two again. The following is a very basic explanation and omits many technical aspects of AI and ML which go beyond the scope of the intended audience. The definitions and examples attempt to lay a foundation for further exploration around these topics.

Artificial Intelligence: The Entire Robot

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad term that refers to creating machines that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. Examples of such tasks include visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. There are many subsets and subfields of AI, each of which tries to solve a specific problem and/or takes a different approach to creating “intelligence”. Here are the five most recognized subsets of AI:

  1. Natural Language Processing (NLP) focuses on enabling machines to understand, interpret, and generate human language. NLP is used in applications such as chatbots, voice assistants, and language translation. ChatGPT is an NLP.
  2. Computer Vision is concerned with enabling machines to interpret and understand visual data from the world around them. Computer vision is used in applications such as object detection or facial recognition. Autonomous vehicles, like some Tesla models, use computer vision.
  3. Robotics develops machines that can physically and autonomously interact with the world around them to perform tasks like assembly line work or rescue operations. Boston Dynamics focuses on robotics.
  4. Expert Systems are designed to mimic the reason-based decision-making ability of an expert in a particular field, such as medical diagnosis or financial analysis. Expert systems are why you keep hearing about AI lawyers defending people in court.
  5. Machine Learning involves feeding data into a machine learning algorithm and allowing it to learn from that data in order to make accurate predictions or classifications about new data.

So, ML is a subset of AI. That’s the first big difference to note. While AI is a term that encompasses a wide range of technologies and techniques, ML is a specific approach to building AI systems.

It’s helpful to think of AI as the “entire robot”—a fully autonomous machine capable of thinking and acting like a human. However, each subset is only one part of the entire robot. Robotics attempts to develop the “body” for interacting with the environment. Computer vision gives the robot the ability to make visual sense of its world. NLP arms it with the power to communicate. ML bestows the faculty of learning. And expert systems send it to university. It’s a true Frankenstein’s monster of disparate parts, but when brought together will finally realize the goal of AI.  

What’s Machine Learning?

You hear a lot about ML because it’s a critical step in creating the entire robot. Almost everything we consider to be alive must be able to learn. Birds do it. Bees to it. Heck, even amoebas do it. But despite its ubiquity in the world of the living, learning is incredibly complex. Therefore, ML is taking on one of the biggest challenges, but it’s a triumph that offers the biggest ROI. Once we create a machine that learns, we can train it to make better decisions. So how do you create a machine to learn?

ML uses statistical algorithms to enable machines to learn from data and improve their performance on specific tasks over time. ML algorithms analyze large amounts of data to identify patterns, which it uses to make predictions or decisions on new data. Like humans, ML is a process that requires that machines be “taught” by exposing them to information.

ML Example: House Price Estimator

Suppose you wanted to create a ML learning algorithm that predicts the price of a house based on its size and location. You would need two sets of data: a training set and a test set. First, we create a training set of data composed of recently sold houses with their sale price and location.

The ML then processes the training data to look for patterns. After some processing, let’s say it “learned” the following “rules”:

  1. Houses larger than 2,000 sq ft sell for > $200K
  2. Houses less than 2,000 sq ft sell for < $200K
  3. Houses within 5 miles of the airport sell for < $100K
  4. Homes within 5 miles of the lake sell for > $300K

The algorithm could then use this knowledge to predict the price of a house outside the training dataset (i.e., the test set). For example, a house that is:

  • 2,500 sq ft and 3 miles from airport.

Since the new house is more than 2,000 sq ft, the algorithm would then apply the “> $200K” rule, but since the it’s also less than 5 miles of the airport, it would apply the “<$100K” rule. Therefore, the algorithm’s prediction would likely be “$150K”.

Three house prices with one predicted by AI

Next, the ML algorithm checks its guess against the actual price, which is $170K. It now has a $20,000 discrepancy it needs to resolve. It checks for more patterns and learns that, as houses of equal size get closer to the airport, they decrease in price. Through some calculations, the program can determine the changes in price by proximity and apply the data as a weighted value in its next prediction. For example, maybe each mile closer to the airport equates to a 10% decrease in price.

The machine uses this constant process of guessing and checking (called backpropagation) to improve its predictions. The more iterations and inputs, the “smarter” the algorithm gets.

“So what?”, you might ask, “Isn’t this simple logic? Why do we need a machine to do this?” Well, for one, ML can sift through data, find patterns, and test its guesses against real world data at an astonishing rate. In short, it can “learn” much quicker than humans. For another, it can juggle many more parameters than we ever could, so its guesses will inevitably we more accurate over time.

Think about all the factors that go into the price of a house besides size and location. There’s the house’s age, condition, number of rooms, the market conditions, and seller motivation just to name a few. But there are other less typical considerations like current interest rates, lot locations, or roof type. When you drill down further, you find that the real number of factors is enormous. Few sellers place a critical role on the color of a house when calculating an asking price, but what if it mattered more than we thought? What about the history of the house or the future of the neighborhood where it resides? The better our predictive capabilities, the more important these “lesser” considerations become.

ML can iterate much faster and with greater detail than we can, making it more efficient at locating “hidden” patterns. What if dark-colored houses sold for higher prices than light-colored ones? Maybe houses with more east-facing windows were cheaper than more west-facing ones. Machine learning can consider all these factors and then some—and do it in real time.

Finally, imaging adding to this learning algorithm the ability to search for, monitor, and collect house price information for a large region of the country. It would be a fully autonomous learning and predicting machine that would only get smarter the longer it worked. That’s where ML is at today.

Conclusion

It’s easy to see how ML learning algorithms are a game changer for humanity. Their application to knowledge-based work of every kind is almost limitless. What’s AI developers are attempted is the automation of thinking itself. Translate these advantages to building automation, and it’s easy to see how ML will transform the built environment. Imagine AI that could plan your building’s HVAC setpoints a week in advance based on a weekly weather forecast and price predictions for energy costs. What about a FDD system that could predict chiller failure with 98% accuracy?