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Writer's pictureKatie B
May 29, 20204 min read

Should AI be embraced into our homes? By Philip

Artificial Intelligence, better known as AI, is a “simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think as humans and mimic their actions” (Frakenfield, 2020), in short AI is an advanced form of robotics. As our technology expands there is more opportunity to make life easier and AI is a vital part of our future if we are to continue growing. Artificial Intelligence is also a great form of healthcare for those with physical and mental disabilities because it can be used from the comfort of their own homes. Although AI can bring many benefits there have been many speculations concerning smart technology and privacy, the Data Protection Act ensures that all personal data must be taken with legal permission from the user and used for its stated purpose. One of the main reasons why AI should be implemented into our homes is because of the quality of life aspects it brings, to make life at home easier. AI in homes will have control over the technology in our houses, such as lighting, heating, and air conditioning. This exists already with Philips Hue and Hive Heating, which can be controlled by home assistants, Alexa or Google Home, or via your smartphone. However, AI could go further to save us time by having some of our tasks done for us, for example preparing breakfast (Rob 2018). This will help alleviate minor tasks and give make our lifestyle healthier, for example, it can make you breakfast in the morning when in a rush to work, meaning you won’t have to miss the most important meal of the day. “AI will also resolve access issues through the ability to monitor homes inside and out” (Catapult Future Cities) preventing catastrophic damage such as from gas leaks. When AI is embraced into our homes, there would be a large improvement to life at home. Artificial Intelligence can not only take care of our houses but it is also capable of caring for living organisms and humans (Stone 2017). Its been shown that robots are brilliant at healthcare especially being able to take care of the elderly. An example of an AI that thrives in healthcare is Ryan, this robot is used for those with mental disabilities, depression, dementia, autism or the elderly as a social companion, the result leads to patients being more relaxed and improvement of their mental illness (Stone 2017). Implementing this technology into our homes would mean there would be less of a need to send old people to care homes, and making them live a life isolated from their family. One of the major worries of technology in homes is about privacy. People have speculated that devices such as Amazon Echo (aka Alexa) listen in to your conversations at home, this has been addressed by major companies including Amazon that the device strictly follows its privacy policy so that it does not collect any information unless you are directly speaking to the device (Amazon 2020). All devices must follow the UK Data Protection Act (1998 and 2018) this specifically mentions that your data must be processed fairly and lawfully, meaning that your personal data cannot be obtained without your permission. It also states that “personal data must be kept secure”, making sure that no one else can access your data and it cannot be distributed. Furthermore, personal data must be processed for the specified lawful purposes to ensure that it cannot be used for purposes the user has not been informed of. As there are strict laws regarding personal data it ensures that your privacy will be respected by smart technology in your homes and can be embraced into homes without a doubt. In conclusion, we should embrace Artificial Intelligence into our homes because AI will make our large improvement to our lives, made easier because they can do menial tasks for us and making our lifestyle healthier by, for example, making us breakfast in the morning when in a rush, meaning you won’t miss the most important meal of the day. Artificial Intelligence would also benefit those with disabilities or the elderly as they can be cared for from the comfort of their home without the need to send them away to care homes because AI can help with loneliness and have reminders to do tasks. While there may be concerns for the privacy of your data, it is protected so companies cannot spy on you by using smart products because of the Data Protection Act (UK 1998 & 2018).

 

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