In line with the UN sustainable goals on affordable and clean energy as well as climate action; various corporations, institutions, NGOs and also governments are subscribed to enhance energy efficiency and the minimization of greenhouse gas emissions on the earth. Renewable energy is now the trend. One of the ways AI and IoT have impacted renewable energy is the deployment of drones in the energy sector. Drones have wide practicability and flexibility in any sector of an economy. In the energy sector, drones are used in both the process of generation and distribution of energy. The application of drone technologies therefore, is one of the many ways AI and IoTs continue to improve our living experiences, and it is only right that we put in place the right systems for harnessing the benefits therein.

Introduction

With the rapid growth of technology in areas such as robotics and artificial intelligence; there has been a constant rise in the development of new technologies in different sectors of the economy. This growth and advancement in technology have reached most facets of human endeavor. Key among these new developments include the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence.

The Internet of Things (IoTs) is comprised of giant networks of connected devices. The nature of the IoT revolves around the connectivity and changes around these connected devices which include, the starting and shutting down of these devices, the transmission of data, the processing of data, the temperature level of a device, and a host of other actions concerning the specific function of the IoT. The workings of IoT require human intelligence to process and deliver output effectively which is the nature of AI.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the other hand, constantly reduces the need for human labor as human intelligence can be applied to solving daily tasks without the need for humans. These technologies are  mostly utilized in developed economies compared to countries with developing economies. The need to create a balance in the light of these issues emphasizes that IoT and AI complement each other. This article is aimed at discussing the concept of Artificial intelligence and the Internet of things alongside the basis for their interoperability. The implications of these technologies would also be examined for an efficient understanding of their operations.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings. The term is frequently applied to the project of developing systems endowed with the intellectual processes existing in humans, such as the ability to reason, discover meaning, or learn from experience.

Since the development of the digital computer in the 1940s, it has been demonstrated that computers can be programmed to carry out very complex tasks, for example; discovering proofs for mathematical theorems or playing chess with great proficiency. Some programs have attained the performance levels of human experts and professionals in performing certain specific tasks[1].

At the moment, the disruption created by AI is minor in comparison to what technological progress promises or has the potential to achieve. AI has been on display for quite some years, carrying out tasks that suggest the success of these AI programs/applications.

Various industries have been influenced by the disruptive nature of Artificial Intelligence and this has contributed immensely to the growth of these industries, such as the agricultural sector, where there are programs that are capable of detecting plant disease(s) at an early stage, the health sector is also not left out as it has benefited greatly from the activities and innovations brought about by AI technology, one such instance is deploying AI programs to detect cancer cells at an early stage[2].

Some of the features of AI include its ability to rationalize and take actions, and to also learn and act autonomously or independently.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of things (IoT) is the interconnection of network-enabled physical objects with unique identifiers (UIDs) that can transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human -to- computer interactions. IoT allows a device to communicate with humans and other internet-enabled things.  The internet is not only a network of computers, but it has evolved into a network of devices of all types and sizes, which include, smartphones, home appliances, toys, cameras, medical instruments, buildings, among other things.

IoT expands beyond the normal internet capabilities, smartphones and laptops. It involves a wider range of additional objects and processes.

A very simple IoT system should comprise of self-optimizing network and software-defined networks.  The self-optimizing network helps to optimize the network for huge data transmission and reception.

The Interoperability Of AI And IoT

The integration of AI and IoT is becoming a common practice because of the level of efficiency produced when integrated.

AI works with a self-improvement mechanism that allows it to learn from the experience of replicating the way and manner humans act. These self-improvement mechanisms help to create AI Algorithms. As earlier discussed, IoT deals with the computation of a large volume of data that requires human intelligence to process. These AI algorithms are used to process the computed data in IoT devices to provide an effective customer and user-friendly interface.

The phases in this process of interoperability of IoT and AI include the tracking (collecting), monitoring (analyzing), control, optimization (training) and automation (modelling and predicting) of data. These phases of integration have introduced positive revolutions in different sectors such as the health sector, the finance sector, agriculture and also in renewable energy.

To appreciate the applications of AI and IoT in human living, we shall consider them below in the following lights:

• AI and IoT in Renewable Energy

In line with the UN sustainable goals on affordable and clean energy as well as climate action; various corporations, institutions, NGOs and also governments are subscribed to enhance energy efficiency and minimization of greenhouse gas emissions on the earth. Renewable energy is now the trend.

One of the ways AI and IoT have impacted renewable energy is the deployment of drones in the energy sector. Drones have wide practicability and flexibility in any sector of an economy. In the energy sector, drones are used in both the process of generation and distribution of energy.

Another technological advancement in the energy sector in line with renewable energy is the use of ‘Electric Vehicles’(EV’s) to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. The Integration of reinforcement learning Algorithm (product of AI) is used in electric vehicles to reduce energy consumption. Statistically, there were only around 17,000 electric cars globally in 2010, however, in 2020 more than over seven million EVs were being sold every day[3]. This shows the reduction in consumption of energy as time progresses as a result of AI and IoT.

• AI and IoT in Agriculture[4]

In agriculture, IoT based smart farming systems can help monitor light, temperature, humidity and even soil moisture using connected sensors. With AI and IoT, drones can be deployed to monitor plants and crops to easily detect crops with pests and diseases.

• AI and IoT in Finance

The implementation of AI and IoT products in the finance sector have served great purposes. One of such purpose is the optimization of data for effective customer-friendly operations. An instance is the use of ‘True-Motion’, a mobile app that utilizes algorithms of behavioural changes, to provide tailored made services to consumers.

AI and IoT usage in the finance sector also mitigates risk factors with the use of smart cards, contactless payments and other IoT software applications.

• AI and IoT in the Health Sector

One of the ways AI and IoT have impacted the health sector is the use of CT scans and records of patient vitals. These systems enable doctors to monitor patients’ health remotely and identify when the patients need immediate help. Another instance of the impact of AI and IoT in the health sector was at the peak of the covid-19 pandemic. Innovations like virtual consultations and monitoring were deployed using IoT devices in regions like South America[5]. Electronic Health Records (EHR) and priority scheduling also promoted the easy detection, diagnosis and administering of treatment to patients.

Implications of AI And IoT In Developing Economies

AI and IoT appear to have a lot of promise for developing countries. Various technologies are already being created in the developing world to improve productivity and standard of living. AI and IoT are being used to improve agricultural output and growth by analyzing growing conditions and recommending strategies to achieve the highest crop yield[6]. In the health sector, an AI application uses 3D printing to assess and advise surgeons on anatomical features of patients before they enter the operating room[7].

There is no doubt that AI applications can positively impact the lives of people in the developing world, but the use of AI is not without its pitfalls, both economically and legally.

• Economic implications

In terms of the economy, the introduction of these new technologies has the potential to restrict, if not eliminate, the benefits of their beneficial impacts.

AI applications are commonly utilized to replace unskilled or low-skilled labour in today’s market. This can be problematic if the economy in question includes a large number of low-wage workers.

The architectural breakthrough of AI exposes the usually under-resourced education systems in these countries by requiring a highly educated and technically skilled workforce to support economic activity.

Of course, there might be another chance for technology to help with infrastructure breakthroughs. AI has the potential to democratize access to education in developing nations and mitigate the impacts of chronic underfunding and the exodus of educated and talented people to more developed regions. The educational applications include the ability to create personalized teaching materials, give and grade exercises, and identify test cheating. This may replicate the advantages of small class sizes, or even provide access to a curriculum that would otherwise be unavailable to the general public.

The potential for AI to have a detrimental economic impact in developing nations is a reminder that the use of new technology should be carefully studied, but if done right, it has the potential to be extremely beneficial.

• Legal Implications

Legally, there are potential pitfalls for both developers and users of AI applications, particularly relating to their rights and obligations in a legal environment which may not be particularly sophisticated, and may be subject to dramatic changes, both internally and externally.

The General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR)[8] brought to light the significant disparities in data privacy rights and safeguards between developed and developing countries. Jurisdictions with lax privacy laws may be viewed as more conducive to the development of AI-related technologies.

Another legal consideration for developers is the protection and exploitation of their intellectual property (IP) rights. While individuals and businesses in some developed countries have extensive IP legal framework over AI creations, the lack of a unified intellectual property infrastructure in some developing countries can be a barrier, as the lack of unified offices forces the owner to jump through a slew of complex regulatory hoops in multiple jurisdictions. In addition, the ethics of utilizing intellectual property rights in developing countries, particularly in the healthcare and life sciences, must be considered.

While the commercial opportunities in the developing world are vast, they however, carry risks and significant ethical considerations. In particular, developers should consider the implications of operating in a jurisdiction with a relatively underdeveloped legal system, and the potential for legal frameworks and public policy to shift significantly, due to both internal and external forces.[9]

Conclusion

AI and IoT advancement are blazing the trail in most industries and it is expedient to emphasize that technological advancements and Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have accelerated and progressed lives significantly.

New paths for solving global issues in education, health, agriculture, law, medicine, and governance have opened up as a result of emerging technology and high-speed broadband access. With this in mind, it is critical to emphasize that the adoption of new technology will benefit developing economies.

AUTHOR: Oyetola Muyiwa Atoyebi, SAN.

Mr. Oyetola Muyiwa Atoyebi, SAN is the Managing Partner of O. M. Atoyebi, S.A.N & Partners (OMAPLEX Law Firm) where he also doubles as the Team Lead of the Firm’s Emerging Areas of Law Practice.

Mr. Atoyebi has expertise in and a vast knowledge of Telecommunications, Media and Technology Law and this has seen him advise and represent his vast clientele in a myriad of high level transactions.  He holds the honour of being the youngest lawyer in Nigeria’s history to be conferred with the rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

He can be reached at atoyebi@omaplex.com.ng

COUNTRIBUTOR:  Joannah Titus

Joannah is a member of the Technology Team at Omaplex Law Firm. She holds commendable legal expertise in ICT law.

She can be reached at joannah.titus@omaplex.com.ng

[1] B.J. Copeland,  ‘Artificial Intelligence’,  (2021) Turing Archive for the History of Computing, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, <https://www.britannica.com/technology/artificial-intelligence > accessed 19 January, 2022.

[2] Erin Mcnemar, ‘Artificial Intelligence Advances Breast Cancer Detection’ (2021) Health IT Analytics. <https://healthitanalytics.com/news/artificial-intelligence-advances-breast-cancer-detection#:~:text=Sorting%20through%20MRIs%2C%20artificial%20intelligence,a%20patient’s%20breast%20cancer%20diagnosis. >  accessed 19 January, 2022.

[3] Rabindra Nath et al, ‘Artificial intelligence and Internet of Things in Renewable Energy’, (Springer Nature Singapore ltd, 2021)

[4] O. T. Emmanuel, “Everyday use of internet of things?’ (2019) Developers circles Lagos < https://www.medium.com/fbdevclagos/everyday-use-of-internet-of-things-iot-222d2ffd43f9 > accessed on 20 January, 2022.

[5]Jongnam Hwang, ‘Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare During COVID-19 Pandemic—A South American Perspective’ (2020) Frontiers in Health. <https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2020.600213/full >accessed 19 January, 2022.

[6]Analtics Vidhya ‘Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture : Using Modern Day AI to Solve Traditional Farming Problems’, (2020) Analytics Vidhya

<https://www.analyticsvidhya.com/blog/2020/11/artificial-intelligence-in-agriculture-using-modern-day-ai-to-solve-traditional-farming-problems/> accessed 19 January, 2022.

[7] Niall Haslam, ‘What does the future hold for AI and 3D printing?’ (2020) Medical plastic < <https://www.medicalplasticsnews.com/news/what-does-the-future-hold-for-ai-and-3d-printing/ >accessed 17^tJanuary, 2022

[8] The primary law that regulates how companies protect EU (European union) citizens’ personal data.

[9] Antonia Boyce, ‘AI in the developing world: a blessing or a curse;’ (2019) Digital business., <https://digitalbusiness.law/2019/05/ai-in-the-developing-world-a-blessing-or-a-curse/>    accessed 17 January, 2022.