Everything is connected, through the cloud all machine-generated data are collected and widely shared over the Internet. That’s how we imagine IoT – the Internet of Things.
Correction: That’s how THEY imagine IoT. What WE envision here is not just about the Internet of Things but also the Intelligence of Things. The idea is: When a device is equipped with connectivity and sensors, why not take another bold move to make the device intelligent? With an agile and affordable computing unit, every device has the power to analyze collected data and take fact-backed actions, thus making intelligence “in-place” a part of the Internet of Things, anywhere and at anytime. Intelligence, according to Jeff Hawkins*, is defined by predictions.
Computers, home appliances, vehicles – even the apparel and kitchenware – can be turned into a thinking unit. They can help you act or react to the environment or your neighbours based on your behavioral routines and preferences. Your running shoes could control the friction of their soles according to your weight, the weather, and the kind of trail you choose. Your home theater system fine-tunes sound effects according to the movie genre and what time of day you are watching. There are plenty of exciting applications that come with the advent of intelligent things.
The question is, how does it work?
The data collected from sensors uploads to the cloud and is stored in (machine) learning systems, while streaming data input triggers an analytic engine to predict the best outcome and to react accordingly. Big data accumulates the background knowledge while small data evokes intelligence in-place.
In-Place Computing, fully utilizing the unbounded memory space of our existing 64-bit architecture, opens up the window for this sci-fi-like scenario. In-place computing utilizes virtual memory space, and thus avoids hardware lock-in and offers cross-platform computing power. As Qualcomm announced the introduction of 64-bit CPUs for handheld devices, now all mobile devices are entitled to serve complicated computing jobs at your fingertips. In-place Computing, can thus be the catalyst for a new era of “Intelligence of Things.”
*Check out this awesome video where Jeff Hawkins explains how brain science will change computing
Originally posted on Data Science Central
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