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Artificial Intelligence in Building Automation: Efficiency, Comfort, and Security to the Next Level

08.10.2024

Previous article of the newsletter, week 41:

<-- Artificial Intelligence: Which direction will Switzerland take?

Discussions on data management require significant effort, but the use of resources to normalize these technologies in the interest and protection of citizens is worthwhile, especially in the building management sector, where the benefits are tangible. The first essential step is the installation of an advanced Building Management System (BMS).

A BMS already performs several critical functions, including collecting and analyzing data from distributed sensors, central control of systems such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and security, as well as optimizing energy resources. Thanks to these functions, the BMS forms a solid foundation for integration with Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI can analyze the data collected by the BMS in more advanced ways, further enhancing operational efficiency and enabling smarter and more sustainable building management.

Once a building is digitized, the introduction of AI unlocks exceptional improvements. In terms of energy efficiency, we can expect up to a 40% reduction in consumption, accompanied by a CO2 emissions decrease that can range between 15% and 25%. These figures are not mere forecasts but concrete results achieved in advanced buildings that have adopted this technology.

However, the benefits do not stop there. AI revolutionizes the approach to building maintenance. Thanks to its ability to continuously analyze system data, it can predict potential failures before they occur. This predictive approach can reduce downtime by up to 50% and maintenance costs by 10-20%, ensuring smoother and more efficient building operations. Additionally, failures become predictable and thus reportable in advance.

User comfort is another aspect that greatly benefits from this technological integration. An AI-supported building can offer a personalized and adaptive environment, proactively adjusting parameters such as temperature, lighting, and air quality according to individual preferences and environmental conditions.

These improvements are not only about comfort but also lead to productivity increases of up to 15%. Security also reaches new heights with the introduction of AI. Intelligent surveillance systems detect anomalies in real-time, while access control systems, leveraging advanced technologies like facial recognition, ensure safer and more efficient space management.

These advancements result in a reduction in security incidents by up to 30% and a 50% improvement in emergency response times.

Of course, every major innovation comes with challenges. Handling sensitive data requires robust protective measures, while implementing these integrated systems demands specialized expertise. It is also crucial to ensure that AI-driven decisions are transparent and traceable. Nevertheless, the benefits in terms of efficiency, sustainability, and comfort far outweigh the initial difficulties.

It is important to acknowledge that each building may have a different BMS, with unique characteristics and requirements. This diversity poses a significant challenge when implementing AI solutions on a large scale. This is where integration platforms like Eliona (https://www.eliona.io/) come into play, providing the necessary flexibility to connect and optimize multiple diverse systems.