AI Facilitates Revival of Operations
Post-Pandemic, AI Technology Keeps Workers Safe, Improve Processes and Enhance Efficiency
AI and other emerging technologies are keys to ensuring a safe workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic
As the world reawakens after a forced slumber that was induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, many organisations are turning to emerging technologies as a way to ensure the safety of their stakeholders. In this respect, advanced tools such as remote monitoring, access control and contact tracing are paramount to halt the spread of the virus. These tools allow businesses to operate with assurance and confidence. However, it is imperative that business owners recognise the limitations of technology and that there’s no quick fixes and no one-size-fits-all solutions.
Before the pandemic struck, we saw the formulation of the National Policy on Industry 4.0 as a collaborative effort between the Government, industry and academia. Though efforts to stimulate the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies (IR 4.0) took a backseat in the face of a global health crisis, it is now time to revisit its development within the nation.
Living Through the Pandemic
One technology that has received considerable attention is access control and intercom technology. Though a traditional technology, its usage to mitigate groupings of people in crowd management is priceless.
Combining intercom with access control also enables the usage of facial recognition for detection, or use of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) codes sent to visitors’ phones to provide room entry. This technology facilitates the regulation of where and when certain devices have access.
This technology can be coupled with contact tracing, which tracks who is in the office at any instance. There are clear privacy implications associated with this technology, which is part of the reason it has not been readily deployed in the past. However, during times like these, the public are more willing to surrender some privacies for the betterment of all.
These privacy fears are reasonable, and it is critical to strike a balance. We use facial recognition and fingerprint scanners to unlock our phones. Contact tracing to curb the spread of the virus is reasonable by comparison, especially if it can be paired with tools like audio analytics that can detect a sneeze or a cough and respond appropriately.
While none of these technologies can solve the problem of disease spread all on its own, they all contribute to the goal of keeping employees safe. Despite that benefit, fears persist that workers will be displaced by these new tools, especially as the benefits of AI become clear and machines begin doing the jobs of people to avoid contact, as with order kiosks at restaurants.
It is critical for businesses to emphasise using technology to keep workers safe rather than making the mistake of believing that technology can replace them. For instance, hospitals are now using IP cameras with two-way audio in rooms to check on patients. This isn’t replacing nurses — it’s helping keep them safe and helping them manage their time and patient response more efficiently.
MITI is among three main players to lead Industry 4.0 initiatives
Looking Towards the Future
As businesses look towards scalable new technologies amid the COVID-19 crisis, the priority must be keeping people safe.
Any new technology comes with concerns, and it is important to weigh the positives against the negatives. Value is often incremental, and no one technology can save the world. Deployment of new technology must be part of a strategic, long-term plan.
