Artificial intelligence makes itself more at home

Asking Alexa or her cloud-based buddies to turn on lights, or activate the air conditioning ahead of your arrival home, might seem nifty – for now. As artificial intelligence takes up residence, prepare for a home that doesn't need to be told – it knows intuitively everything about you, anticipating your every move (and mood), and adjusting itself to take care of you. A glimpse of that future was unveiled at technology trade show CES Asia in Shanghai in June, when a new product category – artificial intelligence (AI) – was introduced. John T. Kelley, senior director, international programs and show director, CES Asia, describes artificial intelligence (AI) as "one of those exciting technologies that will become ubiquitous in the next decade as it becomes more deeply embedded in the products that we use day in and day out to make our lives better". AI is already being incorporated in everyday consumer technology products that provide practical benefits, including cars, smart homes, robotics, health and wellness devices and home security, he adds – and in many categories, China is leading the way.