What can AI do for Condos?

The dictionary definition of AI is ‘the capability of a machine to imitate intelligent human behavior.’ In other words, a computer or other machine that has the ability to perform actions or thoughts that require some sort of intelligence. An AI computer goes beyond everyday items such as your laptop, the bank machine and your television.

Today, most of the tech devices we use serve one function and do not have the capacity to adjust their own functions based on human interaction. They do not learn. Artificial intelligence computer programs are designed to serve in many ways and are able to adjust their response or task based on what is put in front of them or said to them. What comes to mind most often is robots. One of the most famous customer service robots is Connie, the Hilton Hotels robot concierge. Connie is able to inform guests about nearby places of interest, plus she provides dining recommendations and general information about the hotel. Therefore, Connie is automating a repetitive task to free employees up for more value-adding activities. Connie also stores and recalls information when needed, learns what types of questions are most commonly asked and is very polite.

What is next for condominiums and AI?

Security cameras and key-less  door entry have been a technological part of the vast majority of condominiums for years now. Beyond security cameras, we will soon see security robots protecting the perimeter. These robots will double as receptionists, concierges and doormen, or rather door robots.

Many property managers are working off-site. Property management software allows daily tasks to be completed via the Internet and email. Even suite tours can be done through 360-degree online viewing or virtual reality. The need for a human on site all the time is very demanding. Property managers could be more effective if  mundane tasks were taken care of by AI, questions answered by AI, and doors opened by AI. More than one AI concierge prototype already exists for condominiums. Meet SAM, the robotic concierge created by Luvozo company. SAM is intended to provide frequent check-ins and medical care for residents in long-term care settings. SAM is 4 ft tall. Although Luvozo is primarily health care focused with its AI development, this technology can easily be adapted for all types of multi-family housing units. Another condo-oriented AI robot is Savioke. This AI is a relay delivery robot. According to http://www.savioke.com/:

“From take-out to contracts, lattes to flowers, Relay spoils tenants of high-rise apartments or offices with immediate, secure delivery right to their door.”

Imagine a condominium where one concierge robot accepts your Uber eats dinner and another robot brings it right to your door. This world may not be too far away.

For condominiums, AI can offer support to staff from delivering items to residents like Relay the Robot does or checking in on senior tenants like Sam does. The possibilities are endless. AI can be programmed to serve as the first point of contact for visitors, welcoming them to the building, asking them who they are visiting, and permitting entry or not. An AI program will not carry the same judgments a human concierge or security guard will. An AI program cannot be persuaded to let someone into the condo who is not a guest or resident. Therefore, reducing the risk of criminal activity in the building.

An AI program serving as a concierge could alert residents when a package is waiting for them right when they enter the building. In the future, an eye scan or fingerprint may serve as our key to unlocking our residence and mailboxes. This type of identification recognition is increasing in its abilities. AI combined with awesome tech identification features similar to the ones mentioned above, will ensure condominiums are accessible, safe and tech savvy for all residents.

AI and tech amenities will increase building value, attracting tech-oriented residents taking condominium living to the next level.

Residents with disabilities or mobile restrictions will be better accommodated. Eventually, new condominium residents will expect their potential suites to be outfitted with smart technology and will delight in the fact that their building has a dedicated AI assistant.

AI does not only include robots. It is also about automation and speed when collecting and analyzing data. No doubt, AI increases efficiency in data analyzing. Imagine if your building was outfitted with an AI program that detected how many people were in the building at any given time? Imagine this AI kept real time statistics on the operation of every suite, notifying you immediately if there was a small crack or leak on a certain floor and what unit the issue was in. This could prevent large scale disasters from happening, saving money and even lives.

AI will only be as accurate as the humans who create the algorithms used by the AI program.

AI can perform the bulk of decision-making work and collecting data, but it will still be up to human common sense to understand it all. By working together, humans and AI can reap the benefits and efficiency of what AI can accomplish.

Suite metering is also known as smart metering and operates similar to AI programs. Instead of having an employee read all the meters in the building, a special meter tracks the electricity or water usage of each suite. The data is then collected remotely and can be organized by human or computer to make big data conclusions. These conclusions can help property managers to determine where the most electricity is being used in their common areas, which suites use excessive amounts of water or if there are any leaks in the building. This data can help in decision making processes, determining where utility and money saving initiatives can be put in place. This might include upgrading common area lighting systems, or having water awareness days for all residents in an effort to reduce usage.

Is AI removing human paid jobs? General consensus is that there will be many human jobs, but the type of job is continually changing. For example, healthcare technology, AI solutions and robotics engineering are in high demand in 2019. These areas of expertise did not dominate the market until very recently (we’re talking the last 25 years). We cannot predict the future, but it is safe to say that AI is breaking into most industries we know today, and the condominium marketplace is no exception.