Research and testing of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies could be leveraged to address global problems like climate change, food systems and more in the future. But private sector companies are currently partnering to test AI opportunities in cities around the world now.
From self-driving rides that people can hail on smartphone apps and drones that automate daily functions like delivery services to automating crop production tasks, the following cutting edge pilots may soon change life as we know it.
1. Self Driving Livery Available
Automated Taxis Pilot in Singapore, Automated Uber Rides Option in Pittsburgh
In late August, nuTonomy launched a Singapore pilot where six electric vehicle taxis can be hailed by app, according to Boston.com. The AI vehicles are equipped with a driver that can take over when needed. Which is a good thing right now, because there was a recent fender bender.
Uber began operating a similar scenario last month in Pittsburgh.
Singapore self-driving taxi has first ‘prang’ https://t.co/Y9upqBcxkr
— BBC Technology (@BBCTech) October 18, 2016
2. Robots Man Info Desks
Multilingual Bots Provide Directions at Tokyo Airport
Hitachi robots are helping to answer questions in Japanese and English at Haneda Airport information desks in Tokyo, according to the Japan Times. The AI info desk trial runs through December.
Japan installs bilingual robots at Haneda airport to help tourists https://t.co/dAqNDBfeHb via @MailOnline
— Yuri Kageyama (@yurikageyama) September 6, 2016
3. Flying Drones Deliver Fast Food
Pizza Pilot Planned for New Zealand, Burritos Delivered to Virginia Tech
Dominos has partnered with drone manufacturer Flirtey to launch the first commercial drone delivery service. New Zealand authorities have approved pizza delivery trial via remotely piloted aircraft directly to customers, but details have not been released, according to the New Zealand Herald. The pilot could pave the way for AI delivery drones.
Google’s Alphabet and Chipotle pilot tested flying drone burrito delivery at Virginia Tech.
Good news: Flirtey and Domino’s to deliver pizza to your home https://t.co/GrpBI9NhpD via @qz
— Flirtey (@Fly_Flirtey) August 29, 2016
4. Wheeled Drones to Support Busy Dinner Delivery
Last Mile Dinner Delivery Pilot Planned for London
Starship Technologies and Just Eat is partnering to pilot use of six-wheeled drones for last-mile restaurant deliveries on Friday nights. The drones might increase capacity and improve on-time delivery, according to Inverse. Drones will be programmed with a nine square-mile delivery area, get smarter each day in the field each day until they reach 90 percent autonomy. In a confusing situation, the AI drone is smart enough to call a human for a help.
Starship told the BBC that most people on the street just ignore the robots. Customers will unlock the drones with access codes to get their orders.
Just Eat: Fast food by drone is coming to London https://t.co/ZGtptD2HrH
— Juha Ristolainen (@Riussi) July 6, 2016
5. Connected Fields Equipment to Test Orchard Performance
Wheeled Robots and Drones to Test Vineyard Maintenance
Researchers at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, developed Idabot to monitor, spray and assess fields. The system could reduce labor costs and agricultural chemical footprints and be used to estimate fruit crop yields, which can help orchard owners manage pre-orders from customers, according to Voice of America News.
Williamson Orchard in Caldwell, Idaho, plans to test the developing AI technology.
Idabot Robot Tackles Mundane Farm Tasks - Voice of America https://t.co/RzLt8ZRrch #robots
— Robots (@RobotList) October 30, 2016
