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<h2>It is very likely that implementation of intelligent autonomous machines such as vending machines, parking meters, ect. will occur in the near future.</h2>
<p>Although these types of machines may seem as though they are self sufficient and effective on the surface, but let's examine the possibilities these machines have when combined with an artificial intelligence system. The implementation of artificial intelligence into products is likely to continue to move into more mainstream products as the technology evolves. The evolution of artificial intelligence is happening rapidly, but is largely still implemented in "industrial" settings for "industrial" purposes, specifically within the financial and investment sectors. In the larger scheme of things artificial intelligence is a relatively new phenomenon, which is validated by the fact that most of the implementation so far has been by corporations. As the technology continues to evolve it is highly likely that everyday products will be combined with artificial intelligence to increase efficiency and reduce costs drastically. </p>
<p>http://nordic.businessinsider.com/contentassets/e2673c33e2594751bd4f313bfe63cf5d/588695d5f10a9a283f8b706f.jpg?preset=article-image</p>
<h2>Let's consider how an autonomous vending machine would operate. </h2>
<p>Although autonomous vending machines would provide many of the same functions of traditional vending machines, they would be significantly more profitable, efficient, and easier to manage and operate. Imagine that the vending machine is aware of which product corresponds with each space or each number in the machine. Every Time an individual orders the item from space F5, the machine recognizes and records the purchase of the specific item rather than just the number. The machine could relay its activity back to its owner or company, who could get a real time analysis of transactions. A machine having the ability to record and analyze transactions opens up a world of possibilities. </p>
<p>The ability to record and analyse transaction data could give the vending machine the ability to operate at its most profitable scenario. Instead of having an employee visit all of the vending machines on a monthly basis, with no idea what needs restocked and what doesn't need restocked, the vending machines would have a record of which products are most popular, most profitable, and in the greatest demand. If the machines had the ability to analyse transaction data and establish what their most profitable products are, they could be configured to relay orders automatically and choosing to reorder the products which give the machine the greatest revenue and profit. A company or owner of a vending machine would never be able to analyse the data to determine which products are most and least popular across all of their locations, simply because the most demanded products vary greatly depending upon the location of the machine. Vending machines are currently incredibly profitable on a large scale, but the cost reduction and profit maximization that autonomous machines offer will bring about a whole new level of efficiency in the industry.</p>
<p>The owners and operators of vending machines do analyse data about what the most popular products are in different locations, but this data is extremely general and often inaccurate because of the differences from one location to the next. The vending machines that are placed on a college campus are likely to be stocked with the most popular products across college campuses in general, but the different preferences can vary greatly even among different locations on the same campus. Each vending machine could have the capacity to analyze their transaction record and use that information to find the most popular and profitable product scenario for their specific location, and adapt to changes in preferences quickly and easily. Not only would their be cost savings for the operator from the elimination re-ordering and keeping track of the machines, but there would also be an increase in profitability and revenue for the owner from the machines ability to consistently strive for optimal profit. It is completely feasible that this type of autonomous technology will be available in the upcoming years. Simple machines such as vending machines will likely be one of the first things to be automated, but once the automation begins I expect there to be a rapid increase in the implementation of autonomous machines. </p>
<p>https://dailyhornet.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/artificial-intelligence-risk-reward-now-labs.jpg</p>
<h2>The ability for machines to accumulate and analyze their data in real time will change the way many machines are operated. </h2>
<p>One other great example of how autonomous products could bring about massive increases in efficiency is the example of a parking meter. Parking meters are used in most cities across the US and have seen a relatively small amount of change since the technology boom. Many cities have recently released mobile apps that allow customers to pay for their parking through the app rather than having to insert coins or a credit card at a kiosk or meter. If you are aware of Uber's concept of "Surge Pricing" which causes increased fares during the busiest hours, and it has been pretty effective at bringing the current "market" for Uber rides back to equilibrium. Could the same principle of increasing rates during peak hours and lowering rates during slow hours be effectively applied to parking meters? If various parking meters within a location or area were able to collaborate and exchange information, the pricing could be continually shifting depending on the specific time of day, number of open spaces, ect. </p>
<p>The ability for various meters to collaborate with each other would enable real time analysis and charging the price which will bring in the greatest overall revenue. The pricing structure could have a minimum price and maximum price if that was of concern, but a network of interconnected smart devices could eliminate the need for human interference and would reduce costs greatly. The parking meters could also have the job of observing how long a specific car has been parked at the meter, and could have the ability to "flag" when the timer runs out. The mesh network of connected parking meters would have the ability to detect any potential malfunctions that any other meters are experiencing, and report the issue accordingly. </p>
<p>There has never been a very effective way at enable a micro-payment structure to parking meters, which would charge individuals in specific intervals for exactly what they use. Say for instance the price of the meter is 4 dollars per hour. Instead of an individual having to put in a minimum of a dollar for a 15 minute parking spot, imagine if payments were made by minute. This type of micro-payment structure would be very difficult to implement if the payment was through credit card, but with Bitcoin or other digital currencies of the future micro-payment payment structures become a much greater possibility. </p>
<p>http://mobileadvertisingwatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Feeling-Insecure-About-Companies-Digital-Privacy-Protocols-Join-the-Big-Club.jpg</p>
<h2>The merging of autonomous machines with the blockchain could change everything. </h2>
<p>Whether discussing the example of the vending machines or the examples of the parking meters, one thing becomes clear. The implementation of a ledger that updates and receives information in real time is vital for the machines ability to analyze the data. One of the most promising aspects of blockchain technology is the distributed ledger technology, and this technology could serve as an excellent database for intelligent machines and services to send, collaborate, and receive data from the other devices connected to their specific mesh network. The public nature of the blockchain would also allow for companies and devices to accurately collect aggregate data, but not link this data with any specific individuals. </p>
<p>When we start considering the potential privacy implications from any type of intelligent machine, it becomes evident that as the technology continues to advance, so does the need for individuals to have control over their data. Of course in the digital age we live in data is collected on nearly every single individual by a number of different parties. The benefits that this new technology offers must be coupled with true individual privacy. Think about "smart" medical devices and the private information that would come along with them. In the age of smart machines, individuals must gain digital privacy and control over their data in order for these products to be truly successful. </p>
<p> <strong>I hope you enjoyed this post, if you enjoyed this content and wish to see more upcoming posts, please consider giving me a follow. Any support in the forms of votes, follows, or Re-Steeming is greatly appreciated! Thanks for reading and please don't hesitate to leave your comments, opinions, or input in the comments!</strong></p>
<p>image source:<a href="http://nordic.businessinsider.com/contentassets/e2673c33e2594751bd4f313bfe63cf5d/588695d5f10a9a283f8b706f.jpg?preset=article-image">1</a>-<a href="https://dailyhornet.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/artificial-intelligence-risk-reward-now-labs.jpg">2</a>-<a href="http://mobileadvertisingwatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Feeling-Insecure-About-Companies-Digital-Privacy-Protocols-Join-the-Big-Club.jpg">3</a></p>
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