Abstract
The new era brings a panoply of new challenges in terms of proactive procedures in order to achieve a better Europe's ecosystem. A set of new trend technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and internet of things (ioT) can and will bring a new approach to deal with our problem. The AI can contribute to sustainability in various ways, such as optimizing energy consumption, reducing waste, improving supply chain efficiency, and enabling precision agriculture. AI can help advance scientific research and innovation for sustainable development, such as developing new materials and technologies for clean energy production and storage. On the other hand, IoT can help in terms of sustainability by enabling real-time monitoring and control of energy and resource usage in buildings, transportation systems, and industrial processes. This chapter plans to start the discussion of the expected positive impacts in the short term from the adoption of AI and IoT for a more sustainable planet.
TopBackground
The purpose of this chapter is to present the state-of-the-art and discuss the future positive impact in bioeconomy from the lever provided by AI and IoT. In this section, the AI and IoT current and past interventions in bioeconomy are presented.
The AI and IoT are relatively new technologies, but they have already had a significant impact on the bioeconomy. Over the past few decades, researchers and innovators have used these technologies to develop new approaches to food, energy, and material production, and to address some of the key challenges facing the bioeconomy.
One of the earliest applications of AI in the bioeconomy was in the field of genetics. In the 1980s, researchers began using AI to analyze genetic data and identify patterns that could be used to predict the properties of new biological materials (Schaffer, J. D. 1984). This led to the development of new crops and materials with improved properties, such as increased yield, disease resistance, and durability.
Similarly, IoT has been used in agriculture, with sensors and other devices used to monitor soil moisture, temperature, and other factors that can affect crop growth. By collecting and analyzing this data, farmers and other stakeholders can optimize their production processes and reduce waste, improving both efficiency and sustainability.
Key Terms in this Chapter
5G: The mobile network known in its fifth generation that offers faster data transfer speeds, lower latency, and increased connectivity for a wide range of devices.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions: Gases that trap heat in the earth's atmosphere and contribute to climate change, such as carbon dioxide and methane.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): The simulation of human intelligence processes by computer systems, such as machine learning and natural language processing, to analyze data and make decisions.
Renewable Energy: Energy sources that are replenished naturally and have a minimal impact on the environment, such as solar, wind, and hydropower.
Automated information systems (AIS): This refers to computer-based methods and tools used to collect, process, store, and distribute data and information within an organization or enterprise.
Energy Efficiency: The process of using less energy to perform the same task or achieve the same outcome.
AI-DSS: Computer programs that use artificial intelligence techniques to help individuals or organizations make better decisions.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): A methodology for assessing the environmental impact of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal.
Carbon Footprint: The total amount of GHG emissions produced by an individual, organization, or product, expressed in units of carbon dioxide equivalent.
Circular Economy: An economic system that is designed to minimize waste and promote the reuse and recycling of resources.
Internet of Things (IoT): A network of physical objects, such as sensors and devices, that are connected to the internet and can collect and exchange data.
Sustainability: Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This includes balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC): This refers to the system that enables, from home to offices, the effective control of the temperature.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV): An aircraft without a human pilot aboard that is controlled remotely or programmed to fly autonomously.
Smart Cities: Cities that use technology, including IoT and AI, to improve sustainability, efficiency, and quality of life for residents.