Artificial Intelligence Has A Big Future In Homes But Is It Really Safe For Families?

Articial Intelligence (AI) is slowly creeping into homes. Some families today enjoy a variety of smart home appliances that integrate technology in how they live and do chores in the house.

Tech experts believe that AI use in homes brings "tremendous value" to families. "The home is one of the best spots to start [AI], really," Matthew Mahar of Vivnt said during a tech summit, according to Deseret News.

Mahar works for a company that develops home security systems. He projects that in five years' time more families will be inclined to adopt AI in their homes. But Mahar also believes that there is still more AI can offer families in terms of personalization, with functions and features distinct for the husband or wife's use for example.

Market Realist notes that AI is indeed a growing billion-dollar industry. Google, Amazon, Apple and Microsoft are some of the big companies venturing into the home automation market with their voice-controlled AI or digital assistants that answer a range of questions and does tasks for its users.

But Junko Yoshida of EE Times questions the privacy and security of AI in homes. He points out the logic in asking machines to answer and do things when family members can physically help each other.

Yoshida also cites an Accenture survey that highlights how consumers are wary of AI connections even as the technology shows promise it can make their homes better automated. This is one area about AI that the tech industry has to fix to assure consumers of its safety and security.

Smart home gadgets with AI are also gathering and storing the family's information and it's always listening, according to the Associated Press. One security breach in the system and this information can be hacked and shared onto the digital world.

"Market momentum for these devices will stall unless the industry overcomes these obstacles," according to Accenture's David Sovie in the survey. "If that happens, market demand could accelerate quickly."

Is your family keen on welcoming AI into your house? What are your concerns about smart home devices? Let us know in the comments!