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AIoT allows devices to not only generate large volumes of data but learn from them and act autonomously. And it can be found in many of Xiaomi's products

You have heard of IoT or the Internet of Things—the network of physical devices equipped with technologies that allow them to connect and share data with each other over the internet. There are billions of IoT devices, or "things", around the world today—and their numbers will continue to grow, generating data in the zettabytes (one zettabyte equals a trillion gigabytes). 

The main challenge, however, is to use all of this data in a meaningful and more efficient manner. According to research and advisory company Forrester, up to 73 percent of all data collected within enterprises are not used. This is where AIoT comes in.

The fusion of artificial intelligence (AI)—the ability of a computer to simulate human intelligence—and IoT, AIoT or Artificial Intelligence of Things enables devices to analyse the data they are generating, read the environment around them and act based on what it thinks is best, all with little human input. With such enhanced capabilities, the global AIoT market size is expected to reach US$16.2 billion by 2024, as industries look to gain real-time insights, improve the efficiency of their operations and enhance user experience.

AIoT can be found in numerous devices—and one company that has built up an AIoT ecosystem is Xiaomi.

See also: Ayesha And Parag Khanna On Artificial Intelligence And Coding With Their Kids

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Above KM Leong, general manager of Southeast Asia at Xiaomi International. (Photo: Xiaomi International)

The technology powers numerous products by the Chinese consumer electronics manufacturer, from its robot vacuum cleaners to its TVs and laptops. Its Smart TV, for example, can function as a smart home control hub. Using the TV's remote control, you can switch on your Xiaomi air purifier in another room or command your robot vacuum cleaner to clean a specific bedroom.

According to the company's 2021 fiscal year report, AIoT devices contribute 20 percent of its revenue. According to KM Leong, general manager of Southeast Asia at Xiaomi International, the company sees more than 400 million active users every month for its AIoT devices, making it one of the largest AIoT platforms globally. Some of its most popular products are its wearable devices, such as the recently launched S1 smartwatch.

Leong adds that the company has more products in the pipeline, including smart glasses that will offer functions such as displaying messages, providing navigation, taking photos and allowing people to enter the metaverse.

See also: Animoca Founder Yat Siu On The Rise Of Metaverse And What It Means For The World Of Luxury

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Photo 1 of 4 Xiaomi Watch S1. (Photo: Xiaomi)
Photo 2 of 4 Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier. (Photo: Xiaomi)
Photo 3 of 4 Xiaomi CyberDog. (Photo: Xiaomi)
Photo 4 of 4 Xiaomi 12. (Photo: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi has also established a robotics laboratory and introduced the CyberDog, its first quadruped robot, which can navigate its environment using a combination of AI algorithms, motors and cameras. A bionic pet, it is said to also be able to recognise its owner and follow their movement.

Beyond smartphones and AIoT devices, the company also announced last year that it will produce its first electric vehicle with possible autonomous driving capabilities by the first half of 2024.

With its focus on continuous innovation, Leong says Xiaomi plans to invest more than US$15.4 billion in research and development over the next five years.


From April 22 to May 15, customers purchasing a Xiaomi 12 smartphone will be entitled to a special gift. Visit Xiaomi's Facebook page for more information on the Hari Raya promotion.

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