BT today announced a new Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based solution to help businesses achieve their sustainability goals by optimizing energy use in their operations. This launch is the latest step in the BT Group Manifesto commitment to help its customers reduce 60 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.
QiO Technologies’ Foresight OptimaTM AI technology combines the latest in machine learning with BT Edge Compute devices. Businesses can also take virtue of the broader capabilities of BT’s digital industries, such as IoT (Internet of Matters), cloud and secure connectivity, all in a unmarried managed solution.
The new solution brings together real-time data from IoT sensors, machine control settings, databases, outside data, and energy sources to identify variables that can be optimized to reduce energy consumption, and it can also help improve quality, productivity and other relevant factors.
The resulting Energy Efficiency Ratio (EEI) looks at previous process configurations and compares them to see which were more energy efficient and why. You can also compare facilities and equipment to find best practices.
The solution is hosted on a BT Edge Compute appliance, which ensures data can be securely processed by AI close to where it is created. BT securely connects the device to all applicable systems, hardware and assets to provide full visibility of the process being measured. In addition, the connectivity options include the private 5G network.
QiO AI has been successfully implemented in a wide range of industries, such as glass, steel, cement and automotive, among others, and has saved between 5% and 15% of energy. For example, the implementation of QIO at a major glass manufacturer reduced energy consumption by 6% and carbon emissions by 21,600 tons.
“I think we have a very important role to play in tackling the climate crisis. By partnering with customers, we can help them achieve net zero carbon emissions,” said Hriday Ravindranath, Chief Product & Digital Officer, Global, BT.
“Data is the key,” he added. “Too many organizations still collect carbon data manually, making reporting difficult and limiting its usefulness for improving operations. Our solution securely collects data and, thanks to QiO AI, recommends measures to optimize processes.
Moreover, customers can use this data to report on their performance in a standardized way. It is a great example of how we are meeting our Manifesto commitments and connecting to accomplish common goals.”
“Our partnership with BT will bring the benefits of QiO Foresight OptimaTM to heavy and energy-intensive industry to help meet grid zero and sustainability goals,” said Rick Haythornthwaite, President and Co-Founder of QiO Technologies. “Combined with BT’s industry knowledge and connectivity expertise, we can accelerate the delivery of energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions and cost savings to organizations globally.”
