Can AI make Sentient Buildings?

 AI and BAS Building Management

Using inline APA style references answer this question in as much detail as you can:  With the rise of AI and improvements in BAS, will buildings eventually become sentient beings and manage themselves?

There is ongoing research and development in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and building automation systems (BAS), but it is unlikely that buildings will become sentient beings and manage themselves. According to a study by Bello-Ochende and Meyer (2018), while BAS can optimize building performance, they are limited by the programming and algorithms they are designed with.

Furthermore, the concept of sentience, or the ability to perceive and experience subjectivity, is not currently within the capabilities of AI. As noted by Brundage et al. (2020), current AI technologies lack the capacity for self-awareness, and their decision-making processes are based on programmed rules and patterns.

However, AI and BAS can continue to evolve and improve building performance by optimizing energy use, improving occupant comfort, and reducing maintenance costs (Bello-Ochende & Meyer, 2018). As noted by Ma et al. (2021), AI and machine learning algorithms can help predict and prevent equipment failures, leading to improved building reliability and longevity.

Bello-Ochende and Meyer (2018) discussed the role of building automation systems (BAS) in smart buildings. BAS are used to automate and optimize the control of various building systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and security. The authors noted that while BAS can improve building performance, they are limited by the programming and algorithms they are designed with. Therefore, while AI can improve the capabilities of BAS, the concept of sentient buildings is currently beyond their capabilities.

Brundage et al. (2020) discussed the limitations of current AI technologies in their report on the malicious use of artificial intelligence. The authors noted that while AI systems can perform complex tasks and make decisions based on patterns and rules, they lack the capacity for self-awareness and true sentience. Therefore, it is unlikely that buildings will become sentient beings and manage themselves, as this requires a level of consciousness beyond current AI capabilities.

Ma et al. (2021) conducted a comprehensive survey of artificial intelligence (AI) in building energy management systems (BEMS). The authors noted that AI can help predict and prevent equipment failures, leading to improved building reliability and longevity. Additionally, AI can optimize energy use, improve occupant comfort, and reduce maintenance costs. However, the authors did not suggest that AI could lead to sentient buildings.

In summary, while AI and BAS can improve building performance, current AI technologies lack the capacity for self-awareness and true sentience, making it unlikely that buildings will become sentient beings and manage themselves. However, continued advancements in AI and BAS may lead to more efficient and autonomous building management.

References

Bello-Ochende, T., & Meyer, J. P. (2018). The role of building automation systems in smart buildings. In Smart Buildings (pp. 75-92). Springer, Cham. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-63889-0_5

Brundage, M., Avin, S., Clark, J., Toner, H., Eckersley, P., Garfinkel, B., … & Yu, H. (2020). The Malicious Use of Artificial Intelligence: Forecasting, Prevention, and Mitigation. arXiv preprint arXiv:1802.07228.

Ma, Z., Wang, Y., Li, B., Gao, J., & Li, G. (2021). A Comprehensive Survey of Artificial Intelligence in Building Energy Management Systems. Applied Sciences, 11(7), 3071. doi: 10.3390/app11073071