Honeywell is developing an AI-enabled Multi-Modal Intelligent Agent powered by Qualcomm Technologies.
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Workers and customers in the distribution and retail industries will be able to interact naturally with the agent to gain answers to queries via voice, pictures, and barcodes on handheld devices.
According to integrated operating multinational corporation, Honeywell, the AI-powered solution is being designed for modern, stretched workforces to quickly access information, increasing accuracy and time savings.
Nakul Duggal, Group General Manager of Automotive, Industrial and Embedded IoT, and Cloud Computing at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., outlines a few of the benefits it expects the AI agent to bring: “Utilising our strengths in on-device generative AI, high-performance and low power computing, this collaboration with Honeywell underscores our commitment to pioneering innovative solutions that will propel the expansion of the connected intelligent edge.
“Honeywell’s new Multi-Modal Intelligent Agent represents a significant step forward in utilising advanced edge AI to streamline operations and elevate customer interactions across industries.
“This initiative enables us to drive digital transformation, enhancing how businesses interact with their environments through intelligent and responsive technology.”
Multi-Modal Intelligent Agent
Honeywell’s AI agent will be able to answer practical questions, such as ‘Do we have a gluten-free variant of this product in stock?’ or ‘Where is X item located within the shop?’.
Depending on the nature of the question, the agent will then provide a response using an appropriate format, including images, video, text, spoken responses, or a combination.
As a result, Honeywell foresees workers being able to more efficiently complete their work, while also performing other tasks like assisting customers or carrying out multi-step workflows in distribution centres.
A software development kit will make it possible to integrate the solution into existing applications and systems.
The AI agent also bolster’s Honeywell’s automation capabilities within its product portfolio, which is one of three megatrends that the North Carolina-based company is reportedly focussing on. The other two are energy transition and future of aviation.
Honeywell has revealed that its Multi-Modal intelligent Agent is expected to become available in early 2025.
Jason Urso, Honeywell Industrial Automation Chief Technology Officer, explains how this technology ultimately supports a business’s customers: “By pairing Honeywell’s easy-to-use mobile devices and intelligent software with Qualcomm Technologies’ industry-leading edge AI processors, Honeywell is creating solutions to make workers’ jobs easier while also helping businesses produce the stellar experience they want for their customers.
“With AI, Honeywell is amplifying what’s possible for businesses with mobile workers today.”
Earlier this month, Honeywell completed its acquisition of CAES Systems Holdings LLS from the private equity firm Advent International for roughly $1.9 billion.
This acquisition strengthens Honeywell’s defence technology solutions over ‘land, sea, air, and space’, as well as supporting growth over its Aerospace Technologies business.
Amazon also recently launched a new generative AI-powered personal assistant ‘Project Amelia’.
Built using Amazon Bedrock, Project Amelia moulds to the unique blueprint of a company, enabling it to create tailored businesses insights, which boost productivity and promote seller growth.
