Potential Hazards in Current Design:
1) Electronic Waste
-Wireless sensors networks are comprised of multiple sensors, which will overtime degrade, break, or need to be upgraded to a superior version. This will create a good amount of electrical waste that must be disposed of properly or else it could be a heavy contributor to environmental pollution.
2) Job Displacement
-By increasing automation in maintenance prediction and operational systems, the need for manual in-person inspections would most likely decrease, which in turn would lead to a decrease in employment for maintenance workers.
3) Carbon Footprint
-Implementing continuous use of AI sensor networks may increase energy usage and consumption, which leads to higher carbon emissions and more environmental pollution.
Solutions to Identified Hazards:
1) Sustainable Disposable & Recycling Procedures
-Implement a method to ensure proper disposal of the electronic waste
-Collect old sensors and recycle what is salvageable
-Sensors could be designed to use more environmentally sound materials (biodegradable or materials that are easier to recycle)
2)Training/Reskill Programs
-Workers displaced due to AI system upgrades can be given the option to be re-trained to be able to perform AI monitoring or system maintenance roles
3) Energy Efficient Systems
-Design the network to use low-power sensors
-Use solar powered (or any best accommodating renewable energy source) sensors/nodes
-Optimize the AI algorithm to reduce energy demand