Telecommunications operators have been racing to build the fifth generation (5G) of wireless technology and it is now being rolled out around the world. Just a few months ago it also reached Denmark, where Milestone Systems headquarters is located and where Malou Toft is based.

“Having spent 16 years in the telecommunications industry, and the past 3 years in the video tech business, I am hugely excited about the development,” states Malou Toft who believes that the IoT era will truly come into its own in the wake of 5G.

“It will have as big an impact on the daily world as the smartphone had in the 2G era,” she says, and explains further how 5G will have an impact on our daily lives.

A technological revolution

There is no doubt that MalouToft is convinced that 5G will be the real take-off for IoT, and big changes in the way we use technology ahead.

“5G is setting new standards for speed and bandwidth – and it goes way beyond downloading a movie in seconds on your phone. It will expand to encompass all sorts of “things,” from autonomous cars, to augmented reality glasses, as 5G’s greater capacity and reduced latency will enable humans to act on societal challenges in new and far more effective and better-informed ways.”

New opportunities and risks

For Malou Toft 5G is the foundation for realising the full potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) with the purpose of measuring, collecting, and analysing data, in order to make cities, homes, and businesses work better. But she is also aware of the fact that with new technologies come new risks.

“Indisputably, the new technologies also come with new risks – namely around cyber security and data privacy. Risks that government bodies, companies and we as individuals need to take seriously. But even with the risks and uncertainties involved, I feel confident that the 5G infrastructure will enable huge advancements to society that will outweigh the potential downsides. If we take conscious and responsible choices about how we apply the technology at hand.”

The pandemic and how technology can do good

As an example of how technology can do good Malou Toft takes the pandemic´s impact on innovation and adaption.

“Just look at the world during COVID-19. In the past six months, technology has come to the fore to mitigate the crisis. We have seen that hospitals have explored greater use of video to consult with patients and manage ongoing care where appropriate to reduce unnecessary close contact. Many patients have applauded this. Some have even attended more therapy sessions remotely than they would otherwise, because of the convenience. This indicates that this may in fact be the preferred option for some people – even after the pandemic.”

Technology saves lives

5G and IoT technology bring further advancements to many sectors, such as transportation and retail to mention a few, not only health care, but the importance of how technology can contribute to increase good health and save lives is truly obvious to Malou Toft.

“Machine type communications will be used to monitor patients via massive sensor networks, and to power smart pills that can record drug ingestion to avoid medication errors, which cost lives. Ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC) will power telemedicine, remote recovery, augmented reality physical therapy and even remote surgery.”

Visual data – the artery for AI

According to Malou Toft visual data is the main artery for artificial intelligence and she explains why that is.

“More than 50 percent of the human brain, is devoted to processing visual information. Therefore, the majority of the data needed for artificial intelligence to automate processes and enable humans to make more efficient and betterinformed decisions, will rely on the ability for computers to translate high quality visual data, “ she says and adds:

“This places cameras – referring to a unique lens and sensor used for image capture – at the epicenter of the upcoming IoT era. Coupled with the right analytical tools, cameras will not only monitor, but also facilitate an automation of the many complex processes involved in, for example, manufacturing.”

AI may be the solution for many applications, but Malou is also eager to emphasise the importance of how to implement the technology.

“Artificial intelligence may be the core of a connected and digital organisation, but it is human intelligence that is the core of a successful implementation.”

Important to eliminate risks

Milestone Systems is a global leader within video management software. Standing at the edge of the IoT era and considering the importance of strong, reliable software to manage and process the huge amounts of visual data to be collected in the years to come, Malou Toft cannot think of a more exciting company and industry to be in.

“But even if we are looking into a blue ocean of opportunities, and we are here to make a profit, it does not mean that we should pursue the opportunities in an uncritical manner. We all have a responsibility to mitigate and try to eliminate the risks involved. As a leading global video management software (VMS) provider, it is our obligation to help set the agenda for secure and responsible video technology use.”