Data availability or accessibility remains a critical challenge in the delivery of data-driven or Artificial Intelligence (AI) based solutions. This challenge is particularly prominent in ecosystem environments where data sensitivities prevent the sharing of data or in emerging environments where infrastructure and systems are in the process of being implemented.
At Entopy, we have been progressing research to address some of the challenges associated with data accessibility, developing methods to produce accurate synthetic tabular datasets enabling us to expand datasets with synthetic data to overcome the ‘lack of data’ problem that can prevent successful implementation of our AI-enabled Digital Twin software.
This article, written by Toby Mills and Shahin Shemshian, discusses Entopy’s recent progress through the development of an AI model capable of generating highly accurate synthetic tabular datasets, helping to overcome data availability challenges within multistakeholder, real-world operational environments, maximising the efficacy and reducing the time for deployment of its AI-enabled Digital Twin software.
*Entopy’s research and development in this area is contributing to an Academic Research Paper that is expected to be put forward in early 2025 in partnership with the University of Essex and for this reason, this blog will not go into specific details nor share actual results.
The challenge
Data is critical to driving the envisaged wave of transformation discussed by industry and government. But in many cases, a lack of data (or unavailability of data) prevents solutions from being mobilised. This is particularly prominent where multiple organisations are involved in an operation or ecosystem and therefore, data must be contributed by many independent stakeholders, a dynamic true of most real-world operational environments where AI and Digital Twin technologies have the potential to deliver the most profound impacts.
Entopy has developed technology that enables data to be shared between organisations whilst ensuring the privacy and security of that data. Its software has been used in large, ecosystem contexts with highly sensitive data being shared in real-time to support the automation of processes and the identification of key events/alerts.
Entopy’s AI micromodel technology delivers the same capabilities (amongst others) when trying to derive predictive and simulative intelligence across multistakeholder, real-world operational environments, leveraging a distributed network of smaller but more focused AI models, integrating into an overall Digital Twin with the outputs from many models orchestrated together with real-time data to deliver highly effective intelligence across many contexts.
However, it is in the context of delivering predictive intelligence that we have identified additional significant barriers to data availability. This is due to the amount of data needed to deliver effective probabilistic models, therefore requiring large amounts of historical data to be shared. In this context, it is not just ensuring that permissions on data shared can be controlled at a granular level (again, amongst other things) but also that there is enough data available and that only relevant data is requested. To make this simple, we have listed a few of the challenges we have seen below (these are from an Entopy perspective based on what we are seeing and what affects us the most – there will likely be others):
Generating accurate synthetic tabular data with Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN)
Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) have been used for a long time to generate synthetic data. They are typically used to generate images or text and have been widely successful. The idea is simple really: to have two competing Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), with one generating ‘fake’ data (the Generator) and the other being fed both real data and fake data and detecting real from fake (the Detector). As the models compete, the Generator model becomes better, delivering more effective fake data in its attempt to beat the Detector to a point that the fake data is indistinguishable from the real data.
In the context of the challenge Entopy is trying to overcome, we wanted to use GAN as a method to generate synthetic data but instead of generating text or images, we wanted to generate tabular data to help train and improve our operational AI models.
There is a BIG difference. The accuracy of images and text is subjective. There’s no right or wrong, only the audience’s perception. But with tabular data, it is binary. Bad tabular data fed into an operational AI micromodel will lead to a very badly performing operational AI micromodel. In partnership with the University of Essex, Entopy’s research has focused on progressing concepts in the domain of synthetic data generation using GAN to deliver effective methods for generating accurate synthetic tabular data.
A specific business need was presented which supported the research activity. A customer wanted to achieve highly accurate predictive intelligence across a specific aspect of its multi-faceted operation (which involves several stakeholders contributing within the overall ecosystem). The area of the operation had a seasonal aspect but due to various system upgrades, there were only 12 months of historical operational data available.
Using the actual data, Entopy was able to achieve a modest AI micromodel performance of ~70% but it was clear that to achieve better model performance and ensure confidence in the operational AI micromodels deployed, more data was needed.
The results from Entopy’s research are models capable of delivering accurate synthetic tabular data by learning from the available real data to it. By statistically analysing and checking the data pattern of both the real and generated datasets, we can conclude that both datasets show the same characteristics. Also, training different ML models on both datasets shows a very similar performance. On the other hand, the generated data must be plausible based on the reality. For instance, if you’re generating data about car speeds, the generated value must only be positive and limited. This analysis shows how ‘real’ the generated data is.
The model was used to expand the original dataset by multiple times and used to train operational AI micromodels, achieving a much-improved model accuracy.
Further research to overcome known challenges
Alongside the GAN research, Entopy has been progressing research in the domain to understand the feature importance of target datasets. This research is progressing concepts in reinforcement learning and its primary use to accelerate the development and deployment of operational AI micromodels.
Entopy has developed effective reinforcement learning algorithms that are deployed today within the operational AI micromodel context, providing predictive intelligence for certain problem types within target environments. However, this research looks to use reinforcement learning as a ‘back-end’ tool, helping Entopy’s, delivery teams mobilise effective operational AI models more quickly, reducing the problem/evaluation process through automation.
However, looking forward, the ability to effectively understand datasets and identify feature importance could be a useful mechanism to overcome certain sensitivity challenges associated with AI-enabled Digital Twin deployments in multistakeholder environments.
What does this mean for Entopy and its customers?
This breakthrough innovation means that Entopy can deploy its software in areas where others can’t, enabling Entopy to overcome data availability challenges through the generation of highly accurate synthetic tabular data to support the mobilisation of highly effective operational AI micromodels.
This is a prominent challenge in Entopy’s strategic focus areas of critical infrastructure, where there is a mix of new and legacy systems with an accelerating ambition to upgrade legacy systems and a distinct lack of available data, which also involve ecosystems of partners causing high sensitivity around data and the sharing thereof.
Furthermore, given the global pressures on critical infrastructure, changes to increase capacity are inevitable. Synthetic data will be a key tool in simulating the impact of future changes and the impact on operational aspects and the ecosystem.
The combination of digital twin technology and artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising businesses, spurring creativity, and providing fresh approaches to challenging problems. Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, a few major themes will shape the way AI and digital twins are used in the future, giving businesses the ability to improve decision-making, streamline processes, and obtain previously unheard-of insights. As leaders in this revolution, we at Entopy assist businesses in utilising AI to unify and interpret vast amounts of disparate data from a variety of dynamic real-world environments.
The wider use of AI-powered digital twins in a variety of industries is one of the biggest trends for the future. Despite having historically been used in the manufacturing and urban planning sectors, the energy, logistics, and healthcare industries are starting to see the benefits of these technologies. Digital twins, for example, can be used by healthcare providers to model patient health, forecast the course of diseases, and customise therapies. AI-powered Digital Twins in logistics can simulate various scenarios and anticipate any disruptions to optimise supply chain management. Customisable, sector-specific solutions will become more and more in demand as more sectors discover the possibilities of these technologies.
The way organisations collect and analyse data is going to change dramatically as a result of the Internet of Things (IoT) devices being integrated with AI and Digital Twins. IoT sensors have the ability to gather data from physical assets in real-time, which they can then feed into digital twins for continuous monitoring and analysis. Predictive maintenance, real-time performance tracking, and quick reaction to operational changes or emergencies are all made possible by this integration. IoT-enabled Digital Twins in the context of smart cities can enhance urban planning, optimise traffic flow, and lower energy usage to create more livable and sustainable urban settings.
Digital Twins will progress from predictive analytics—which forecasts what is likely to happen—to prescriptive analytics, which recommends certain actions to accomplish desired outcomes, as AI algorithms grow more advanced. Organisations will be able to anticipate future events and respond optimally in real time thanks to this evolution. Digital twins, for instance, can forecast equipment breakdowns and provide maintenance plans to avert expensive downtime in the energy sector. They are able to predict patterns in consumer behaviour in the retail industry and suggest changes to inventory in order to optimise sales.
As they offer a virtual environment where stakeholders can interact with real-time data and simulate various scenarios, digital twins are quickly emerging as key hubs for cooperation. This capacity provides a thorough understanding of operations and possible outcomes, which improves decision-making. Future developments will see a growing integration of advanced visualisation techniques like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) into digital twins. This will facilitate cross-location collaboration, help teams comprehend complex data, and speed up decision-making.
Globally, companies are starting to place a high premium on sustainability, and digital twins are a potent instrument for achieving environmental objectives. Digital twins can help businesses reduce their environmental impact by increasing energy efficiency, decreasing waste, and optimising resource consumption. Digital twins, for instance, can replicate building designs to increase energy efficiency and decrease material waste in the construction industry. They can improve fertilisation and irrigation techniques in agriculture, resulting in more environmentally friendly farming methods.
Ensuring data privacy and security will be crucial as AI and Digital Twins manage more complex and sensitive data. Strong data governance frameworks must be put in place by businesses in order to safeguard data and fully utilise AI-driven insights. We could expect developments in safe data handling procedures in 2024 and beyond, such as the ability to train AI models on synthetic data without sacrificing privacy.
AI and digital twins have a bright future ahead of them since they are going to completely change how businesses function, make choices, and provide value. Companies may use AI-powered Digital Twins to spur innovation, improve operational effectiveness, and achieve sustainable growth by staying ahead of these trends. Entopy is dedicated to assisting businesses in navigating this shifting environment by giving them the resources and knowledge they require to prosper in a world that is changing quickly.
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming a vital tool for companies looking to get a competitive advantage in today’s data-driven market. However, in order to provide precise and insightful information, AI systems mostly rely on enormous volumes of high-quality data. Accessing such data can provide serious difficulties for many organisations, especially when working with sensitive data or small datasets. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to turn these constraints into tactical advantages.
Understanding synthetic data
Artificially generated data that replicates the statistical characteristics of real-world data is referred to as synthetic data. Artificial data is produced using models and algorithms, as opposed to traditional data, which is gathered from real-world events or transactions. Because of this, companies can create enormous datasets that accurately reflect real-world situations without having to worry about privacy issues or handle the logistical difficulties involved in using real data.
Overcoming data scarcity with synthetic data
Lack of data is one of the biggest problems that organisations have, particularly in emerging or specialised sectors where there may not be as much historical data available. This is addressed by synthetic data, which enables businesses to generate the data required for efficiently training their AI models. A startup creating an AI-powered product recommendation engine, for instance, might not have access to a lot of consumer behaviour data. The business is able to train and improve its artificial intelligence model so that it can provide precise recommendations right away by creating synthetic data that mimics possible consumer encounters.
Enhancing data security and privacy
The GDPR and other strict data protection requirements have made data privacy and security top priorities. Employing real data—especially private, sensitive data—can put businesses at serious risk for noncompliance. A solution is provided by synthetic data, which makes it possible to create and evaluate AI models without utilising actual, identifiable data. Since synthetic data doesn’t contain any actual personal information, companies can develop without worrying about breaking privacy laws.
Improving AI model performance
Diversity in datasets tremendously benefits AI models. However, the inherent biases or gaps in real-world data may limit the effectiveness of AI findings. Customised synthetic data can be used to fill up these gaps, ensuring that AI models are trained on a wide range of occurrences. This improves the model’s robustness and capacity to generalise to new, untested data. For instance, synthetic patient data can be used to train artificial intelligence (AI) models in the healthcare industry to detect rare diseases that may not be sufficiently represented in existing datasets.
Facilitating innovation and experimentation
The use of synthetic data creates new avenues for exploration and creativity. Businesses can use it to create “what-if” scenarios and explore the possible effects of various strategies or market situations without having to take on the risks of doing tests in real life. Businesses can now experiment in a safe and controlled setting with greater confidence, enabling them to make data-driven decisions.
Transforming limited data into strategic assets
At Entopy, we are aware of how important data is to generating AI insights. We assist companies in overcoming the constraints of sensitive or rare datasets and turning them into valuable assets by utilising synthetic data. With the help of our AI-powered solutions, businesses can fully use the potential of their data and get predictive information that improves decision-making and operational effectiveness.
In summary, companies trying to enhance their AI insights will find that synthetic data is a game-changer. Companies may open up previously unthinkable opportunities, improve privacy and security, and spur innovation in previously unthinkable ways by producing high-quality, representative datasets. Entopy is leading this change by enabling companies to transform their data challenges into competitive advantages.
With vessels having to wait an average of more than 60 hours to berth, port congestion worldwide is becoming an increasing concern for the shipping sector. Significant economic effects result from these delays, including higher operating expenses and decreased revenue for port and shipping industries. There has never been a greater need for effective port operations management. This is where the cutting-edge AI solutions from Entopy come into play. They provide a revolutionary way to maximise vessel efficiency and drastically cut wait times.
Understanding the challenge
Many reasons contribute to port congestion, such as a shortage of berths, restrictions for pilots and tugboats, and variations in cargo loads. These difficulties worsen with rising global trade volumes, resulting in greater wait times and inefficiency. These dynamic and complicated concerns are often too difficult for the traditional approaches of port operations management to effectively handle.
The role of AI in port management
To these problems, artificial intelligence (AI) offers a ground-breaking answer. Ports can analyse enormous volumes of data in real-time, offering predictive insights and streamlining operations by utilising AI. The unique quality of Entopy’s AI solutions is their ability to integrate and interpret vast amounts of heterogeneous, complicated data from a variety of dynamic real-world contexts, providing operational and predictive intelligence that is essential for effective port management.
How Entopy’s AI solutions work
Benefits of Entopy’s AI powered solution
The AI-powered solutions from Entopy provide an excellent solution to the intricate problems caused by port congestion worldwide. Entopy assists ports in decreasing wait times, reducing expenses, and improving efficiency by integrating real-time data, forecasting operational demands, and optimising resource allocation. Maintaining competitive and sustainable port systems will depend on utilising AI for better, more efficient port operations as the world’s trade grows. At the forefront of this revolution, Entopy is setting the standard with creative solutions that produce noticeable outcomes.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming our daily lives, careers, and interactions with the outside world. Artificial Intelligence is permeating every aspect of our lives, from voice assistants like Alexa and Siri to Netflix and Amazon’s recommendation systems. But what precisely is artificial intelligence, and how can newcomers begin to grasp and utilise this potent technology? We’ll simplify and make the fundamentals of artificial intelligence easily understandable in this guide.
What is AI?
Artificial Intelligence is essentially the simulation of human intelligence in machines. These devices are designed to think and learn like people do, using data to inform their judgements.
Key AI Concepts
Prior to utilising AI, it’s critical to comprehend the following fundamental ideas:
Entopy’s micromodel approach
Many companies are focusing on building bigger, more complex AI models which essentially means adding more features (or in simple terms, data inputs) into a model and using increased computational power to build more sophisticated models.
Unlike those companies, Entopy is not focusing on building bigger and more complex models. Instead, it is focused on deploying many smaller but more focused AI models and creating a network of models to solve complex problems.
The approach means that AI models can be more specifically tailored to specific problems, using relevant techniques and approaches and trained on a more focused dataset. The approach also enables greater transparency to users as to how recommendations have been derived and allows more scrutiny of model performance by development teams to ensure high accuracy/performance.
Furthermore, it means the AI models which will deliver probability based predictive outputs, can be combined with other data feeds such as IoT sensors that contribute deterministic data, enabling more dynamic intelligence to be delivered.
How to Get Started with AI
Although AI may appear complicated, anyone can begin studying and using this revolutionary technology with a systematic approach. You’ll learn about AI’s enormous potential and the fascinating opportunities it offers as you learn more about it. AI offers an exciting voyage of exploration and invention, whether your goal is to further your profession, develop creative solutions, or simply pique your curiosity.
The implementation of digital twins and micromodels is becoming more and more important as governments everywhere work to update their infrastructure. At the core of Entopy’s solutions are these state-of-the-art technologies that herald a new era of innovation in the public sector. Governments can optimise their infrastructure planning, management, and development with the help of Entopy’s AI-driven solutions, which offer exceptional operational and predictive intelligence by integrating and making sense of large, complex, and disparate datasets across dynamic real-world environments.
Digital twins are digital copies of real-world assets, systems, or processes. Using sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, they gather real-time data to build a dynamic, constantly updated model that closely resembles the actual environment. Using this technology, governments can anticipate possible problems, test solutions before putting them into practice, and simulate and analyse infrastructure performance under different conditions. Digital twins, for instance, can be used by city planners to optimise maintenance schedules, forecast infrastructure wear and tear, and simulate the effects of new transit lines on traffic flow. This pre-emptive strategy minimises disruptions to public services while simultaneously cutting costs.
Micromodels, which offer finely detailed, granular insights into particular infrastructure aspects, are a useful addition to digital twins. More accurate analysis and decision-making are made possible by micromodels, which dive into the details while digital twins provide a broader view of complete systems. Micromodels can be used, for example, in urban planning to examine waste management system effectiveness, building energy usage, and pedestrian traffic patterns. This degree of specificity is necessary to address the distinct problems that each area of a city faces and to provide customised solutions that improve sustainability and overall efficiency.
By combining digital twins and micromodels, governments are able to fully utilise the power of their data. Through the integration of diverse datasets, these technologies generate an all-encompassing and interrelated perspective of infrastructure, hence promoting improved departmental coordination and collaboration. When it comes to solving complicated problems like urbanisation, climate change, and deteriorating infrastructure, a comprehensive approach is crucial. For instance, governments can create integrated policies for lowering carbon emissions and advancing sustainable development by merging data from the energy, transportation, and environmental sectors.
Micromodels and digital twins make it easier to increase public participation and transparency. These technologies facilitate citizen understanding and participation in decision-making processes by providing infrastructure data visualisation in an easily comprehensible format. Urban digital twins, for instance, can be used in public consultations to demonstrate the possible effects of new initiatives, get input, and foster community support. In addition to enhancing decision-making quality, this participatory approach builds citizen-government trust.
Using micromodels and digital twins is a game-changing strategy for government innovation in smart infrastructure. These technologies help governments plan infrastructure more efficiently, increase operational effectiveness, and promote sustainable development by giving them access to real-time, data-driven insights. Leading this change are Entopy’s cutting-edge AI technologies, which enable governments to leverage their data and make significant advancements in public services. The development of digital twins and micromodels will further strengthen their influence on the future of smart infrastructure, opening the door to more intelligent and resilient societies.