Technical Topic
Wow! What an eye-opening experience it has been! (Pun intended). This week’s view into Computer Vision and Autonomous Systems was a powerful moment of clarity for me. As someone new to the technical world of AI – but not new to the world of business management and hospitality – I was struck by the practical potential of machines that can “see,” understand, and respond to the physical world. And what brought awe to me as we dove deeper into the topic was the sheer genius of our creator in the design of man’s optical system that we are now duplicating in machines.
Computer vision is the field of AI that teaches machines to interpret images and visual information, much like we do with our eyes and brains. As explained in Russell and Norvig’s Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach, “Computer vision aims to understand the content of digital images,” using algorithms and convolutional neural networks (CNNs to identify patterns and objects (Ch. 25, p. 958). ); (not the news station like I supposed).
Image B Human vision diagram -ChatGPT design 2025-04-19
Autonomous systems take this one step further by combining visual perception with motion and decision-making. According to the authors, “A robot is an AI agent that operates in the physical world,” able to sense, plan, and act without human intervention (Ch. 26, p. 1002)
Application
As a former hospitality executive now working to lead others in the transition and integration of AI in their careers and personal lives, also working on digital service and care innovations, I immediately thought of my AI for Business Team Project: MANKare, a centralized platform for managing elder medications and care routines.
Computer vision, when paired with sensors like Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging), can help identify if an elder has fallen, failed to take their medication, or wandered into a restricted area. As an IT novice, during every lesson, acronyms and terminology are like a foreign language to me. But I have quickly learned to ask questions, seek clarification, and dig deep for understanding, as noted in the ancient writings of Proverbs 20:5 NKJV, “Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” Lidar works by emitting laser beams and calculating the time it takes for them to reflect back – building a 3D map of the environment (Ch. 26, p. 1008). This offers millimeter-level safety precision for real-time monitoring, even at night.
Image C LiDAR – Computer Vision diagram -ChatGPT design 2025-04-19
In the hospitality setting, autonomous vacuum robots with Lidar could optimize cleaning schedules between guest check-ins, and facial recognition kiosks could streamline secure, contactless self-check-in experiences.
Benefits
Efficiency: Robots work 24/7 without fatigue, making them ideal for tasks like security patrols or elder wellness checks.
Accuracy: Lidar-based systems reduce false alarms and ensure detailed spatial mapping, essential in caregiving and facility management.
Trust-Building: AI-driven systems, when implemented ethically, enhance reliability and satisfaction for both customers and caregivers.
Risks
As promising as it is, this technology isn’t risk-free. Vision systems can misidentify individuals, especially people of colour, due to biased training data. There’s also a fine line between protective monitoring and invasive surveillance, especially in vulnerable populations like the elders.
Russell & Norvig caution that “Designing behavior that is predictable and ethical remains a major challenge” in robotics (Ch. 26, p. 1015). Without careful implementation, we could unintentionally trade human dignity for digital efficiency. ”Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” Genesis 1:26. This is principle and foundational verse that establishes the inherent dignity and worth of all people and is reflected in every human being bearing the image of God. And as noted in the Book of Ezekiel 18:4 the Lord God Almighty say, “Behold all souls are mine…” , these are reminders of where accountability will rest in our stewardship of this technology.
Open Question
If machines are learning to “see” the world, how do we ensure they interpret it through a lens of justice, compassion, and human-centered values?
As AI vision systems enter homes, hospitals, and hospitality spaces, our challenge is to remain not just efficient, but ethical stewards - leaders who balance innovation with care.
Citation
Russell, S.J., & Norvig, P. (2020). Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach (4th ed.). Pearson.
ChatGPT, Image, Editing, Research and Formatting
New King James Bible, Genesis 1:26; Proverbs 20:5; Ezekiel 18:4
Signature
Nicole A. Farrington is a Business + Hospitality executive turned IT consultant, passionate about ethical AI, elder care innovation, and servant leadership. Read more at https://www.nicoleafarrington.com