A business traveller wearing a smartwatch for phone notifications whilst travelling. Picture: Pexels
The travel technology market is projected to grow from $9.4 billion in 2022 to an impressive $20.9 billion by 2032 with artificial intelligence (AI) wearables leading the way.
According to Flight Centre South Africa’s GM Antoinette Turner, these devices are changing the way we work, live, communicate and travel.
“From real- time translation to health monitoring, AI wearables can enhance various aspects of the traveller’s journey, providing two key elements of a stress-free trip: convenience and peace of mind,” she added.
So, what exactly are AI wearables, and what tech-savvy accessories can you get your hands on right now? The travel expert shares all you need to know on AI wearables and what’s still to come.
What are AI wearables?
According to Turner, though you might’ve probably already invested in a fitness tracker or smartwatch, AI wearables take wearable tech a few steps up, by using artificial intelligence to learn about, adapt to, and anticipate your needs, kind of like a travel assistant living on the bridge of your nose or inside your ears.
“Many of these devices use sensors, cameras, microphones, and sophisticated algorithms to collect and analyse data from your surroundings and your interactions with the world.
“AI then processes this data to provide you with real-time personalised insights, recommendations, and assistance,” explained Turner.
She said that though this may sound futuristic, the future is now and an example of this can be seen with the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. These glasses offer augmented reality experiences, voice control, and the ability to interact with an AI chatbot.
Turner added that these glasses are just the tip of the hi-tech iceberg and there are plenty other AI wearables available for purchase, and hundreds more currently in the works.
Enhancing your travels with AI wearables
The travel expert said that at the moment, the most notable enhancements are navigation and translation and some wearables can translate signs, menus, and conversations, making communicating with locals and getting around in a foreign country completely effortless.
She added that there’s also a strong health and wellness aspect to AI wearables, with many able to track vitals and sleep patterns to offer personalised recommendations, helping travellers adjust to new environments, like different time zones or altitudes.
It’s also true that various wearables can provide insights into hidden gems, but Turner warns against trusting AI over a travel expert.
“While AI is wonderful for things like translation and augmented reality, don’t trust your accessories to plan your trip for you. No matter how cool they look, your sunglasses will never plan your holiday like a travel expert can,” she cautioned.
The future of AI wearables in travel
Turner highlighted that technology never stops evolving, so as advanced as the AI wearables of today are, one thing’s for sure, the new devices in a year or two from now will be even more impressive.
“Think more powerful algorithms, enhanced natural language processing making conversations with AI feel more like talking to a human, and improved contextual awareness regarding your travels like knowledge of weather conditions and our emotional and physical states and how these things impact the activities we’d be interested in that day.
“So, if you didn’t sleep well the night before, your wearable might be less inclined to recommend a day of hiking no matter how pleasant the weather may be,” she said.
But what is the main concern every traveller has as AI takes off? Privacy.
“As these wearables become more integrated into our lives, concerns arise. This includes ensuring transparency in data collection and usage, giving users control over their personal information, and preventing misuse of AI tech,” said Turner.
She noted that the future of travel technology and AI wearables will almost certainly involve striking that balance between the convenience and excitement the technology brings with the authenticity that only the human touch can provide.
“There’s a massive difference between staying connected with your devices and enjoying real emotional connections with people at every stage of your trip, from planning your holiday alongside a travel expert and being greeted with a smile when checking into your hotel, to asking a local for their suggestions on the city’s most authentic restaurants.
“Travel will always be about human connection – and that will never change no matter how advanced technology becomes,” said Turner.
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