With over a century of existence, Carnival is considered the biggest popular festival in Brazil, bringing together revelers from all over the country, as well as attracting tourists from other countries and continents. The importance of celebrations can be verified in the survey conducted by theCNC (National Confederation of Trade in Goods, Services and Tourism),which projected growth of 2.1% compared to last year, that is, more than R$12 billion in revenue.
In this way, it is important to emphasize that all sectors of the economy are impacted by the popular festival, whether in the area of products or services. Based on the results of the study released by the confederation, the highlights go to the segments of bars and restaurants, passenger transportation companies, and accommodation services (hotels, resorts, and inns).
As it is a seasonal event, Carnival boosts the production, stock, and transportation of goods, not to mention the increase in temporary job opportunities. For this reason, companies must prepare to handle a significant increase in orders and thus meet the expectations of revelers and increase their profits.
In this sense, technologies based on AI (Artificial Intelligence) can contribute to responding to sudden changes in a factory's routine, automating logistics services and also providing security monitoring systems in public, private and residential institutions.
To understand the scope and possibilities of applying the technology at the country's biggest popular festival, we spoke with Dirceu Matheus Júnior, the coordinator of the Lato Sensu specialization courses (in the fields of computing and informatics) at Mackenzie Presbyterian University. The specialist highlighted the main features and benefits offered in the business sector.
What are the main features of AI in Carnival?
It is important to clarify that the technology is already used invarious sectors of the economy, in order to ensure that companies efficiently address the consumer experience during the festivities. Some practical examples of the functionalities are verified in business data analyses, addressing the following aspects: social media, ticket sales, and consumer feedback, in order to identify trends and preferences.
In the assessment of the Mackenzie postgraduate computer science course coordinator, another important application of technology is observed in chatbots and virtual assistants. When devices are equipped with AI, they are able to provide useful information to revelers, such as parade schedules, block locations, safety tips, and transportation suggestions. By offering the mentioned data, companies improve communication and customer service.
Another feature that helped improve public safety, especially during Carnival festivities, is the facial recognition device. The equipment can be used to facilitate the entry of revelers into enclosed events, controlling access to restricted areas, and also strengthening the security of private spaces.
Dirceu highlights that AI systems can be installed in security cameras to perform real-time monitoring. "The technology applied to the equipment identifies suspicious behaviors in residential and commercial properties, as well as alerts authorities about possible incidents, increasing the safety of revelers," he argues.
Other uses of AI are verified in planning and management of logistics services, in order to optimize the analysis of historical data and predictions of different logistics scenarios, among them: parade routes, resource allocation and event management in public areas.
How can AI increase the efficiency of services offered during Carnival?
The use of AI-based technologies offers solutions ranging from user behavior analysis to the automation of repetitive tasks. According to the Mackenzie coordinator, the options available in the market still allow for the delivery of hyper-personalized experiences, one of the most valued aspects by the business sector.
“AI algorithms can predict the demand for transportation, food and accommodation services, so that business owners and suppliers can adjust orders and stocks of supplies. In addition, the automation of administrative and operational processes contributes to more efficient management of resources, reducing costs and increasing the effectiveness of event organization,” explains Dirceu.
With this understanding, it is worth adding that technological options serve areas of creative context, such as the production of personalized content for playlists, videos recapping events and even virtual costumes.
The Mackenzie computer coordinator highlights other important technologies during Carnival celebrations, designed with digital resources. AI applications can integrate augmented and virtual reality in order to offer immersive experiences to revelers. The options include virtual tours of parades and interactions with carnival characters, as well as increasing social interaction among revelers. In this way, companies have access to data obtained based on common interests and platforms created to share experiences and photos in real time, he concludes.
As can be seen, AI has the potential to transform Carnival parties by providing innovations for event organizers. It is worth adding that the technologies mentioned ensure safer events and more positive experiences for consumers.
