Qualcomm has invested $8mn into machine maintenance platform Augury. The move sees a leading IoT silicon vendor flexing its muscles in the predictive maintenance sector, with Qualcomm’s eyes seemingly set on advancing 5G connectivity in manufacturing. Augury develops AI-based machine diagnostic equipment and software, which can analyze machine performance from the sounds it detects. Most mechanical systems – e.g. pumps, fans, chillers – can be characterized through sound, giving Augury the unofficial tagline ‘Shazam for machines’. These sounds are detected via vibration and ultrasonic sensors which are then interpreted by Augury’s machine learning algorithms. Machine operators can then receive detailed insights based on the analytics of the internal workings of their machines. Riot has previously observed how predictive maintenance…