The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to billions of smart devices connected to a network, sending and receiving data to and from other devices. The IoT is an extension of the internet and network connections to different sensors and devices.
Any physical object can be developed into an IoT device if it can be connected to the internet to be controlled or communicate and transfer data.
A ceiling fan that can be switched on using an app is an IoT device, as is a motion sensor or a connected streetlight. An IoT device could be as fluffy as a child’s toy or as serious as a driverless car. Larger things may be filled with many smaller IoT components, such as a rocket engine that is filled with thousands of sensors collecting and transmitting data back to make sure it is operating efficiently.
Why Is IoT Important?
IoT is making the world around us smarter, responsive and efficient. Pretty much we use a bunch of IoT devices in our day to day life.
Here are some examples:
- Smart appliances (stoves, refrigerators)
- Smart security systems, smart locks, and smart doorbells(like Ring Doorbell)
- Home hubs that control lighting, home heating and cooling(like Google Hub, Apple Home Hub)
- Assistants (like Alexa or Siri)
- Fitness trackers, sleep trackers, and smart scales(like Apple Watch)
IoT can have significant and specific applications, depending on the scale of connectivity and the number of devices involved, be they for a single user or an entire city.
IoT devices are a part of home automation, which can include, heating and air conditioning, media, security systems(camera systems) and lighting. Energy savings by automatically ensuring lights and electronics are turned off or by making the owners in the home aware of the usage.
Sensors in a vehicle allow us to collect real-time data about the vehicle and its surroundings. Autonomous vehicles use several sensors and cameras in combination with advanced computers to react to their environments and drive themselves safely and efficiently.
Problems With IoT?
One of the major problems with IoT technology is security. The handling of data and personal information is a huge hurdle. The mass-produced smart devices may have vulnerabilities that could affect all the users of that device. The automation system makes it very difficult to check for vulnerabilities, the device is made for minimum human interference.
The interconnectivity of these devices is another major problem, one device is connected with a bunch of other devices. If one device is compromised so are the others.
These problems are being addressed by the community and are being worked on.
Future Of IoT?
Tech analyst company IDC predicts that there will be 41.6 billion devices connected by IoT by 2025. Industrial and automotive equipment represents the largest opportunity for these connected devices.
Security devices, in the form of intruder detection and web cameras, will be the second biggest use of IoT devices.
