From watches to smart watches, speakers to smart speakers, the Internet of Things is transforming "dumb" things into "smarter" ones.
There is a lot of buzz about the Internet of Things these days. The hype around this concept has been going strong for some years now. But what is the exact meaning of the Internet of Things? Let's dive into the roots of this wonderful technology to find answers.
What is the Internet of Things?
The Internet of Things or IoT refers to the network of physical devices or "things" that connect, share and exchange data over the Internet.
In other words, the IoT is a concept where one can connect any device to the Internet and also to other connected devices. If chips are inserted into these devices, they can collect and communicate data. Such devices use sensors and APIs (Application Programming Interface) that enable them to communicate real-time data without human intervention.
The IoT provides the power of the Internet to the otherwise dumb physical devices and makes them smarter.
A brief history of the IoT
Although the concept of IoT dates back to the 1800s, the true history started with the invention of the internet. It then took several decades for the IoT technology to catch a true vision.
The term "IoT", for the first time, was coined by a British Technologist, Kevin Ashton, in 1999. He introduced this term during his presentation he made for an enterprise Procter and Gamble, where he worked in supply chain optimization. It was during his work when he noticed that optimization is directly dependent on the speed of processing and transmission of data. People needed to wait for a number of days to collect the data. But the new technology called RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) enabled the transfer of data directly between devices. He thought of using this technology to gather, process, and send data between various 'things' without human intervention. He called his idea of RFID-based device connectivity-- the Internet of Things.
But it didn't get widespread attention for almost a decade. In the late 2000s, the IoT gained enormous popularity and became a buzzword.
Some Examples of IoT Devices
Following are some examples of IoT devices in today's world:
Smart Smoke Alarms
The smart smoke alarms are highly intuitive devices. These smoke alarms contain smart detectors, which have enhanced functionalities. They can alert you by sending a notification on your smartphone in case of any emergency. Due to in-built specialized sensors, they can accurately detect environmental variables like heat and motion.
Furthermore, they notify the users regarding the battery levels and also monitor the internal temperature. Users can manage them using smartphones and also turn the alarm off wirelessly without physical effort.
Smart Video Doorbells
Nowadays, smart video doorbells are providing a whole new level of home security. They notify the users when someone is at their front doors. The built-in sensor senses whenever any visitor stops by. And, the device gives you a notification on your smartphone. These doorbells allow you to see as well as speak with the visitor at your doorstep. They will also alert you if someone is sneaking around your door.
Virtual Assistants
Now, almost all people have virtual assistants in their homes. Amazon Echo virtual assistant, Alexa, is one of the best examples of this technology. This IoT device is capable of creating to-do lists, playing songs, making phone calls, and ordering items online.
It performs your requests by responding to your voice commands. It can also set reminders, make appointments, and manage house instruments. As automation and connection continues to increase, the amount of data available for gathering by such assistants has also increased to a great extent.
Samsung Gearfit
Although there are many wearable fitness trackers, this is one example of such devices. This IoT device tracks your calories burned, counts your steps, and also calculates distance walked or run. It integrates with Samsung's Health app. Such wearables are synced wirelessly to a mobile phone for tracking data regarding your fitness.
Smart Farming Equipment
This device helps farmers do precise farming that leads to optimized production. IoT devices such as Smart Elements and Pynco detect and analyze the environmental data. These devices report weather conditions that help determine the best time to harvest plants. IoT-enabled farming assists farmers in gaining complete information about fertilizer profiles. Smart farming equipment helps farmers enhance their productivity.
Connected Home Appliances
From connected home bulbs, air conditioners, water heaters to intelligent ovens, dryers, and smart thermostats, all home appliances are now connected. Users can control their home appliances and receive notifications and alerts on their smartphones. Automation and connection is a better way to make your house a smart house.
IoT tracking system: Atrack trackers
A lot of businesses are now relying on industrial IoT devices. Atrack trackers is one example of such industrial devices. Businesses are using this device for tracking their assets. It offers GPS tracking that tracks or monitors assets and vehicles. It focuses on the transportation and logistics industries. This IoT device has changed the business landscape to a great extent.
What is the future of IoT?
The possibilities of the Internet of Things in different industries are endless. People are now getting attracted to this technology more and more. With how fast IoT is growing today, it is expected that an incredible wave of IoT applications will emerge in the future. It will be the foremost technology in coming decades. Adoption of IoT across various industries will witness a huge rise.
Experts are expecting an increase in the number of IoT devices in the near future. More than 22 billion IoT devices will be in use by 2025. Cities, houses, companies, industries-- everything will become smart. The future world will be filled with smart things. Cases of cybercrimes and attacks will also grow due to the rise of IoT. This technology will be seemingly incorporated into all aspects of our lives. Undoubtedly, the futuristic vision of IoT holds the potential of taking the world by storm.
Wrap-up
The evolution of IoT technology has brought some of the major changes to our daily lives. From homes to industries, the Internet of Things is connecting everything digitally. IoT devices have made the world smarter than ever. Keeping in mind the growing use of IoT both in the workplace and outside of it, it can be rightly said that now nothing seems to stop the rise of IoT.
Do you think the Internet of Things has brought the world from offline to online? Let us know in the comments section below!
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