You might have heard someone talk about “Internet of Things” or you are just hearing about it now. Whichever might be the case, the subject is one that you must have adequate knowledge about because of its ever-increasing impact on our world.
Therefore, in this article, we will explain as simply as we can what Internet of Things (IoT) is, and we will also discuss where it is now and where it could be in the future.
What is IoT?
Internet of things is regarded as a network connection system that includes computing devices, digital and mechanical machines, things, animals, and people that possess unique identifiers and can send and receive data via a network minus interrelated human interaction or human and computer interaction.
When we say “thing” in IoT, we are referring to either a person who has a mechanical or digital implant like a heart monitor, an animal implanted with a chip sensor, or a car that is implanted with sensors that can be used to detect and alert the owner to certain issues, or any object that has been given an IP (Internet Protocol) address and can send data via a network.
Potential Application of Internet of Things
Currently, the popularity of IoT is making it a necessity for many businesses and companies. The IoT market is projected to be worth $1319.08 billion by 2026. You can click here to find out more about the Internet of Things market projection.
Apart from companies, individuals will also be greatly affected by this trend. Most companies are adding digital awareness to most of their products these days. Hence, any device that can be turned on or off is being fitted with the ability to connect to other devices and the internet.
Basically, anything you can imagine will soon be fitted with the ability to connect with the internet. Apart from this connection feature, many things will be equipped with sensors and software that will enable them to collect and transfer data. Hence, these things will become smart to detect when we need certain things. For example, your coffee maker will begin brewing your coffee once your morning alarm rings. This is due to the data it has collected based on your previous interaction with it.
We have seen self-driving cars which is just a potential example of the extent IoT can reach. While several industries have used this technology for smart metering, predictive maintenance, and asset tracking.
Internet of things is taking our society to a point where everything becomes smart. Let’s see a few projections of the potential application of this technology in certain areas of our society
Smart City
- The structural integrity of certain infrastructures such as roads, bridges, buildings, etc. can be monitored by things embedded with sensors, software, and network connection.
- Pollution, noise, signal strength mapping.
- Smart power grid.
- Efficient waste management with the aid of smart tags.
- Real-time virtual tours.
Smart Roads
Drivers can receive the following messages on their phone or directly to the vehicle:
- Analysis of traffic alongside alternate direction tips.
- Self-auto-diagnostics.
- Smart parking.
Smart Health
In hospitals and clinics…
- Medical and fitness sensors that monitor a patient’s body functions with the ability to alert a doctor in case of an emergency.
- Devices that carry out routinely prescribed analyses.
- Efficient delivery system of medicines. Visit https://www.wipro.com/business-process/what-can-iot-do-for-healthcare-/ to find out more about what IoT can do for healthcare.
Smart Homes
With the use of a smartphone app and the smart home TV, the following can be controlled:
- Power, water use, and heating optimization.
- Smart lock and intrusion detection.
- Remote control of home appliances.
Smart Environment
After autonomous sensors have been put in place…
- Early detection as well as warning of a flood, fire, forest, earthquake, avalanche, contamination, etc.
Smart Factories
- Smart manufacturing with custom product
- Effective control of the supply chain
- Effective inventory management
These are just a few possibilities we’ve been able to list out and they are in no way exhaustive. The future is looking much brighter with these technological advances. Despite this, it is not a completely perfect system. The potential of one device being hacked can spell doom for a person who has an interconnected system. Hence, IoT software developers and drivers like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, etc. are doing all they can to limit such issues before IoT becomes a major reality in our society.
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Conclusion
Internet of Things is here to stay and will affect our lives a great deal as the years go by. While it has its high points, it is not without its pitfalls. Hence, our advice is that you select an IoT developer that is credible and reliable; don’t just choose one carelessly. Else, you might open yourself up to hackers.
