The Internet of Things — what is it?
The Internet of Things, also known as IoT, simply refers to the billion devices worldwide now connected to the internet, communicating and exchanging data with another. These devices can range from the smallest household objects such as smart bulbs to sophisticated industry tools — an aeroplane. So, no matter how small it is, it’s a part of the Internet of Things.
Nowadays, with a ‘smart’ alternative to almost anything, digital intelligence and AI are dominating the industries and making the world, as we know it, smarter and more responsive. In 2021, IoT Analytics expected the global number of connected IoT devices to grow by 9%, to 12.3 billion active endpoints. And by 2025, experts are anticipating more than 27 billion IoT connections.
How does IoT work?
We won’t bother you with technical jargon that’s probably too difficult to understand. Simply put, IoT devices collect, send and create actions on data they receive from their environment. They share this collected sensory data by connecting to a gateway where the information is sent to a cloud to be analyzed and evaluated. Typically, any smart devices in your home, office or workplace all communicate with other related devices and act on the information they receive from one another. This whole process occurs without human intervention, which is why it’s so convenient.
What are some examples of IoT?
Before listing some examples of things in the IoT, the possibilities are endless. You see, anything or anyone with an interrelated computing device, mechanical or digital machine belongs in the Internet of Things. For example, a person with a heart monitor implant, a microchipped pet, an automobile with built-in sensors to alert the driver of low tire pressure — all of these things are a part of the Internet of Things. Here are some of the most popular IoT devices in 2022 (most of which we encounter every day).
1. Smart Speakers
Smart IoT devices like Google Home and Amazon Echo have various functions allowing users to control multiple aspects in their home. Some of their features include:
-adjusting the thermostats and lights according to the user’s preference
-capable of managing timers and alarms
-voice recognition: making calls and messaging
-checking the weather
2. Smart Doorbells and Locks
One of the most useful IoT inventions, smart doorbells allow users to answer doors without physically getting up and opening them. Equipped with motion alerts and even cameras, smart doorbells sense any approaching visitors, constantly check your doors and capture motion changes 24/7. These smart IoT devices have taken home security to the next level.
3. Smart air quality monitors
Smart air quality monitors are reliable and effective IoT devices that monitor the air quality throughout the day and alert the occupants if high levels of indoor pollution are measured. Features include cleaning air pollution and regulating humidity and temperature levels. And with the deteriorating air quality worldwide, such devices are only bound to get more popular.
4. Smart lighting systems
LED lighting has been around for a while, but now it’s time to upgrade your lighting system by switching to the IoT version. Smart lighting systems allow users to control the lighting in every situation, creating the perfect ambience for every moment. Some features of smart lighting systems include:
-light schedules and comfort dimming
-creating your personal wake-up and bed-time lighting
-sync with music and movies.
5. Whole-home mesh wifi systems
One of the most prominent IoT devices of all time is the whole-home mesh wifi system. Mesh Wifi or whole-home Wifi systems target dead spots in the area and provide uninterrupted Wifi access throughout your home or office. To learn more about Mesh Wifi systems, head on over to What are Whole-Home Mesh Wifi Systems?
Why is IoT important?
The internet of things has progressed human lives in various ways. By allowing us to live and work smarter, we have more time to focus on other vital aspects of our life. In the business industry especially, smart devices have automated tasks and systems that required long hours of tedious manual labour previously. IoT is now embedded in many business systems, from delivering insights to overviewing supply chain and logistics operations. Here are some ways in which IoT benefits organizations:
-IoT monitors a businesses’ overall performance and gathers insights into what they could improve or enhance, ultimately allowing the company to grow.
-It improves customer experience by solving issues and queries automatically instead of waiting for a human representative to contact the customer.
-Due to IoT automation, the majority of the time and effort is not spent on tedious manual tasks. Instead, since IoT reduces human intervention, employees can focus on more important work.
For homeowners, other than the obvious benefits of automating a house system, integrating smart IoT devices such as smart lighting systems is environment-friendly and helps reduce waste and energy consumption.
Different popular applications of IoT
Machine monitoring and product-quality monitoring
IoT provides sensor information and insights into how machines are monitored and whether they are performing within the required tolerances. Furthermore, products are also monitored to ensure they are up-to-standard and void of any quality defects.
Wearables to monitor human health analytics or environmental conditions
As mentioned above, IoT devices like air quality monitors observe environmental conditions and check for alarming levels of air pollution. Similarly, heartbeat sensors are also a popular example of IoT applications for individuals with health conditions.
Efficiencies in existing processes e.g. delivery services
Nowadays, IoT is heavily ingrained in fleet management in delivery services especially. IoT fleet monitoring offers safety and increases efficiency by directing, monitoring and tracking the vehicles and drivers in real-time.