Internet of things is the next big thing in our connected world.
You might have heard of Internet of things (IoT) at some point either from a friend, family, online advertisement. So What is IoT?
Internet of Things is a very wide and young field that helps us to link devices together in order for them to share valuable data and insights across platforms using embedded sensors.
The association responsible for this technology called Global Standards Initiative on Internet of Things (IoT-GSI) defined IoT as “a global infrastructure for the information society, enabling advanced services by interconnecting (physical and virtual) things based on existing and evolving interoperable information and communication technologies”
The beauty of IoT is that it allows devices to be remotely controlled across existing platforms thereby making it possible for a more direct integration of the physical world into computer-based systems, and resulting in improved efficiency, accuracy and economic benefit in addition to reduced human intervention.
The term “the Internet of Things” was coined by Kevin Ashton of Procter & Gamble, later MIT’s Auto-ID Center, in 1999. [Source]
Applications of the Internet of Things.
The applications of Internet of things (IoT) are numerous and has the potential to greatly impact how we work and live. More devices and objects are now connecting to the internet as the cost of connecting to it continue to drop drastically, more technologies continue to flood the tech space, smartphone production continues to scale, and so on. This has laid the perfect landing ground for Internet of things (IoT) to flourish.
In 2014 it was said that we have more than 16 billion Internet of things (IoT) devices in the world and could jump to 50 billion in 2016. [Source]
1) Connected Cars.
One of the numerous examples of how IoT is used in the world today is in transportation. These cars have inbuilt internet access and can connect and share data with other devices like your phone, office computer e.t.c
There is an app called Automatic, for example, it tracks information of your car by using an in-car adapter. It keeps information like mileage, hours driven, the cost of fuel, fuel efficiency, location, and ignition status.
2) Smart Home.
Currently, the Smart Home is the most popular use of Internet of things (IoT), as it is easy to use and available already in the tech space.
So what is a Smart Home? One of the most popular IoT devices is the Amazon Echo, it helps to control your smart home, get information, news, weather, play your favourite music and more. Think of been able to switch on your air conditioning in your room minutes before you leave your office or been able to lock your doors after remembering miles out of your home, or even let in your grandma when you are not at home. The use of IoT at home is endless.
The running cost of a house sometimes is a big burden for owners, but with smart home you can save energy and resources efficiently.
Here’s a brief video which shows you a smart home:
3) Wearables.
Far gone are the days when wristwatch only tells you the time, Apple Watch and its competitors have turned our wrists into smartphones. Now you can make a phone call, text your friends, monitor your heartbeat and pulse and ensure you are fit as possible.
In 2017, the demand for wearables have exploded in the tech market, sports companies and organisations are starting to use them to train athlete and monitor performances. All the big tech companies in the world like Google, Samsung have invested heavily in building such devices. So, how do they operate?
Sensors and Softwares that are built to collect and process data and information about the users are built into them which would later be extracted into valuable information about the user. Wearable devices are installed with sensors and softwares which collect data and information about the users. This data is later pre-processed to extract essential insights about user.
WATCH to understand more:
4) Smart Cities
This is another interesting application of Internet of things (IoT), this would help us manage our cities well. Surveillance cameras, driverless and automated transportation, good water distribution channels, improved automated security systems, automated environmental managements and so on. IoT would help reduce big problems like pollution, high and frustrating traffic congestion e.t.c usually encountered in cities across the world.
With the use of IoT for example, users can find shortest and fastest route, free available parking slots, bad and closed roads.
Check out this video to understand more:
5) Healthcare management.
IoT can be used to save lives in hospitals but hasn’t moved forward much in recent years. The concept of having connected healthcare system is nothing but fantastic, been able to receive information on user’s current situation can help reduce the risk of ailments and diseases.
IoT in healthcare seeks to help users embrace the idea of wearing A connected device, the data collected can help hospitals make better and quick informed decisions that can save lives.
WATCH:
SUMMARY.
The future of IoT is enormous, and this brings the communication of millions of devices together, where data can be shared. This would further reduce human intervention to computers and devices. It would spike a big change in the way we work and live our lives.
Let’s take for example you are running late for a meeting, your car can connect to other IoT system around and find the best possible route to your destination, If you hit a traffic it can automatically send a text to your colleagues alerting them of your situation.
There are so many areas where IoT has been used. Tell us in the comments below what other areas you know of.
WATCH Dr. John Barrett talk about the Internet of Things: