IoT stands for the Internet of Things, it describes the network of physical objects that facilitates communication between devices and also between cloud and devices. They interact with technology and the world around us by connecting to the internet to send or receive data. IoT falls in the broad range of “things” from simple smart devices to complex industrial machines.
What is IoT ?
IoT collect, exchange data with devices and systems through software, sensors or other technologies. This interaction between devices or systems is useful in improving efficiency in applications and industries.
IoT with its incredible data collection and sharing, can be used to monitor, control, or automate tasks. It can be used to predict machine breakdown in industry, to improve safety operations in companies, and many more.
How does IoT work?
IoT gathers and shares data through a variety of components such as actuators, sensors, etc.
- ● Sensors: detect change in the environment; it could be change in motion, humidity, temperature, or light.
- ● Actuators: based on data collected and shared by sensors, actuators can take action for adjustment
- ● Microcontrollers: can process and analyze data collected for multiple purposes
- ● Cloud services: IoT cloud services used to process, analyze and store IoT data.
Communication or interconnectedness between IoT devices and systems is guaranteed via internet. IoT could vary from a device as simple as turning on the AC in the room when the threshold temperature is reached to a complex system managing an entire corporation network.
Application of IoT
There are tremendous possibilities with IoT and use cases are limitless as the technology is evolving everyday. Being that data collection and processing nowadays are important to get more insights from data to improve our models, common applications of IoT could be found in many areas like agriculture, healthcare, smart cities, transportation, smart homes, industrial automation, etc.
Healthcare : IoT devices can be used in various ways to improve patients’ quality life. For instance, monitoring medication adherence, or patients’ vital signs in real time to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Smart cities : Here IoT can help in reducing electricity consumption by optimizing city’s streetlights (adjust lights brightness based on some criteria) through traffic sensors, or in reducing traffic congestion.
Smart homes : In this case, IoT can be used to create a smart home where domestic devices can connect to work efficiently, controlling the light system, or the optimal temperature for setting preferences of tenants.
Industrial automation : It can play an important role in prediction of machine breakdown through data patterns in industry. IoT can help to optimize processes, improve efficiency and reduce waste.
Challenges of IoT
The ability of IoT to collect and analyze data in real time from a variety of sources is the reason for its interest in multiple areas. However, it also comes with many challenges such as security, privacy and concerns of proper use of IoT personal data. There is a potential of exposure to cyber attacks due to the increase of the devices’ interconnectedness. It becomes mandatory to have in place adequate security measures to protect sensitive data, and also for users to have control over their data.
Conclusion
Despite these challenges, IoT still has a long way to go as the technology is dynamic and evolves rapidly. It is expected to see more applications and changes in technology under the influence of IoT. This influence will continue to revolutionize how we live and develop applications.
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