The Internet of Things (IoT) is the latest fad in the technology sector. IoT is the concept of
connecting electronic devices to the internet. This includes everything from mobile phones,
washing machines, HVAC systems, lighting and almost anything else that one can think of. IoT
is about connecting companies, people, technology, and devices in real time. IoT attempts to
solve many daily life problems, manufacturing limitations, agricultural issues via automation. It
builds over core concepts of sensing and actuation, monitoring and analysing real world
parameters and using wireless or wired connectivity for remote control and automation. Next big
step in the emerging technology is application of artificial intelligence.
IoT has applications in areas of manufacturing, transportation, insurance, agriculture, smart
homes and buildings, electronics, utilities, and defence. Bosch, GE, Google, Amazon, Hitachi,
IBM, Samsung, Cisco, Fitbit, and AT&T are few of the big names which are investing and
expanding in IoT research, development and prototyping. Some of these companies are working
towards developing and providing IoT infrastructure for use by other companies in developing
IoT products and services for consumers.
of smart homes. Google’s acquisition Nest is
selling thermostats and fire detectors which can learn patters and interact with their users.
be used to monitor and control energy distribution, embedded networks and cyber security
products.
with traditional and cloud databases.
essageSight, for machine to machine data
transfer, giving normal objects mobile like capabilities.
data analysis of IoT data.
frastructure, has created SmartThings that includes
connected motion sensors and plugs, which are linked to a central hub and can be monitored
through a mobile app.
There are many real life consumer relatable solutions that IoT can offer. Many of these have been
implemented and being expanded slowly.
– Risk assessment based on actual usage data is a strategic component
of many insurance companies. For instance, wireless sensors and devices installed in vehicles
can gather driving behaviours like speed, hard braking, clutch driving, sudden turning etc.
and thus provide insurance companies with tons of data points which were inaccessible
before.
car maintenance data of its users in order to keep them from damaging the vehicle and
enforcing traffic regulations.
ased retail outlet in Seattle, set retail industry a-buzz with its
powerful demonstration of the technology. Customers can just walk in to the store; pick up
the desired grocery from the shelves and leave. Carefully designed sensors, cameras, AI and
ML algorithms, along with the interconnected system of user’s phone and payment account
with do the rest of the job of determining the cart, its value and billing.
spaces. Sensors can determine patterns of usage and switch the systems on and off
accordingly. Moreover, lighting and HVAC systems can be controlled and scheduled
remotely.
s in
residents’ mobile apps. IoT security systems can also facilitate in monitoring and securing
premises from break-ins or other hazards.
Any irregularities are immediately alarmed to the relevant physicians and appropriate
medical help can be provided.
There are multiple speculations about viability and sustenance of IoT in future. Many are
pondering about its business viability and long term utility. There are doubts whether IoT can
offer any quantifiable value aside from entertainment or limited convenience. But, current trends
and above cited examples show quite positive and promising results. It seems that IoT isn’t just a
superfluous fad and is here to stay for long.