The world is now connected.
What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
Everything which has an on & off button and is capable of connecting with the internet is referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT). Technology has made even the most complicated of things possible. IoT maintains a connection between the devices and humans by sharing and collecting data. It is making the world a smart place by establishing a direct link between the digital and physical world.
How does it work?
M2M Communication
IoT works on Machine to Machine (M2M) communication where the human interaction with the machine is minimalistic. The human is only required to give the command and after that, the machine is elite enough to perform the task with its own capabilities. There are four major aspects which get this process going:
Devices: Two minimum devices are mandatory that will be connected, whereas there is no specified upper limit. These devices share data via a cloud that supports data sharing.
Connectivity: For the cloud to share the data a common network is required that will share the data between devices. The required can be anything like Bluetooth, Cellular Data, Wifi, Satellite or even the ethernet will work as well.
Data Processing: This is actually the time when the software comes into function. Once the data has moved to the cloud the software runs its processing with the data and prepares it for the action to be taken at User Interface.
User Interface: At this stage, the main results are highlighted for the command given. The information is passed on to the end-user which can be anything varying from a spoken reply to a text message or an email and so on.
In a nutshell,
-
Data is collected using sensors installed in IoT devices.
-
Collected data is then shared via cloud computing and integrated with the software.
-
Analysis of data begins.
-
Transmission of data to users via applications or websites by the software.
To know more about the communication protocols of IoT, click here.
Benefits/ Advantages of IoT:
Easy Communication: Handle your devices smartly by keeping your multiple devices connected.
Time-Saving: Do multi-tasking by using a single remote/ device.
Cost-Effective: Connect your multiple devices and manage their monitoring on a single device.
Informative: Smart devices act smart. They collect and analyse data for your future usage.
Privacy First: Third-party involvement can be easily sidelined enabling you to become sole-controller.
Real-World Applications of IoT
IoT finds boundless applications in several sectors. Have a quick look over some of the emerging trends and state-of-the-art applications of IoT:
Smart Home Applications
Remember Jarvis from your favourite Iron Man series? IoT has the potential to make Jarvis a reality. Have doubts? Dare to ask Mark Zuckerberg himself. He already has an AI home automation installed.
Healthcare
Not everyone can afford to pay for expensive gym equipment and high fees for fitness trainers. But what if all the healthcare devices and fitness equipment can be fitted into your watch or mobile phone. IoT can do that for you.
Smart Cities
IoT is enabling the architecture of smart cities with properly utilizing sensors to collect data. An efficient design can be realized with the help of IoT devices. IoT can bring a change in the way we look at the world today.
Agriculture
Lack of resources is one of the major challenges that we need to deal with. With an increasing population, we need to search for options to yield better agricultural growth. IoT has the solutions for this issue. Ex: Smart Greenhouse
Industry
Industrial IoT can prove to be the game-changer in upcoming decades. Intelligent process Automation is one of the best examples to realize how IoT can benefit industries. Product flow management and process optimization can be handled efficiently using IoT.
Wanna know more about IoT applications, click here.
An Insight into IoT in 2020
Bringing innovation and digitalization on the table, Industry 4.0 is all set to change and improve the way we work now and this time, the revolution is larger than ever. Let’s have a look at some of the most popular IoT devices in 2020 that will bring this revolution.
Most popular IoT devices:
Google Home Voice Controller: It’s always fun to command devices through the medium of sound. Google Home voice controller allows you to control television, handle room lights, manage alarms, and many more while you sit back and relax.
Amazon Echo Plus Voice Controller: Control several smart home devices using this voice controller by Amazon. It can play songs for you, manage your to-do lists, and many more.
Amazon Dash Button: Amazon knows that it is tough to remember all the grocery items while shopping. Sometimes, shopping lists are too lengthy to memorize. That’s why you can get away with this responsibility using the Amazon dash button.
August Smart Lock: No need to worry about your smart home security issues. August Smart Lock provides digital keys as well so no fear of stolen keys.
Kuri Mobile Robot: Need a hassle-free system to relax after a long work schedule. From soothing music to capturing priceless memories, Kuri mobile robot is the best option to take care of your entertainment needs.
Footbot Air Quality Monitor: A very simple and quick installation to measure indoor pollution and to maintain an improved quality of air inside your home.
Nest Smoke Alarm: Human negligence leads to emergencies that are hard to control. Nest Smoke Alarm is always ready to alert you in unfavourable situations.
Philips Hue bulbs and Lighting System: Get rid of the monotonous sketch of your life and let it be filled with different shades and tints with the Philips lighting system.
Tech Stack for IoT
Raspberry PI, Azure IoT, LoRa WAN, Zigbee, Bluetooth, WiFi