The Internet of Things and the Way it Impacts Life

Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of objects (electronic devices) with the ability to interact with each other without any human intervention, deployed usually in islands of disparate systems.

What does this mean?

We have a lot of smart home devices like lightbulbs, thermostats, TVs and motion detectors. The communication between these devices without manual help is what we term as ‘Internet of Things’ or IoT.

For example, if the motion detector detects an activity, while there are no signs of the family members’ presence (watches, mobiles, etc.), then it triggers an alarm. Another example of automation/no human interaction event would be when the leak detector finds an over-threshold instance and communicates the same.

Few Benefits:

1. Remotely monitor and manage your devices (smart devices)
2. Create rules that will automate your home, industry, etc. which will in turn help in saving energy bills and reducing manual labor
3. Collect raw data for analytics and the raw data collected via various sensors help:

a.Predict usual/unusual events
b.Find any rules in the events
c.Pattern recognition

But where and how can the IoT profit users today?

Industry:

1. Predict equipment malfunctions and schedule service maintenance
2. Monitor thresholds and send notifications (with the help of sensors installed in equipment)
3. Process payments – based on user location, activity and duration for- public transport, gyms, theme parks, etc.

Home:

1. Control lights based on motion detection sensors and save energy
2. Predict unusual events like door unlocking when you are away
3. Avoid disasters using sensors that can track leakage/disruptions and notify on mobile

Health:

1. Monitor individual movements, location and workouts through the day using smartphone sensors like Proximity, Gyro, Accelerometer, GPS, Smart Cities:
2. Monitoring parking spaces
3. Monitoring pedestrian levels and vehicles to optimize driving and walking routes
4. Weather adaptive and intelligent street lights

Environment:

1. Detecting air pollution and forest fire
2. Early detection of earthquake & distributed control in particular places of tremors
3. Wildlife tracking collar system to protect wildlife

The IoT has become the buzzword in sectors like government, education, finance, agriculture, logistics and transportation. And it has made incredible strides in the consumer industry. While the concept is still forming shape, it has already transformed the way people, technology, and devices work.