Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things or IoT refers to the various physical devices around the world that are now connected to the internet to collect and share data. It is also the network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators and connectivity which enables these things to connect and exchange data by creating opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world into computer-based systems. The IOT also results in efficiency improvements, economic benefits, and reduced human action. Due to the cheap processors and wireless networks, it's possible to turn anything , from a pill to an aero plane, into part of the IoT.

IoT Examples

Examples of Internet of Things include connected security systems, thermostats cars, electronic appliances, lights in household, commercial environments, alarm clocks, speaker systems, vending machines, etc. The simple example light bulb is an IoT that can be switched on using smarty phone app device, as is a motion sensor or a smart thermostat in the office or a connected streetlight.

How the Internet of Things work?

In order to work, the Internet of Things need a huge database that catalogs and track objects , using bar codes, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags and sensors .Through these recognition systems and traceability, the objects become the same nodes of the network and are able to communicate information to other objects/nodes using wireless connectivity. In the IoT world , objects and people are able to interact each other, adapting to the needs and external  conditions.  This is due to the fact that the spread of smart phones, tables and other mobile devices have made it possible to connect from anywhere, creating a huge network of networks.

Radio Frequency Identification

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a generic term that is used to describe a system that transmits the identity (in the form of a unique serial number) of an object or person wirelessly using radio waves.

Applications of Internet of Things

Smart home

Smart Home clearly stands out, ranking as highest Internet of Things application on all measured channels. More than 60,000 people currently search for the term "Smart Home" each month. The IoT Analytics company database for Smart Home includes 256 companies and startups. More companies are active in smart home than any other application in the field of IoT.

Smart City

Smart city spans a wide variety of use cases, from traffic management to water distribution to waste management , urban security and environmental monitoring. Its popularity is fueled by the fact that many Smart City solutions promise to improve real pains of people living in cities these days. IoT solutions in the area of Smart city solve traffic jamming problems, reduce noise and pollution and help make cities safer.

Smart grid

A future smart grid promises to use information about the behaviors of electricity suppliers and consumers in an automated fashion to improve the efficiency , reliability , and economics of electricity. 41,000 monthly Google searches highlight the concept's popularity.

Industrial internet

The industrial internet is also one of the special Internet of Things applications. While many market researchers see the industrial internet as the IoT concept with the highest overall potential. The industrial internet however has a lot going for it.

Connected car

The connected car is coming up slowly. Owing to the fact that the development cycles in the automotive industry typically take 2-4 years, we haven't seen much buzz around the connected car yet. But it seems we are getting there. Most large auto makers as well as some brave startups are working on connected car solutions. In near future well-known giants like Google, Microsoft, and Apple have all announced connected car platforms.

Smart Health

Smart or connected health remains the sleeping giant of the Internet of Things applications. The concept of a connected health care system and smart medical devices bears enormous potential not just for companies also for the well-being of people in general.

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