The Internet of Things, commonly abbreviated as IoT, is one of the most profound transitions in technology that promises to revolutionize the technology space in the 21st century.
According to a report by Gartner, by 2020, connected devices across all technologies will reach 20.6 billion. A further report by McKinsey Global Institute, IoT has the potential to create an economic impact of $2.7 trillion to $6.2 trillion annually by 2025.
Internet of Things(IoT) refers to the ever – growing network of physical objects that feature an IP address for internet connectivity and the communication that occurs between these objects and other internet enabled devices and systems without requiring human- to- human or human-to-computer interaction.
These physical objects are embedded with sensors, software and the necessary electronics that enable them to collect and exchange data making them responsive.
Being able to connect with more number of devices to collect, utilize and share data will help bring in increased efficiency and enhance the productivity level of the organization.
Let us now go through a few of the areas where IoT has shown its increasing presence and has helped improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
Smart Homes
Application of IoT technology in homes helps you switch on air conditioning before reaching home or adjust the room temperature and switch off lights after you have left home. You can unlock the doors of your home before reaching home. This is possible with embedded sensors, processors and other communication hardware installed on devices.
Smart Security
IoT helps you secure your homes from burglaries and housebreak attempts by installing sensors on devices you have at your home. Instead of alarms that are being presently used in homes as security, the new smart security device will send an email or text message straight to your phone. This will help you inform police or take other follow up actions.
Smart Wearable Devices
Smart wearable devices like watches, spectacles and other health devices, apart from their stated purposes, also provide feedback of various human aspects including health issues. Wearable health devices installed with sensors and software can collect data about blood pressure, sugar levels, cholesterol levels, heartbeats etc. Analyzing this data and taking remedial measures will help you manage health issues in the most efficient manner.
Smart Farming
Smart farming is one of the areas where IoT is playing a major role. Checking for soil moisture and nutrients, controlling water usage for plant growth and determining custom fertilizer are some simple uses of IoT. These help farmers with better crop farming techniques resulting in increased agricultural yield.
Smart Labeling
One area where IoT has found wide application is in the area of smart labeling. It will alert consumers about the manufacturing date, product weight and other details of the product by having the smart label. Just image a label that tells the consumer not to take up a product as the expiry date is over.
Smart Cities
The creation of smart cities featuring IoT will help make life better and more pleasant for all its residents by making all urban facilities IoT connected. Smart surveillance, automated transportation, smart water distribution, pollution control, smart electrical distribution, smart security etc are a few examples of internet of things applications that will feature in all smart cities.
These are but just a few of the areas where IoT technology has taken meaningful strides. The future of IoT is more fascinating and promises to change the lives of everyone in general as more and more things become connected
