Internet of Things [Explained] Importance & Examples

IoT is a network of interconnected smart gadgets that offers rich data, but it can also be a security nightmare.

The phrase “Internet of Things” (IoT) is used to refer to a rising number of gadgets that aren’t standard computing equipment but are connected to the internet to send or receive data or both.

What is IoT?

The IoT connects physical items to the internet and provides data processing, analytics, and communication. Without the need for a keyboard and screen as an intermediary, users can now interact directly with the global information network (Alexa, for example).

IoT has the potential to improve production and distribution procedures in business environments in a similar way that the internet has done for knowledge work for years. An incredibly rich set of data is made available by the billions of internet-enabled embedded sensors that are installed throughout the world. Businesses can use this data to increase operation safety, track assets, and automate manual tasks.

Machine data can be utilized to anticipate equipment failure, providing manufacturers with a heads-up and reducing unplanned downtime. IoT devices can also be used by researchers to collect information on consumer preferences and behavior, albeit there may be major privacy and security consequences.

How does IoT work?

The data-gathering device is the first component of an IoT system. These are generally internet-connected gadgets, therefore they all have IP addresses. They range in sophistication from straightforward sensors that track the temperature or check for gas leaks in buildings to basic mobile robots and forklifts that transport goods across manufacturing floors and warehouses.

The IoT procedure then moves on to the transmission of collected data from the devices to a collection point. A variety of wireless technologies or wired networks can be used to move the data. To a data center or the cloud, data can be transferred via the internet. Alternately, the transfer can happen in stages, with intermediary devices gathering, formatting, and filtering the data before removing any duplicate or unnecessary information before sending the crucial information on for more analysis.

The third phase, data processing, and analytics can occur in data centers or the cloud, but there are situations when such options aren’t available. The time it takes to transport data from a device to a distant data center is too long in the case of important devices, like shutoffs in industrial settings. Sending data, processing it, evaluating it, and issuing instructions (shut that valve before the pipes burst) can take an excessive amount of time.

Importance?

Companies are utilizing IoT’s great business benefits as it expands dramatically year over year. The following are a few of the key advantages of IoT:

• To create fresh business strategies and revenue sources
• To enhance business decisions with data-driven understanding from IoT data
• To improve the effectiveness and productivity of corporate operations
• To improve client experience

Examples of IoT

Home security

IoT is the main factor enabling safe and intelligent homes. The Internet of Things (IoT) connects a number of sensors, lights, alarms, and cameras—all of which can be managed from a smartphone—to provide round-the-clock protection.

Activity Tracker

Security warnings and comfort are provided by smart home cameras. Sensory gadgets called activity trackers can continuously detect and transmit important health markers. You may monitor and control your blood pressure, hunger, activity level, and oxygen saturation.

Industrial Security and Safety

Trespassers can be found in restricted locations using IoT-enabled detection devices, sensors, and cameras. Additionally, they can spot little chemical leaks and pressure buildups and rectify them before they turn into larger issues.

Motion Detection

Motion sensors have the ability to detect vibrations in large structures like buildings, bridges, dams, and others. These instruments are capable of identifying structural disturbances and anomalies that could result in catastrophic breakdowns. In areas that are prone to earthquakes, landslides, and floods, they can also be used.

Augmented Reality (AR)

Wearable computer-enabled glasses called augmented reality (AR) glasses make it possible to add more information, like 3D animations and films, to the user’s real-world surroundings. Users who wear the glasses can access Internet applications thanks to the way the information is displayed within the lenses.

Also read: What is 3D Printing?