Welcome to the Internet of Things — IoT
Have you ever heard of the term Internet of Things before? It sounds like we are putting the internet in everything, and although this is not true, various things are having an internet access and some kind of virtual intelligence in order to facilitate our lives.
IoT, how the term is abbreviated, is gaining space in every house. Just take a look around and see them spreading like smart watches and other electronics like TVs, sound systems, etc.
A good example of something that had the internet incorporated was the smartphone. In the past, mobile phones were used only for making and receiving calls. Nowadays, the computational power of a smartphone is as high as in a laptop, and it does so many things with the aid of applications (apps) that some experts don’t consider it an IoT device anymore. In the future, some apps will probably be replaced by IoT devices, due to the fact that the artificial intelligence involved, seeking the minimum effort from the user, will generate the maximum data and convenience for future users.
The main objective of the Internet of Things is to make “things” more intelligent by using computational programs which access a database constructed by how the user uses the thing, in order to optimize and save money or time for the user. This database is also updated with statistical analysis and different sources of information from other servers or users in such a way that the overall system reshapes and improves itself.
Let’s give some examples.
A car connected to GPS and internet can find the fastest/closer route and save on petrol and time by accessing the traffic data from the area. It could also tell the user where is the cheapest supermarket to stop in the way based on some input from the user.
Another example is the whole new market of smart appliances. For instance, a fridge connected to the internet can read your consumption patterns using sensors installed inside it, and order items based on your preferences, finding online the best prices and asking for delivery to your door.
IoT is already being used in smart energy systems, for example, to reduce the electricity bill. A device can be used in a house to control and optimize the usage of appliances based on the energy prices and personal preferences. This subject is particularly interesting for me when considering the increasing number of households producing their own energy through solar PV or another type of renewable energy technology.
There is a big wave of smart things coming and it’s interesting to be aware of what it is and how it can improve life standards. The world is changing fast and that’s why this topic came to me in recent months, although I’ve heard it before.
So, welcome to the Internet of Things…
