We often hear about the term Internet of Things, but are we sure we know its actual meaning? This future technology is capable of making our everyday lives more accessible; in this article, we will analyze the history, the actual meaning, usage and application, and finally, the pros and cons. Come, let’s dive into the captivating realm of the Internet of Things together at Newsfromtech!
History: How Was the Internet of Things Born?
The term Internet of Things (often abbreviated to IoT) was coined for the first time during a presentation for Procter&Gamble by Kevin Ashton. Ashton understood that there was a need to entrust data collection to a computer or machinery to make the information more accessible but, above all, to reduce human error. Thus, was born the idea of creating a network of sensors to collect data on “real world things.” To better understand what the IoT is, we need to explore deeply the evolution of information in the Technological Era.
From the Industrial to the Information Era
Between the ‘70s and ‘80s, the speed of information transfer became more significant than that of regular physical transfer in the real world. Microsoft became one of the largest companies in the world to base its influence on the creation and hidden mechanics of facilitating the distribution of information. In the ‘70s, the idea of connecting various devices was known as “pervasive computing,” which took shape in the ‘80s when the first IoT device was developed at Carnegie Mellon University. A group of students invented a way to control the Coca-Cola machines based on a network that saved them from having to go to the machine when the products were out of stock. It was in 1988 that Mark Weiser coined the term ubicomp, a post-desktop model of human-machine interaction in which information processing was entirely integrated into everyday objects and activities. The term IoT took hold in 2010 when Google’s StreetView service became known not only for taking 360 photos but for storing data from personal Wi-Fi networks. In 2021, it is estimated there were over 46 billion devices connected to the Internet of Things, and experts predict that it will exceed 100 billion devices in 2030
Definition: But What is IoT?
As you may have guessed by now, IoT is the network of physical objects of everyday use integrated by using sensors, software, and an internet connection. Internet of Things refers to the process of connecting everyday physical objects to the Internet, from the most familiar objects used in the home to wearable devices or smart cities. At the basis of the IoT, there is an Internet connection that connects intelligent products to software, CPU, communication sensors, etc. We can summarize IoT in three simple fundamental points: devices, platforms, and intelligence. By devices, we do not only mean smartphones and tablets but any integrated object that is therefore connected to the network via a shared platform, for example, a cloud. Programming and information from the physical world allow devices to perform tasks independently or with other devices thanks to information management software.
For example, a smart thermostat — smart often means the same thing as IoT — can receive data about the user’s location while they are traveling and use it to adjust the home temperature before they arrive.
IoT and IIoT: Let’s Clarify
The IoT is a generic term used to indicate everyday objects, referring to a network of interconnected devices, sensors, and systems aimed at improving automation in various consumer-oriented contexts. IIoT is a subcategory of IoT. IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) refers to the integration of intelligent devices, machinery, and data analysis used in industrial environments to optimize processes, improve productivity, and ensure safety. Unlike IoT, IIoT focuses specifically on industrial applications such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, and healthcare, emphasizing reliability and regulatory compliance in mission-critical operations.
Usage: How does IoT work?
IoT platforms are IT systems composed of hardware and software to configure various situations, ranging from the management of a few devices in a hobby environment such as the domestic one up to the most advanced IIoT devices active on factory lines. In the industrial context, IoT devices have sensors capable of acquiring data from the plants and other systems present on the factory floor that are essential for operationally managing the machines. The IoT increasingly uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), and this makes data collection processes increasingly simpler and faster.
IoT Components
Data management in an IoT system could be summarized in four fundamental phases. Sensors or devices, connection, data processing, and user interface. Let’s analyze them individually:
- Sensors: sensors allow you to detect information from the environmental context in real-time. They collect data from the surrounding environment for a specific purpose. There can be various sensors inside a device, an example of which is the smartphone, which contains a GPS, a camera, and so on.
- Transmission: once the data has been acquired, the need to collect it arises. To do this, you need a means that can transmit them to a cloud. Transmission can take place in several ways, for example, mentioning the most popular through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and satellite.
- Data Processing when the management system requires it, the obtained data is processed directly by a nearby IoT device, thanks to the ability to interact bidirectionally with the detection sensors. However, user intervention is sometimes necessary, and that’s where the user interface comes in.
- Management Interfaces: when the user wants to control the system to make the required change, the user interface is needed, and then again, the sensors. Through the system, any action performed by the user is sent in a specific direction. The data is subjected to a preparation process, which is essential to achieve the data quality necessary for the analysis systems. Once ready, the data is made available to Business Analytics (BA) and Business Intelligence (BI) applications through data synthesis systems (databases, data lakes, data warehouses, etc. The analytical process is prepared to generate reports and insights helpful in supporting and making decision-making processes more aware. The most advanced data management systems are able to automate decisions and make them operational through robotic interfaces, entirely or partially free from human supervision.
Application: What are IoT Devices Used for?
The application of IoT spans across various industries and domains, revolutionizing how we interact with technology, collect data, and make decisions. The prominent usage of IoT is in the architecture field, so much so that specific terms have arisen, such as Smart Cities and Smart Homes. The mass usage of IoT is also in the manufacturing and transportation field as it improves monitoring and optimization of processes. In addition, it is used also in the agriculture sector, energy management, and retail. Let’s explore deeply some of them.
- Industrial Sector (IIoT)
We have already introduced the difference between IoT and IIoT in the previous paragraphs. These sensors can be used in the industrial sector for various purposes; indeed, among the main ones, we find preventive maintenance and improving the use of the equipment through real-time data collection and analysis, but also to send the data to engineers for the improvement of new models. Industrial IoT (IIoT) presents similar usage scenarios in manufacturing, energy, and other industrial processes and has a vital role in introducing automation and autonomous monitoring of industrial machines.
- Logistics and Transport
One of the first applications of IoT in the logistics and transportation industry involved tagging shipping containers with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices. Recent IoT innovations have introduced battery-powered tracking devices capable of transmitting data to IoT applications continuously, without the need for on-site readers, allowing companies to analyze shipment data in real-time and at any time stage of the distribution chain. IoT-enabled traffic monitoring systems can gather data on traffic flow, congestion levels, and road conditions from various sources, including sensors, cameras, and GPS devices.
- Agriculture
The use of IoT in agriculture, often referred to as “smart farming” or “precision agriculture,” has been gaining traction in recent years due to its potential to enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in farming practices — for example, the introduction of humidity sensors. IoT sensors deployed in fields can collect data on soil moisture levels, temperature, humidity, and nutrient content. This data is then analyzed to optimize irrigation schedules, fertilizer application, and crop management practices, leading to increased yields and resource efficiency. It is also adapted to monitor the health, activity levels, and location of plants through wearable devices attached to livestock.
Pros and Cons
The Internet of Things represents a groundbreaking technological paradigm that has transformed the way we interact with our surroundings, both in our personal lives and across industries. From smart homes and wearable devices to industrial automation and healthcare applications, the potential of IoT to revolutionize various aspects of our lives is virtually limitless. However, as with any transformative technology, IoT brings with it a set of advantages and disadvantages that warrant careful consideration.
Advantages:
- Efficiency: IoT devices can automate routine tasks, reducing the need for human intervention and improving overall efficiency in various aspects of life and industry.
- Convenience: IoT enables remote monitoring and control of devices, leading to increased convenience for users. For instance, smart home devices allow people to control lights, thermostats, and security systems from their smartphones.
- Cost Savings: By optimizing processes and resource utilization, IoT can lead to cost savings in areas such as energy consumption, maintenance, and logistics.
- Data Collection and Analysis: IoT devices generate vast amounts of data, which can be analyzed to gain valuable insights for decision-making, product improvement, and predictive maintenance.
- Improved Quality of Life: In healthcare, IoT applications such as remote patient monitoring and wearable health trackers can lead to better healthcare outcomes and improved quality of life for patients.
Disadvantages:
- Security Concerns: IoT devices are often vulnerable to cyber-attacks due to their interconnected nature and sometimes inadequate security measures. Security breaches can lead to privacy violations, data theft, and even physical harm.
- Privacy Issues: The constant collection of data by IoT devices raises concerns about privacy infringement. Users may feel uncomfortable knowing that their personal information is being collected and potentially shared without their consent.
- Interoperability Challenges: Compatibility issues between different IoT devices and platforms can hinder seamless integration and communication, limiting the overall effectiveness of IoT ecosystems.
- Complexity and Reliability: IoT systems can be complex to set up and maintain, requiring expertise in various technologies such as networking, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Moreover, the reliability of IoT devices and networks can be affected by factors such as connectivity issues, software bugs, and hardware failures.
- Dependency on Connectivity: IoT devices rely on Internet connectivity to function correctly. Network outages or disruptions can render IoT systems temporarily unusable, affecting critical operations and services.
What Will Be the Future of IoT?
The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly advancing, ushering in a new era of interconnectedness between physical and digital. While already pervasive in both enterprise and consumer markets, IoT’s development seems to be just scratching the surface of its potential. With an increasing number of devices becoming interconnected, IoT is poised to revolutionize various industries and daily life activities. Predictions suggest a substantial increase in interlinked devices, reaching billions and billions by 2025. This trend indicates a shift towards the future. Nearly every aspect of our lives is becoming influenced by IoT technology. The proliferation of IoT systems brings heightened cybersecurity risks; with more devices connected to the Internet, the potential for cyber-attacks and data breaches increases, posing significant challenges for organizations looking to implement IoT solutions.
The future of the IoT involves many other factors of a purely technological nature, such as the evolution of connectivity, capable of guaranteeing more excellent coverage and more incredible speed, to implement cloud-to-edge architectures with faster turnaround times. Latency is compatible with the smooth running of operations. IoT devices will be increasingly powerful with regards to on-board computational processes, to the advantage of pre-processing and real-time processing of data close to their point of acquisition. The progressive diffusion of IoT systems will make them increasingly cheaper, further encouraging the development and configuration of new layouts. Step into the world of tech with our Newsfromtech blog! Stay at the forefront of innovation, immerse yourself in cutting-edge discoveries, and ignite your passion for all technological things!
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