What is the Internet of Things (IoT)? Explained by Top Free Course
What is the IoT?
The IoT or Internet of Things is a device or physical object or thing implanted with sensors, computer programs, and other techs for exchanging data with other devices and systems across the internet. These devices leave nothing out from everyday households to intricate industrial equipment. From small to big most organizations and industries adopt IoT to improve performance. With IoT, data is transferred over a network without human and computer interactions. According to the expert's Internet of Things evolution is just beginning, By 2025 more than 75 billion connecting IoT devices will be used. Learn More: Introduction to IoT
How does IoT work?
An IoT system collects data from sensors and devices and transfers it to a cloud system. The system then processes the data in a back-end system and responds accordingly via the Internet.
The following four characteristics are integrated into an IoT ecosystem to function:
1. Low-power embedded systems(Sensor Technologies) Less power consumption and high performance are the main factors in an IoT system. Sensors have low power requirements and are a major part of any IoT application. IoT or smart sensors can be aligned with equipment or gadgets, implanted with processing and communication capabilities, or implemented as self-contained devices. Many sensors are available, including accelerometers, air quality, flow, image, temperature, and motion sensors.
2. Networking or Internet Connectivity Internet connectivity is the core element of an Internet of Things architecture for communicating. IoT Protocols have made it easy to connect sensors to the cloud and other devices for data exchange. In IoT systems, each physical object or sensor device is described by an IP location. Due to the expansion of devices, this classification system will be no longer conceivable. Thus researchers are looking for another alternative classification system for each IoT device.
3. Cloud Technology (IoT Platforms) An IoT platform provides software or a cloud service to support connectivity, store and manage IoT data, and supervise equipment, software programs, and processing capabilities. Microsoft Azure IoT, Google Cloud Platform, Cisco IoT Cloud Connect, AWS IoT Core, Salesforce Inc, Thingsboard, Amazon Web Services IoT platform, etc., are the best examples of IoT platforms. Learn more about IoT Platforms on: Introduction to AWS IoT
4. Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics
AI algorithms analyze massive amounts of data collected by IoT devices. Artificial Intelligence can process this data to draw useful insights and make predictions. Advanced natural language processing (NLP) for IoT devices such as digital personal assistants Alexa, Cortana, and Siri made them appealing, affordable, and viable for home use. You can learn more about the role of AI in IoT and sensor technologies on AI and Big Data in IoT and earn a certificate for Free!
IoT or The Internet of Things History Internet of Things history started in the 1980s when a university student modified a Coca-Cola vending machine using sensors and intelligence to track its contents remotely. Afterward, in 1999 the term "Internet of Things" was coined by Kevin Ashton in their presentation with Procter & Gamble. In 2000 the Internet of Things evolution began when LG launched its first smart refrigerator. In 2007 The first iPhone was launched. In 2008 connected devices or sensor devices increased significantly. In 2009 Google tested driverless cars. Currently, the Internet of Things facilitates technologies along with cloud computing and big data, that provide the maximum benefits of an IoT infrastructure, and billions of devices are connected.
What are examples of IoT devices?
Here are some examples of IoT systems that we use today
Smart Vehicles - Many vehicles can be connected to the internet via IoT devices including GPS, smart dashcams, infotainment systems, and the vehicle's connected gateway. - They collect data from accelerators, brakes, speedometers, odometers, wheels, and fuel tanks to track both driving behavior and vehicle performance. - They Notify family members automatically in case of an emergency and Predict and prevent vehicle maintenance needs, etc.
Connected homes - Smart home devices are especially focused on enhancing the efficiency and security of the house. - Smart outlets monitor electricity usage, and hydroponic systems can use IoT sensors to manage the garden. - Home security systems including door locks, security cameras, and smoke detectors prevent threats, and send alerts to owners. - Smart devices for the home can automate day-to-day tasks like vacuuming, making coffee, turning off devices not being used, and Finding misplaced items like keys, wallets, and remotes.
Smart buildings
- IoT makes buildings smarter by connecting devices and sensors to maintain building conditions. - IoT can help reduce energy waste by monitoring energy consumption and adjusting lighting based on needs. - It can improve comfort and safety by providing smart access controls, video surveillance, and fire detection- Some common IoT devices used in smart buildings include Temperature sensors to Monitor and regulate heat in indoor spaces and Electricity meters to Track energy consumption. - CO2 sensors to Manage indoor air quality, Integrated detectors for monitoring heat, smoke, and flames to calculate fire threats and alert relevant parties, etc.
Smart cities - With the help of IoT applications Governments maintain urban planning and infrastructure more effectively. To tackle problems in health and the environment, IoT applications can be used to monitor air quality and radiation levels. - Saving energy with smart lighting systems; Predicting and preventing maintenance needs for critical infrastructure, such as streets, bridges, and pipelines. - Surveillance technologies can collect live data on traffic, environmental conditions, public spaces, and more to improve public safety.
What industries can benefit from IoT? Many industries should leverage using sensor devices or the IoT in their business for example
Manufacturing: IoT can help manufacturers monitor production lines, and detect equipment failures ahead of time. With the help of sensor technologies, manufacturers are able to reduce operating costs and improve asset productivity and management.
Automotive: The automotive industry is taking advantage of IoT applications and increasing efficiency in manufacturing and maintenance. For example, IoT can help detect equipment failures in vehicles while they are on the road and alert the driver with details and recommendations.
Transportation and Logistics: Transportation companies use IoT applications to keep track of inventory, it can be rerouted based on weather conditions, vehicle availability, or driver availability, and optimize fuel consumption on shipping routes. Sensor technology is very useful for tight temperature control in refrigerated containers.
Retail: Internet of Things enabling technologies allow human-machine collaboration in retail companies to manage inventory, monitor supply chain, and reduce operational costs. For example, sensors are used to track foot traffic in a store and analyze customer behavior, allowing retailers to improve product placement and customer experience.
Agriculture: In agriculture, IoT can help farmers monitor soil conditions like moisture content of the soil, weather patterns, and crop growth. It is also used for monitoring livestock health, tracking machinery, and monitoring supply chains Low-power or solar-powered devices can be used with minimal oversight in remote locations.
Healthcare: IoT or the Internet of Things provides many advantages to the healthcare industry. IoT devices can be used to track medical equipment and monitor medication compliance, it is also used to monitor patients remotely and collect real-time data on their vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation to detect health issues before they become more serious. Dive deeper: Introduction to the Internet of Things and Embedded Systems
Why is the Internet of Things Important? (Advantages of IoT)IoT gives operational data and unlimited access to information at any time from anywhere and on any device which aids in making decisions. In the recent era, IoT has empowered us to amend our personal and professional lives and improve control and capabilities. Now with the advantage of the Internet of Things evolution, we can gain more control over the environment including agriculture, energy management, healthcare, and home safety. In this hyperconnected world, IoT is essential for businesses to collect and analyze massive amounts of data in real time that can be used to make better decisions. With the help of IOT, effective communication is possible between individuals, processes, and things. You can learn more about IoT and sensor technologies and earn a certificate from Yonsei University in: IoT (Internet of Things) Wireless & Cloud Computing Emerging Technologies
Disadvantages of IoT
Some of the common disadvantages of IoT are listed below which require innovative strategies for a widespread IoT ecosystem.
1. Security Concerns IoT devices collect extensive data and can be vulnerable to cyberattacks and data breaches that leak sensitive information about users.
2. Lack of Standardization Data collected by the IoT may used without clear consent and companies may sell this data for marketing purposes.
3. High Implementation and Maintenance Costs
The early-stage investment in IoT devices, hardware, software, and skilled human resources can be substantial and IoT devices may require constant maintenance which can be a challenge for wide adoption.
4. Dependence on Internet Connectivity IoT devices depend on the internet, so network outages and disruptions can make them inoperable, affecting critical operations and services.
5. Energy Consumption The production and disposal of IoT devices, the use of devices, and the data centers that support IoT technologies can harm energy consumption.
6. Job Displacement IoT-enabling automation and replace manual jobs which can lead to unemployment. Unskilled workers including security guards, maids, ironmen, and dry-cleaning services are at high risk.
Different Career Paths In IoT (IoT Jobs) There are many different career opportunities that exist in IoT. A few common IoT job titles are listed below.
Technical IoT project manager Technical IoT project managers provide technical expertise to the company. They also develop and implement strategies relating to IoT platforms, actuators, and sensors to increase efficiency.
IoT architect IoT Architect is one of the most demanding career paths in IoT jobs. IoT architects were mainly responsible for developing IoT solutions to figure out business problems.
Embedded System Designer The Embedded system designers have greater knowledge about the hardware including IoT-connected devices which consist of microprocessors, software, and sensors. They are mainly responsible for developing device-specific software using different programming languages like C++, Python, etc.
IoT engineer The responsibilities of an IoT engineer are to develop and manage IoT platforms, hardware, software, and systems. They directly work with the physical servers or manage data in the cloud.
IoT Developer The main role of IoT developers is to develop applications that are used in IoT devices by using different programming languages. They support IoT applications by reducing the manufacturing cycle time and elevating the feasibility of the supply chain. Learn more about IoT Development on: Introduction and Programming with IoT Boards
Conclusion The Internet of Things (IoT) has grown significantly in recent years and has a wide-ranging impact on human life by making everyday environments more advantageous. It enables machines to do more heavy work, take up insipid tasks, and transform our lives from personal health monitoring with wearable sensor devices to smart home automation. IoT gives businesses access to advanced analytics and real-time data, and automats production lines and industrial processes that unveil new opportunities. The disruptive potential of IoT is evident in its power to increase efficiency, inspire innovation, and contribute to sustainability. However, security concerns, lack of standardization, high implementation and maintenance costs, and complexity challenges require innovative strategies for a widespread IoT ecosystem.
