Internet of Things (IoT) has been revolutionizing our lives in a big way. The way we interact with technology on a everyday basis has completely changed now. Most of the devices that we use today be it our smart phone, smart watch , home appliances, laptops , cars are all connected to each other via the internet and share data with each other. IOT applications continue to grow across industries as well like healthcare, transportation and agriculture to new a few
But What is IoT and how it functions, lets break it down
IoT is a network in which physical devises like smart watches, phones, vehicles, laptops , Appliances are all embedded with sensors or softwares and network connectivity i.e. internet which allows them to connect and share data with you. The physical and digital world is connected through various IoT technologies. Physical objects like phones, vehicles, appliances are embedded with sensors and actuators. Sensors will monitor any unusual change in the environment like motion or temperature. once there is a change the actuator receives a signal from the sensors and then react to that change. The sensors and actuators communicate with each other by a computing system (computers) via wired or wireless network like Wi-Fi. These computers manage the health and actions of the connected objects.
Real World Applications of IoT
IOT for Personal Health
The Wearable technology powered by IoT is making a huge impact on our daily lives. These devices have become more and more smarter and versatile. Smartwatches like apple and Fitbit are helping in tracking our health metrics . They help in monitoring oxygen levels, ECG, heart rate and sleep patterns. They provide real time health updates. While monitoring the ECG they can detect irregular heartbeats and help in early diagnosis and prevention. Fitness tracker watches like Garmin track and analyze many metrics and offer holistic view of fitness.
IoT in Healthcare
IoT devices are largely helping the healthcare industry by monitoring the patients remotely and collecting real time data of heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation. The sensors data is used to detect patterns and incase there is any deviation from the regular pattern , it helps to identify the health issue and corrective action can be taken before it become serious. By integrating the IoT devices hospitals can share equipment’s like infusion pumps and oxygen monitors. This helps in reduction of operational costs . IoT enabled technologies is helping in precision robotic surgeries. Using IoT devices and high speed internet doctors can operate on patients in different locations leading to more accurate procedures and minimal risks. IOT devices collect large amount of data which then AI systems can analyze and help in detecting early signs of diseases . IOT systems track all the medical history of the patient and current health condition and on the basis of it provide personalized health treatment plans. with real time continuous monitoring changes can be made in the health plans or treatments.
IoT in Transportation
IoT devices are revolutionizing the transportation industry. Fleet management is becoming more transparent and efficient with the use of IOT devices. As it provides real time data it helps businesses track their fleet with more accuracy. IOT devices on trucks and ships provide real time data on the speed and routes. It also provides the current location of the trucks or ships. This way the business know if there will be any delays and optimize routes.
In the transportation industry, IoT devices are being used widely. They help to optimize routes and also help in tracking shipments. IoT sensors are also used to monitor the fuel efficiency of connected cars thus reducing fuel costs. IoT devices can also be used to monitor the condition of the shipments and ensures that it arrives at its destination in proper condition. IoT sensors also monitor the health of the vehicles and can detect any wear and tear in the engine or tyre pressure. This helps to schedule proactive maintenance reducing unnecessary cost and downtime. Companies can also check the condition of the items in transit. For example company like Pfizer uses IoT enabled refrigerators to maintain required temperature for transporting vaccines . IoT devices can also collect data on the fuel usage of the vehicles helping to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. By doing all this and much more IoT is leading the way for more smarter and responsive logistics management.
IoT in Agriculture
IoT devices are bringing a revolutionary transformation in the Agriculture Sector. By integrating IoT it is becoming more efficient , responsive and sustainable. IoT devices are able to provide real time data on the soil health like the moisture content and nutrients helping the farmers to take better decision on irrigation and fertilization for higher yields and less waste. Company like Netafims smart irrigation technology helps adjust water usage based on soil moisture and weather conditions further helping in conserving water and using only required quantity of water for crops to thrive. By using image recognition IoT enabled tools farmers are able to detect real time pest and diseases in the crops and take necessary action to prevent widespread damage. There are wearables which are put on the animals collars monitors animal health and feeding patterns, improving productivity and management. All these advancements show how IoT is changing agriculture and making it more precise, data driven and sustainable.
IoT in Hospitality
IoT is helping the hospitality industry by providing personalized seamless experience to the guests. Check in are made easy through mobile apps and kiosks Like Hilton s Digital Key enables smartphones to check-in and room access. Guest can now control the lighting, temperature and entertainment like TV , speakers through IoT powered systems . IoT sensors like HVAC systems notify about the maintenance before the failure happens. By using smart Technologies IoT provides convenience, personalized experience and satisfaction. All of this provides a memorable experience.
IoT in Retail
IoT has brought in a lot of positive changes in the shopping experience of the consumers. IoT sensors track the inventory in real time and update. This retailers make sure the product is available at all time by restocking it before it stocks out. IoT provides a personalized shopping experience to its consumers by collecting customer data. Like a clothing uses IoT to recommend you style, size, colour and patterns based on your previous shopping experience at the store or brand. With RFID and Smart Cards, IoT sensors track items and charge customers. IoT sensors monitor equipment like refrigerator and alert about any maintenance required before the failure of the system and thus avoiding any spoilage . IoT sensors show the real time tracking of products and informs about delays if they are likely to occur. With all this IoT is enabling a smarter and more efficient shopping experience.
IoT in Education
IoT is improving the education system both for the teachers and students. IoT devices is helping in real time attendance tracking my automatically logging attendance of students by facial recognition or RFID card readers helping to reduce errors and saving time. Smart white boards and displays is providing more enhanced student interactions by encouraging more participation. IoT devices adjust the lighting and temperature to optimize the classroom environment and provide a conducive learning environment. IoT enhanced platforms like zoom provide virtual classroom experience for the students who are not able to attend offline classes.
IoT enabled Security Systems
IoT is bringing a change in the security systems making it more efficient and providing safer homes and organizations. IoT enabled cameras can be installed in the homes and offices and they provide real time video feeds which can be connected directly to your smart phones and you track any unusual activity in home. IoT technology like smart locks from various brands allows you to lock or unlock your doors from anywhere. This way you can manage your security systems of the house even when you are not around. IoT also enables to connect various devices like cameras, sensors, alarms together so if one device detects a potential threat then other will automatically trigger alarms or lock doors.
Future of IoT
IoT is set to revolutionize the way we work, connect and live. With so much technological advancements the use of IoT devices is definitely going to increase even more and it will integrate more and more in our everyday lives. It is set to bring many exciting developments for businesses.
AI and IoT Integration
As AI and IoT are coming along together, it is creating more smarter and efficient systems. AI is able to analyze the vast amount of IoT data which is available and is able to determine patterns and trends from that data. This enhances the systems to take optimum decisions with available data insights. IoT data when combined with the AI algorithm is able to predict equipment failures before hand only. This helps businesses to take corrective action before incurring losses. AI enabled IoT devices are able to provide you personalized experience based on your data history. All of this helps businesses to take more informed decisions and reduce cost.
Edge Computing
With the help of edge and fog computing the scope of IoT is increasing even more. In this technology data is processed and analyzed close to the source data and not in centralized data center. This provides faster response time. Edge and fog computing also reduces the bandwidth usage by analyzing the data locally and saving cost. Since the data is processed close to the source it reduces the risk of data transmission.
5G and Beyond
5G technology is revolutionizing the future of IoT . With faster data transfer enabled by 5G technology it helps the IoT devices to share data in real time. With 5G millions of IoT devices can be connected together without in reduction in performance. This expands the IoT scope to industrial sector as well.
Blockchain
Blockchain technology provides security to the IoT devices which collect and share large amount of sensitive data. Blockchain provide unique ID to each IoT device and only devices with authorized ID will perform. Blockchain provides smart contracts which secures data transfer between IoT devices. It provides a transparent and tamper proof system for IoT devices.
IoT in Smart City
As government aims for more sustainable and smart cities, IoT has crucial role to play in it. With the IoT integration cities are now becoming more connected, secure and safe. IoT enabled systems provide more efficiency by optimizing water distribution, monitoring energy usage and managing waste effectively. IoT-powered surveillance systems ensure safer cities. As more smart cities come to life IoT promises a more secure and connected world.
Challenges for IoT
While the Future of IoT is very bright but there are still some potential challenges which need to be addressed to make IoT even more impactful. Overcoming these challenges are imperative for utilizing IoT to its full potential.
There is a security risk with IoT devices. Since they produce vast amount of data which can be very sensitive and personal, there is always a threat of cyber attacks. Some IoT devices are vulnerable to hackers. Very strong encryption and secure protocols with regular updates are required to safeguard the data
IoT devices from different manufacturers often lack compatibility and it becomes a challenge to connect these devices. This leads to inefficiency and creates interoperability issues. It becomes difficult to integrate and analyze the data
Since IoT devices generate large amounts of data it becomes difficult for companies to maintain this data. It becomes difficult to manage and analyze this large amounts of data.
As more and more IoT devices are being used regulatory and legal challenges are emerging. Industries now should have more diverse data security and regulatory laws.
Conclusion
Organizations and businesses are taking the advantages of IoT more than ever before. The future is very bright for IoT . Other major technologies like AI ,ML , blockchain , edge computing will all continue to play a crucial role for global connectivity and IoT. Businesses which are well prepared to adapt to new technologies will only be able to reap the benefits and grow further.