Objects with sensors that communicate with computers are called the Internet of Things, or IoT.
This technological ecosystem connects physical devices, enabling them to communicate and share data over the Internet and achieving digital monitoring or control of the physical world.
IoT is a game-changer for businesses across various sectors. It reshapes operations and opens new avenues for efficiency and innovation, making everyday tasks easier, using less energy, and being more efficient overall.
IoT gives businesses real-time information that helps them plan maintenance. Industrial equipment sensors can detect wear and tear early, reducing downtime while helping to reduce waste and energy consumption by enabling smarter resource management.
The story of a Coca-Cola vending machine connected to the Internet at Carnegie Mellon University highlights the most straightforward idea.
A then computer science graduate student wanted to know if a beverage was ready to go before walking all the way to the machine to find out they were out of stock. He and a few other students were able to wire things up so that they could see if there were any cokes ready.
Since then, IoT has evolved significantly, driven by technological advances and widespread connectivity.
In the late 1990s, British technologist Kevin Ashton, the co-founder of MIT Auto-ID Center, began exploring a technology framework, radio-frequency identification (RFID), that would allow physical devices to connect via microchips and wireless signals. Ashton coined the term “Internet of Things.”
Components include physical objects, such as machines, appliances, and vehicles, that can be embedded with sensors and actuators. They monitor temperature, movement, or any environmental change. When receiving signals from sensors, actuators respond to the reported changes.
Computers can monitor or manage the condition and actions of connected objects and machines by communicating with sensors and actuators via networks, such as Wi-fi and RFID.
IoT extends internet connectivity beyond computers to create a more connected and intelligent world, impacting industries and daily life. It can be applied to various environments, including home, healthcare, retail, and standardized production environments, such as manufacturing.
IoT is also useful for predictive maintenance or health and safety efforts in mining, construction, oil, and gas.
Organizations and developers must address challenges to ensure security among the numerous endpoints and efficient deployments. This requires a holistic approach, emphasizing security, robust protocols, and continuous monitoring.
By doing so, the full potential of IoT while safeguarding data and networks can be unlocked.