A concept coined in 1999, the Internet of Things has transformed our relationship with the people and things around us, changing how we interact – and how they communicate with us. Discover how IoT technology has driven a second digital revolution since the turn of the millennium.
What is the Internet of Things?
The Internet of Things refers to the network of once-dumb devices that are now digitally connected. These connected devices have a level of digital intelligence, unlike their traditional counterparts, enabling them to perform tasks, communicate, and read data without input from a human being.
Key aspects of IoT technology
Interconnectivity and testing
Smart technology underpins the Internet of Things. This enables objects to communicate with the user and each other without any direct physical interaction. An example of this is the cloud-based voice services such as Alexa and Siri that allow robots to be controlled via verbal instructions.
This cloud-based network can also be used to improve the creation of AI technology. For example, an online circuit simulator software can emulate the behavior of an electronic device before its manufacture.
Automation and remote control
The first generation of smart technology was focused on automation, and the ability to remotely control ‘dumb’ objects.
In particular, the remote control was explored about our home life. It started off with Bluetooth connecting devices within the immediate vicinity of our smartphones. This concept was then further developed to enable us to communicate with devices from anywhere in the world. Homeowners can now perform tasks such as turning on the heating via the Wi-Fi networks that underpin the Internet of Things.
Automation has also been a key focus of smart technology for the home. Consider devices that can sense and respond to triggers such as movement and changes in temperature. An example that has proved particularly popular is the wireless doorbell video camera.
Big data insights and analysis
More recently, designers have been creating smart devices that can collect data and refine their performance based on the results.
Objects learning habits for personalization align everything with your priorities and values, fostering a tailored environment. The ability of an IoT-connected world to gather such a variety of information in great volumes and at speed makes it a big contributor to big data.
Big data refers to the expansive amount of complex insights that have been evolving since the dawn of the digital age. Recent programs analyze vast data volumes, unveiling hidden trends and insights impossible to discern otherwise.
IoT’s rapid evolution transforms interconnectivity, automation, and big data analysis in the digital revolution. IoT-connected devices now seamlessly communicate, improving efficiency and convenience. Smart systems and autonomous devices enhance automation, while IoT-driven big data drives informed decision-making, unlocking intelligent, interconnected solutions.
