The Internet of Things is defined as the network of physical objects that are connected with each other through the internet. These physical objects can be the vehicles, home appliances, electronics, software etc that are connected with each other in such a way that they can interact among themselves along with sharing information and exchanging data too. The term is often abbreviated as IoT.

IoT extends the internet connectivity beyond digital devices such as desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets to any non-internet related physical objects. Through IoT, any physical object can represent digitally and becomes larger than just an object. Now it is not only related to the user but is connected to surrounding objects and exchange data as well. These connected objects can remotely be monitored and controlled. When many things are connected and act as unison, it is known as “ ambient intelligence”.

IoT includes sensor technologies, wireless technologies, QR code, RFID (Radio- Frequency Identification). fitness collars, smart toasters, connected rectal thermometers etc. 

With the Internet of Things, just anything and everything in this physical world can be connected in an intelligent fashion so that they can communicate with each other becoming one big information system.

IoT offers the potential of the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” and it is estimated that by 2020, half of the new businesses will run by IoT.

IoT Platforms and Architecture

IoT platforms and architecture are based on the cloud computing system and they can connect both real and virtual worlds. IoT platforms, therefore, can help the organizations manage connectivity and security systems as well IoT helps in collecting data, linking devices to backend systems. 

Harnessing IoT Data Explosion

Smart devices with the help of IoT create data that is analyzed and leveraged. Here Big data analytics, machine learning is used to add data and analyze without human intervention.

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) & M2M

Also known as industrial Internet or industry 4.0, IIoT uses machine to machine (M2M) to support everything from remote monitoring to prediction and maintenance. 

Benefits of IoT

With IoT, the most common question arises “Why is there a need to share data?”

With the shared data and connected devices, it means a reduction in waste, time and money. Definitely, IoT improves upon the efficiency and process system. It improves upon the delivery services and production of goods. Industrial applications and sensors in the production unit can be connected to improve the efficiency of the machine and costs can also be cut down. 

These benefits can be categorized into the following heads:

1)    New business avenues: IoT can create opportunities for companies to create new services based on real-time sensor data and information resulting in automated product replenishment.

2)    Increases efficiency of operations: IoT can help in automation of business and manufacturing processes, remotely monitor and control operations. It can be used to optimize supply chains and resource management by minimizing the wastage too. 

3)    Increases the productivity of the workforce: This technology can help employees in decision making, automate the daily routine tasks, fast track the communication etc.

4)    Enhances the experiences of customers: IoT can deliver highly customized products and services and increase the usage and productivity of both of them.

Applications of IoT

IoT applications can be divided into the following types: 

1. Consumer applications

2. Commercial applications

3. Industrial applications

4. Infrastructure applications. 

The concept of smart homes, Internet of Medical Things, Smart buildings, Automated elderly care, Smart logistic management, Smart grid etc all are possible with IoT.

Editor’s Note

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