Internet of Things and Its Applications

Every other day we stumble upon something new and interesting. Another technology, Internet of Things has been backing us in an ingenious way, making the world around us smarter. Recently, in California a new and smart parking system has been introduced for the smooth flow of traffic that leads drivers toward the nearest parking area to park their vehicles. Smart watch, another wearable gadget that relies on IoT technology tracks location, gives reminder and shows notifications to the bearer. Let’s see what IoT really is.

What is Internet of Things?

Internet of things is a subtle term referring to an object or a set of physical objects that has processor, software or sensors embedded in them through which information and data is exchanged or shared with other objects (gadgets or devices) with the help of internet.

There are uncountable applications of Internet of Things that are useful for organizations and individual, some top ones are discussed in this blog. So let’s explore them:

1.     Home Automation: Smart homes might seem a new and unheard technology to many individuals. However, those who are ardently exploring unique features to add into their homes know how useful it is in everyday home activities. The sensors embedded in smartphones or computers controls the lighting (you can turn it on and off through your smartphones), heating and even manages the security systems of the houses through facial recognition technology. The alarm system alerts the residents about the visitors that show up at your gate. Similarly, appliances function and operate through internet switches. Personalized music can also be played according to the persons taste when he/she enters the room.

2.     Uplifting Agriculture: World population is massively growing so innovation in this sector is crucial. Rescaling to uplift the agricultural system is the only solution. Through IoT, sensors keep a check on the level of acidity, carbon dioxide, and the right amount of nutrients that must be present in the soil. All these inputs are responsible for the quality and agricultural yield. Unlike the traditional water distribution system used for fields (i.e. tube wells), smart irrigation system uses IoT to regulate the flow of water to the fields. If the soil gets too dry then IoT system supplies the appropriate amount of water. When a certain moisture level is attained, the water supply is stopped. IoT is also used to keep a track of livestock through RFID chips that are attached to them so shepherd can easily locate their cattle. Their vaccination details, water and food intake can be monitored through predictive images. There are many other areas where IoT is used such as smart greenhouse. The automated system allows experts to manage the amount of light, water and nutrients through an artificial microclimate environment. The crops can be grown in this way without the natural weather obstructing them.

3.     Creative solutions for enterprises: In large organizations there are IT teams who continuously manage and work on improving the IT infrastructure. Security systems with IoT technology helps to prevent attacks from cybercriminals. This system makes use of real time data and come up with strategies to weaken and defeat the attackers in their mission. Moreover, it directs the companies to make smarter decisions through customer analytics.

4.     Advancement in cities: IoT is incorporated almost everywhere in the cities through which many activities are performed quickly and efficiently. Sensors and wireless technology has eased many task for government which helps them to mitigate pollution and manage traffic flow and other resources. These sensors enable environmentalist to keep a check on air quality (measure the level of oxygen, humidity, carbon monoxide, smoke, nitrogen dioxide and other harmful gases which are detrimental to human health) and reduce air pollution by taking effective measures. IoT systems can detect wildfires in forests so that wildlife workers can quickly stop its spread. 

Since there are sensors lodged near traffic signals or on roads, traffic can be controlled and managed by observing the trends in traffic pattern as data is sent directly to the IoT systems through these sensors. Based on this, commuters can take different routes to reach their destination in case of traffic congestion. In terms of managing resources, these sensors are fixed with the water meters so that water usage and water wastage can be tracked and checked. Government can then devise a solution to prevent water wastage by introducing efficient ways to recycle it.

5.     Transforming supply chain: There are multiple procedures and processes involved and continuously taking place in order to produce a final finished product. From procuring raw material to shipping and delivering it to the final customers, IoT assists in every step. While shipping products, large businesses use trackers to monitor the routes. This helps supply chain managers to decide which route they should go for in order to transport the goods, keeping in mind that they are cost effective and saves resources such as fuel. IoT also keeps a check on goods quality, container's temperature and humidity. It keeps the workforce and vehicles in the loop and automatically reports the management in case of delays.

On the whole, government, businesses and industries are all set to invest their time and money in IoT. Many jaw dropping innovations are yet to come which will entirely change our work mode and daily activities.