Tech

What is the Internet of things?

The Internet of Things is present in the daily life of many people, for example, when they connect their mobile device to smart plugs so that the lights turn on or off at a certain time. Likewise, the Internet of Things is present when the robot vacuum cleaner cleans the house and people are at work.  

Before you know the meaning of the Internet of things, it is necessary to define only the word “Internet”. She refers to a global network whose main objective is to allow an exchange of information between users. Once the definition of the Internet has been clarified, you will be able to understand the topic that we bring to you today. 

For its part, the “Internet of Things” or “IoT” (as it is also called) is an interconnection that occurs between different devices, allowing data exchange to learn patterns, performance, improve efficiency and offer a better experience. to users.

It should be noted that this term was used for the first time in 1999 in the presentation of businessman Kevin Ashton. This man was working with a team that figured out how to link objects to the Internet using an RFID tag.

IoT Influence

A few years ago, the houses of tomorrow or smart houses were spoken of as something too futuristic, as was the case in the animated series The Jetsons. However, today there are already many houses that use Smart Home technology to be able to program the function of different appliances from a telephone with Internet. 

Also, there are IoT devices such as, for example, a washing machine to which we can modify its washing modes through an application that you install on the mobile. Similarly, it could be a robot vacuum that is programmed to clean the floor while you are at the gym. 

How does the Internet of things work? 

The Internet of Things works through IoT devices, through a process called M2M or “machine to machine”. In this process, two or more devices communicate using connectivity through WIFI or Bluetooth, thereby performing previously scheduled tasks.

Some IoT devices are Chromecast or Smart TV, IoT Router, voice assistants such as Alexa or Google Home, smart lights, lamps or irrigation systems, among others. 

IoT applications

Today the popularity of the Internet of things has been increasing to the point of having different applications in different sectors. Next, we present the most outstanding applications.

cities

Among the examples of IoT are Smart Cities, that is, smart cities where applied technology focuses on issues such as environmental care, sustainability and efficiency .

The main objective of smart cities is to make life easier for their citizens. In this same sense, we can mention the most common uses:

  • Improve street lighting, so that they have adequate hours; above all, so that they take into account energy savings in hours of sunlight.
  • Undoubtedly, traffic and mobility are closely linked to Smart Cities. Therefore, some ideas such as parking management, traffic management, information about the public transport system and connected cars arise.

It should be noted that some of the Smart Cities are New York, Barcelona, ​​London, England, Tokyo, among others.  

Domotics

Home automation has as its main basis the automation of a building or house where basic services such as heating, water or electricity and electrical appliances, locks, thermostats, etc. are interconnected. In other words, home automation allows the user to have well-being, energy efficiency and security.

Livestock and agriculture

In livestock, the main uses are the geolocation of animals or identification by RFID (radio frequency). Also, in livestock, biometric monitoring is used, which allows knowing basic data of the animal such as temperature, weight, age, health, fertility and diseases.

On the other hand, in agriculture IoT devices have different uses such as improving tasks performed by machinery. For example, intelligent tractors, which follow previously given indications. And in terms of agriculture, data is obtained in real time on the crop, allowing to know the conditions of the soil, luminosity, temperature and humidity. This information allows the farmer to make pertinent decisions regarding fertilization, cultivation, irrigation and pest prevention, as well as harvest time.

Industry

Another important sector where the Internet of things is applied is industry. This is because different production factories use IoT devices or sensors connected to each other. In this way, people better control the manufacturing processes.

Also, it is important to mention that some companies use assembly robots, temperature sensors and various production controls, which has become an important advance for this sector.

Health

IoT applications in the health sector represent a great improvement in the care given to patients and not only in the hospital, but also at home; the latter is known as telemedicine. Thanks to this, a doctor can connect with his patient through any computer (here you can find some options to choose from) or mobile. 

Also, the Internet is used in monitoring the state of a hospitalized patient. This is achieved with the use of sensors that allow knowing physiological information of any person. In the same way, there are wearables, which are devices that collect continuous information about the functions and activity of a person while they continue with their daily work.

Retail

Retail, also known as “retail trade”, has made use of IoT devices in physical stores with a virtual presence, inventory management, customer and employee recognition, etc. 

The future of the Internet of things

Without a doubt, the Internet of things will bring important changes in both work and leisure for human beings. In fact, by 2025 it is estimated that there will be trillions of IoT devices. This will open the way in the business sector, for new business models linked to artificial intelligence to emerge.

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