One of the most attractive aspects of science fiction is its cutting-edge technology that transforms people’s lives for the better.
We dream about voice-activated devices and smart technology that we can interact with. We have always idolised the cool virtual assistant who can get us ready for the day and a self-driving car that automatically takes us to work while we relax and catch up on the latest news.
The good news is such technology, especially smart devices, homes, and self-driving cars are either currently available or will be in a few years. This is possible because of the concept of the Internet of Things or IoT.
What is the Internet of Things?
Simply put, IoT is the use of “smart” devices that have the ability to connect to the Internet and with each other. The devices are provided with sensors, processors and hardware that allow them to communicate with the other devices around them and interact with human beings. This, in fact, enables automation of tasks. These devices have the ability to send and collect data and work according to the instructions pre-set by users. Using the internet, mobile accessories and custom IoT software technology, these machines can perform tasks with minimal human intervention.
Advantages of the Internet of Things (IoT)
The basic attraction of IoT is its convenience; who wouldn’t love to have chores around the house done without lifting a finger! But IoT provides many more advantages:
Machine-to-machine communication
As the devices are connected and can communicate, it leads to better efficiency, a higher degree of automation and a greater degree of control over how they work, with little to no manual involvement.
Information
The best byproduct of this technology is the huge amount of data that we did not previously have access to. This data helps us innovate and improve processes. Use of data, in turn, enables objective decisions, ruling out variations based on human judgment.
Remote monitoring
The ability of the devices to collect, store and act on data provides for easy remote monitoring. Thanks to the internet connectivity on all IoT devices, users now have the ability to get real-time data and act on it. Hence, IoT is a boon for industries as continuous and remote monitoring can cut down costs effectively. For example, IoT can control lighting, air conditioning and water supply based on need and these three areas alone can contribute to savings enormously.
Improvement in quality of life
More convenience, better control and better efficiency of the devices we use will only make our lives easier. Just imagine that you are returning home after a hard day at the office and it is hot, with IoT you can just start your AC a few minutes before you even open your door and have a welcoming cool room waiting for you when you enter! In fact, this is just one of the conveniences and it can work the other way around too to cut down electricity costs.
Real-life application of the Internet of Things
The ‘Internet of Things’ and custom IoT software development isn’t just about fancy virtual assistants and self-driving cars; it has numerous real-world applications. In fact, the concept enables us to monitor the environment and infrastructure. This paves the way for better energy management and in streamlining businesses to make them more efficient. It is being harnessed to automate, optimise and monitor, and is sure to impact our lives in myriad ways!
