How is IoT changing the world?
IoT definition
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a key component of the new generation of information technology. It refers to the network that connects physical objects or “things.” It is an extension and expansion of the internet that enables information exchange and communication between people and things, as well as between things themselves. The IoT integrates technologies such as smart sensing, identification, and computer communication, driving the development of automation and intelligence in production and daily life.
IoT development
The concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) first appeared in Bill Gates’ book “The Road Ahead” in 1995. In the book, Gates mentioned the concept of IoT, but at that time, it did not receive much attention due to limitations in wireless networks, hardware, and sensor devices. It wasn’t until 1998 that the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States clearly outlined the concept and direction of the Internet of Things. In 2005, during the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) held in Tunisia, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) officially used the term “Internet of Things” to describe the concept. The definition of the IoT was expanded beyond just RFID technology. With the continuous advancement of technology, IoT has now found widespread applications in various industries.
Best IoT applications
Smart home
Smart home systems are products of the development of the Internet of Things (IoT). A smart home system consists of smart hubs, device nodes, communication technologies, and software applications, among other devices. In this system, the smart hub functions as the brain, issuing instructions to various devices. The devices, like the limbs of a person, act as the execution end of the system, carrying out various tasks as directed by the smart hub. Communication technologies are responsible for transmitting information between devices and the smart hub. Software applications serve as management platforms, enabling automated control and visualized management.
Smart home systems make people’s lives more convenient and comfortable. For example, when you return home from work, you can use a mobile app to pre-turn on the air conditioner in your room. When the lighting is dim, the indoor lights automatically turn on, and the curtains close at night. Smart home systems can monitor indoor air quality and promptly ventilate or activate air purifiers, ensuring that residents are in the best living environment anytime and anywhere.
Smart factory
Another typical application of the development of the Internet of Things (IoT) is the smart factory, also known as the intelligent factory. A smart factory refers to the intelligent and automated production processes achieved through digitalization and automation technologies. The smart factory connects production equipment, sensors, robots, and computer systems to enable real-time monitoring, data analysis, and automated control of the production process.
In a smart factory production line, you can observe robots and sensors collaborating to perform various complex tasks, such as assembling components, inspecting product quality, and packaging. Additionally, through IoT technology, all production equipment and sensors are connected to a network. This allows for real-time monitoring of the status of production equipment. If any abnormal conditions occur, the system immediately sends out alerts to notify the operators to take action.
Smart city
The advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT) has created endless possibilities for effective city management. Smart streetlights, for example, can automatically determine whether to turn on based on weather conditions and the movement of people in the vicinity, eliminating the need for manual control by personnel. They can also provide network connectivity and charging services to meet the needs of residents. Automated manhole covers can assess the operational status of urban drainage systems and detect changes in the surrounding environment. They can also trigger alarms to prevent theft. Smart trash bins can intelligently identify and actively facilitate waste sorting.
Smart agriculture
The best manifestation of IoT technology in agriculture is indeed the automatic irrigation system. An automatic irrigation system utilizes sensors, controllers, computers, and wireless communication devices to form a complete system. This system operates without the need for human control and can automatically monitor when irrigation is required and for how long. Smart agricultural irrigation systems can automatically initiate and terminate irrigation. They can increase the irrigation volume when the soil is too dry and decrease it when the soil is too wet.
Another application of IoT technology in agriculture is the use of weather stations. Weather stations combine various weather sensors to collect data on current weather conditions, which is then transmitted to an analysis platform. The platform analyzes and studies the weather data, creates climate condition charts, and helps in selecting suitable crops to improve land utilization.
