Internet of Things is a network of interconnected objects enabling exchange and collection of data. The data collection is done by using the sensors fitted on the physical devices. The devices can range from your mobile, car to even water heaters or toasters. So, now not only your computer but any physical object with a sensor can be connected to the internet.
Imagine this, you set a meeting in the calendar in the mobile and the next day your car automatically finds the best route with less traffic to go to the meeting. Or when you switch off the alarm clock at 6 am, the bread toaster automatically toast’s the bread ten minutes from the time alarm is switched off. Your fridge senses shortage of a particular vegetable and when you are near a grocery store a notification is sent to mobile to buy the vegetable.
IoT (Internet of Things) would make our day to day lives effortless and easy thus saving time during which we can focus on other activities.
IoT’s application is not just restricted to day to day activities but can revolutionize the medical field. Wearable devices for patients can be used to monitor their health conditions at any given time by doctors. If there are any anomalies, the device can immediately notify the doctor about it along with the current location of the patient enabling faster and better diagnosis. Data received over a period of time can be used for further analysis of patient’s health condition.
Businesses can reap great benefits from IoT. Different products manufactured by a company can be connected to internet. The details about products can be obtained at anytime, providing greater business intelligence thereby increasing efficiency and effectiveness of their operations. If there is a mismatch in demand and supply of raw material, automatically a request for more material is sent to the supplier therefore preventing disruption in production. IoT leads to better utilization of resources, increased productivity and efficiency thereby cutting costs.
For IoT to be the next big thing in technology certain issues need to be resolved. There is great difficulty in proper data management and storage as terabytes of data are generated from various devices. Data generated is stored on the internet therefore there is a high risk in breach of security and privacy by hackers. This can also lead to access of sensitive information. Connecting many devices enables them not only to communicate with each other but also transmit it directly to the operator. This automation would lead to loss of jobs.
Cloud storage technologies, are becoming more advanced and can help in efficient data storage and management. By creating better cyber security services and infrastructure data storage can be made more secure.
The success of IoT depends on how we tread on a tightrope and create balance between security and innovation. Ensuring this balance would truly create an efficient world where the possibilities are endless.
