The Internet of Things, refers to the billions of devices including interrelated computing devices, digital machines, objects, animals or people that are provided with Unique Identifiers and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.
Connected to the internet and equipped with sensors, these devices power much of the developing data-based economy and bridge the divide between the physical and digital worlds.
Due to super-cheap computer chips and the commonly used wireless networks, it’s possible to turn anything, from something as small as a pill to something as big as an aeroplane, into a part of the IoT.
Importance of IOT
- It is one of the most important technologies of everyday life. It can connect every day objects like kitchen appliances, Cars, thermostats, Monitors to the internet via embedded devices. Seamless communication is possible between people, processes and things.
- Smart home concept is a good example of IoT. Internet enabled thermostats, doorbells, smoke detectors and security alarms create a connected hub where data is shared between physical devices and users can remotely control the things in that hub via a mobile app or website. I.e., adjusting temperature Settings, unlock doors, etc.
- Emerging tools and technologies like smart speakers, machine learning, and 5G are enabling huge gains to efficiency and more control at home and in the workplace.
For Example
A lightbulb that can be switched on using a smartphone app is an IoT device. An IoT device could be as light as a child’s toy or as serious as driverless truck.
- IoT enables companies to automate processes and reduce labour costs. It also cuts down on waste and improves service delivery, making it less expensive to manufacture and deliver goods, as well as offering transparency into customer transactions.
Best suited for
Sectors like Defence, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Automation Industry, Agriculture, Transportation & Logistic, Public Sector, Retail, Healthcare, etc.
What are IoT Platforms?
One IoT device connects to another to transmit information using Internet transfer protocols. IoT platforms serve as the bridge between the devices’ sensors and the data networks.
Top IOT platformsare Amazon Web Services, IBM’s Whtson, Microsoft Azure, ThingsWorx IOT platform, Cisco IOT Cloud Connect, Oracle Integrated Cloud, etc.
IOT Market in India
- In India, the government is focusing on the benefits entailing the introduction of Internet of Things with its flagship programs such as Digital India, Make in India and Smart India-Smart Cities among others.
- For IoT to truly become key to consumers, it needs to fit around, enhance their daily lives and reach all tiers of the economy, thus becoming more inclusive.
- Smart cities are the future and the Indian Government has identified over 100 potential cities to address the growing challenges of rapid urbanisation.
Governments with the help of IoT platforms and applications is targeting to improve core infrastructure services such as traffic congestion and parking problems by real time tracking, analysing and action to better the services.
