04/11/2015
The Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT means that everyday objects will be capable of communicating with each other.
It refers to network of physical objects with following characteristics.
1. They are able to connect to internet
2. They are able to communicate with other internet enabled devices
3. They have IP address as an identity marker.
4. They can identify themselves to other devices.
This online network of physical objects is accomplished through the use of RFID tags and other types of sensors. Implanting these tags inside a physical object gives it the power to be monitored and controlled remotely through the Internet. This eliminates the need for humans to constantly enter and monitor data. Objects can work directly with each other, without the need for a person to link them together.
For example
1. A house catches fire when nobody is at home.
2. Smoke alarm (a physical object) sends out a message to the motion detectors (a physical object) throughout the house.
3. Motion detectors notices the alarm is going off, but there is no movement in the house.
4. Motion detectors send a message back to the smoke detector.
5. Smoke detector sends a signal to the local fire brigade.
Above example shows how objects communicate with other objects. This is the basic concept of internet of things.
It may be applied in many other settings like
• Building and house automation
• Smart Cities
• Healthcare
• Automotives
• Manufacturing
The Internet of Things extends internet connectivity beyond traditional devices like desktop and laptop computers, smart phones and tablets to a diverse range of devices and everyday things to communicate and interact with the external environment, all via the Internet.
Future of IoT
IoT will take internet, smart devices and systems of today much beyond its conventional realm, by integrating advanced technologies such as sensors, artificial intelligence, robotics and analytics. These devices and systems will start communicating to each other in the background and provide us with highly personalized choices and timely solutions.
According to an analyst firm Gartner as many 26 billion smart units (smart phones, TVs, tablets, sensors, motion sensors and other smart devices like connected cars and wearables – smart watch etc.) are likely to be connected through the IoT.
The IoT products and services are expected to generate $300 billion in revenues and create $1.9 trillion in value.
This tremendous potential is an opportunity to create new companies and global brands as well growth opportunities for existing companies and brands.
Why IoT is important (for mains)?
Government is in process of revising IoT policy proposed in 2014.
Smart City and smart grid initiative are likely to use IoT.
Larger companies like Infosys, Wipro, Cisco are getting into IoT in India
