Definition of Internet of Things – IoT
Independent individual devices connected with each other or to system to share information over the standard internet.
This is a cloud based system. IoT or Internet of Things does not mean artificial intelligence, but they can be part of an AI. They usually perform some certain tusk, but together they create an ecosystem. In other word, it is more than a machine to machine communication without human interaction.
Impact and Use
It’s impact and use is huge. From regular house hold application to health, transportation to large-scale industry. One example – lets say your favorite yogurt is out of stock. Your IoT equipped fridge (it comes with sensor and knows it’s inventory list) will then use the home WiFi to contact the yogurt company’s ordering server and place order for you. Your per-approved credit will make the payment. Yogurt company then send the ordered items to your house. The whole inventory maintenance happens without any action from you.
History of Internet of Things
Carnegie Mellon University
The idea was first discussed at the begging of 80s.In 1982 a coke vending machine was placed in Carnegie Mellon University. The machine was able to send report about the inventory to the main system automatically. The name Internet of Things was first used in 1985 by Peter T.Lwise at US FCC meeting. In his speech Peter talked about interconnected devices and how it can be used to ease the system of collecting data and managing system. Even though it took some time, but at the end of 90s the concept became popular.
Common Internet of Things Devices
Wearable Deceives
Wearable devices are the device that people ware in their hand like wristwatch. These are connected to internet. It send and receive data. Some shows live update of text message or phone call.
Examples: Fitbit, jawbone used to collect user’s physical movement and update the online database.
Household Devices
Nest Thermostat
Smart thermostat : These devices can collect the weather data and save user preference. Based on that, the device can set the house temperature.
Example -Nest Thermostat
Home Assistant : Amazon Echo. Users can verbally ask Alexa to play music, provide a weather report,
Transportation : Public transportation system has WiFi, that connect millions other devices. Some personal cars also connected to internet. So users can use that. This system also connect other cars as well.
Example : Connected cars
What you need to know – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
The Good : Ease of Life
If properly use, IoT or Internet of Things are a big blessing for us. One good example of this – the Fall Alarm Devices used by the elderly people or nursing home. These devices can send a distress call, if the person who is wearing this fell or have a medical emergency.
The Bad : Security
Most of the IoT or Internet of Things devices that we use these days are not secured. They are easy to compromise. For example – if a hacker is able take control of the home smart thermostat (IoT or Internet of Things device), they can do damage to the home. Like in -25C cold temperature, if the home heating system is turned off, it will create serious damage. Like the water pipe could get frozen and that can eventually cause flood.
The Ugly : Privacy
IoT or Internet of Things devices maker companies collect users information. But with whom do they share this information ? How extent does this sharing goes ? How the other companies is going to use that information ? Because of this information sharing, what if someones social reputation is damaged whom should they contact to rectify the problem ? There is no specific guide line about this.
IoT or Internet of Things is a great thing. But it will only became truly helpful once –
These deceives become fully secured
and
The companies who makes them – start strictly following the ethical and consumer guideline.
Writer – Rubayat M.
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