What is IoT?
As defined by Wikipedia, the Internet of Things (IoT) describes the network of physical devices (“things”), like home appliances, medical devices, industrial devices, agricultural devices, wearable devices and other devices/items that are embedded with sensors, electronics, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the Internet. The IoT has evolved due to the convergence of multiple technologies, real-time analytics, machine learning, sensors, and embedded electronics. IoT devices can publish and consume data.
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), a more specific term under the IoT domain, refers to sensor data, machine communications, and automation systems. On the flip side, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) is a much broader term, encompassing the entire digital change of the industry by using modern smart technology.
IoT ready devices are the nonstandard computing devices that connect to a network and can transmit/receive data. IoT devices support the expansion of internet connectivity beyond the usual standard devices, such as desktops, laptops, smartphones and tablets. Connected devices are part of an ecosystem in which they talk to other connected devices in an environment to automate tasks.
For example, in a smart home, connected devices like smart TVs, smart speakers, smart appliances, smart lighting, smart thermostats, smart air conditioning, or smart security systems with cameras can all work together to make a home much smarter by using sensors and sharing each other’s data/information to control home access through facial recognition technology, home temperature, or lighting to improve energy efficiency without the owner setting foot inside the smart connected home.
IoT ready devices in addition to connectivity have Intelligence and can make decisions. Artificial intelligence (AI) is when a system can complete a set of tasks, learn from data or gain information in a way that seems intelligent. Manufacturers of IoT devices are gradually adding AI to provide greater control of the wide array of devices and sensors connected to the internet.
The AI is used for gaining insights and knowledge from data that is generated by the IoT devices and to simplify the reporting of that data. The combination of IoT devices and sensors with machine learning is changing the relationships that humans have with the new generation of smart devices. Our customers can now collect and transform data into usable and valuable information with an IoT ready device.
Any place you can put an IoT device with a sensor to measure, interact, or analyze something, you add a significant amount of value. Our clients continually update their IoT devices to differentiate and set themselves apart from the crowd. Before adding intelligence to the device, one needs to ask, “Do you want the IoT device to enhance your customers’ experience or are you looking to improve processes that will make your organization more efficient and cost effective?”
In Summary:
IoT ready devices combine connectivity and AI to make the device smarter. Many companies are excited to apply IoT capabilities for business advantages and new product opportunities. Connectivity, automation and real-time analytics are converging to create new opportunities to increase productivity, reduce costs, enable flexibility and increase profits. IoT devices increase efficiency and can provide significant time-savings and with good automation and control of smart devices makes a better quality of life. When AI is added to the IoT device, it means that these devices can analyze data, make decisions and act on that data without human involvement.