10 real-life instances of the Internet of Things (IoT) in use
It goes without saying that technology is highly responsible for transforming the world around us in countless ways. Not only is it growing at a faster rate, it is also gradually leading us to a better and smarter future. The term that has lately become the talk of the town is Internet of Things i.e. IoT. We are completely surrounded by so many IoT applications in our daily lives, but most of us are unaware of them.
Interestingly, IoT was coined in 1999 by Kevin Ashton, a British entrepreneur, while working in his laboratory. It is defined as a system of devices equipped with sensors, software and electronics that allow the exchange and transmission of data and information. In simpler words, any device with an on/off button, when connected to the internet, forms the concept of the Internet of Things. Basically, everything we use today like mobile phones, washing machines, wearable devices and almost every device we carry is applicable to the concept of IoT.
The concept has apparently changed much more than we can imagine and will continue to change in the coming years. Reportedly, by 2020, around 50 billion IoT-enabled devices will be in use across the world. Here, we are presenting a list of 10 such Internet of Things examples that you need to know about :
1. Google glasses
Speaking of technology, it's pretty obvious to include a Google product on the list. Google glasses is an IoT device shaped like glasses. It is a headset designed with an optical display that you can wear and perform a range of activities. It is integrated with a voice activation system that allows the user to interact, browse the internet, click photos, etc. all in a hands-free environment.
It can also be considered an evolution of the smartphone, as it allows access to all data without the need for any portable device. It is loaded with various features like downloading apps, navigating Google Maps, displaying recent phone calls, reading news, rendering weather or sports score information, and others.
two. Scanomat Brewery
Top brewer is a device consisting of a stainless steel tap that can be fixed on any table. Its tip is equipped with a milk frother whose correct texture can be chosen by the user. It's a boon for coffee lovers, allowing remote access to high-quality coffee through a mobile app. It also comes with a keyboard that can be fixed to the table if the user does not have access to the application.
The user simply chooses an option between Latte, mocha, juice, cappuccino, hot chocolate, Americano or carbonated water. After pressing the Start Now button, it starts brewing and makes filtered coffee in 15 seconds. It has a one-touch user interface and can be connected to multiple devices at the same time. The device sends the preparation status to the application and also allows you to customize the type of coffee you want to drink.
3. Smart Cars
The application of IoT can also be seen in the automotive world with the arrival of smart cars like the Tesla Model S. The brand has even introduced an application framework for its models, where the user can build their own application to remotely control the speed, the battery status and car location. It has 18 sensors that aim to automate operation. The car can even download and install the latest firmware and set a service schedule at a gas station.
Tesla is planning to launch a fully autonomous car that will have the ability to drive itself and reach the owner with the Summon feature. You can now open and close the garage door and park yourself with a tap on your smartphone via an app. In the coming years, the car will be able to operate completely on its own.
4. Petnet Smart Feeder
IoT doesn’t just serve humans; It's even working in the best interest of your pets. This is a smart pet feeder that allows the user to schedule a feeding schedule, select food portions, feeding time and how often meals are dispensed. It can be operated via an app so you can keep an eye on your pet and feed it even when you are away from home.
To get started, the user must configure the device for home Wi-Fi and follow the instructions provided in the manual. It uses sensors to detect whether the animal is eating the right amount of food and also features learning software that graphs the animal's feeding activities. The feeder accesses data from the Internet Cloud and sends suggestions to the user regarding the pet's diet.
5. WeMo Switch Smart Plug
Wemo swap smart plug aims to offer home automation so that the user can control home appliances remotely through an app. It uses a Wi-Fi network to provide wireless control of various devices such as lamps, stereos, fans, heaters, etc. Furthermore, it can also work via 3G or 4G mobile internet. It can be easily plugged into any electrical outlet and also connects to a power cord of any device.
To use it, a Wemo app must be downloaded from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, depending on the device. After that, the Wemo smart switch is plugged into an outlet and then an appliance is plugged into it. Next, you must be connected to your home Wi-Fi network and instructions will appear on the screen to carry out the installation. After that, the user can turn on/off any device or remotely set schedules for the devices to operate.
6. Nest Thermostat
Nest Learning Thermostat is a product from Nest Labs that allows the user to control the temperature of their home even when away from home with a simple tap on their smartphone or tablet. This WiFi enabled device is programmable and based on machine learning algorithm. It even uses built-in sensors and the phone's location to switch to power-saving mode when no one is home.
When the user sets the temperature for the first few days, the device learns the pattern and follows it according to the user's needs. It is linked to your smartphone via an app so that even when you are away from home, you can set the temperature on your smartphone and it will work accordingly. It even shows the history to inform you how much energy was saved and a sheet appears as a reward. You can greatly reduce your electricity bills.
7. Philips Hue bulbs
Philips Hue technology presents a smart way to control your home's lighting with the help of Wi-Fi enabled bulbs. The starter kit comes with 3 bulbs with a hockey puck base station that connects to Wi-Fi via of Ethernet cable. The entire package aims to allow the user to control the color, brightness and also the timing of the lights.
Once the bulbs are installed and the connection is established, the Hue bulbs automatically connect to the base station and the app can be installed to operate the lights. There are different themes to choose from in the app to have different lighting effects. Lights can be turned on/off automatically at scheduled times and can be customized to receive different notifications.
8. Kolibree Smart Toothbrush
The Kolibree Smart Tooth brush comes with a refill base and 2 brush heads and has a simple and unique setup. It connects to an app on your Android/IoS device and transmits information about the details of your brushing in real time. It is equipped with fine sonic vibrations as well as 3D motion sensors to ensure a smart brushing experience.
This smart toothbrush is linked to a mobile app that teaches you how to brush your teeth in the best possible way for an appropriate period of time. It works as an educational and fun tool for children, teaching them how to cover dirty areas.
9. August Smart Lock
Losing keys is no longer a problem with August Smart Lock by your side. It automatically locks and unlocks according to your needs. It also comes with the option to set a code if you don't have your smartphone with you when you enter the house. Additionally, you can access the activity log and grant and withdraw access to guests as and when you want.
August lock is a roll of metal adhesive tape that can be hung on the door lock. Although it works in combination with an application, it is also possible to take advantage of the keyboard that can be placed on the other side of the door. It asks for a code that can be entered to gain access without using any application. Simply close the door and the system will lock the door automatically. It also allows you to give access to the guests you choose.
10. MiMo Baby Monitors
Mimo monitors are used for commercial purposes, but recently a new feature of monitoring the state of a sleeping baby has been added. Mimo smart baby monitors use kimonos and cotton onesies to collect information about the baby's body position, breathing level, body temperature, response to activities, etc. The main objective of developing this device is to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
The suits contain turtle-shaped sensors that collect all the necessary data and send it to the water lily. From here, it is relayed to the app installed on the user's device via the home internet. This way, you can know all the important details about your baby anywhere and at any time. Works on Android and IoS devices. To ensure safety, this wearable technology uses lower power Bluetooth and the sensor sits on top of the cloth to stay away from the baby's skin.
Conclusion
The field of Internet of Things (IoT) is quite fascinating to look at considering the innovations that are currently being introduced. However, in the near future, it will take on a much bigger and better form that will completely transform the way we live. The level to which technology has been assimilated into our routine activities requires us to be familiar with the concept because it has and will continue to create an impact on our lives in an unstoppable way.
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