You may wonder what is IoT. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a term used to describe the vast network of physical objects, or 'things', that are connected to the Internet and exchange data with other devices and systems.
Although IoT has been around since the 90s, it has become more feasible due to recent advancements in various technologies, including:
- Access to affordable and reliable sensors
- Maximizing the availability of cloud computing platforms
- Advances in machine learning and AI technologies.
From small ordinary household cooking appliances to sophisticated industrial tools, IoT devices can vary in size and complexity. The Unique Identifier (UID) is possessed by each IoT component and they are capable of transmitting data without human assistance.
Types of IoT
Such factors as connectivity protocols, networking, and communication depend on the particular IoT application deployed. There are a lot of various IoT apps and types of IoT devices:
- Consumer IoT - used in everyday life (light fixtures, home appliances, and voice assistance).
- Commercial IoT - used for the transport and healthcare industries (smart pacemakers, monitoring systems)
- Military Things (IoMT) - the application of IoT in the military field (human-wearable biometrics and surveillance robots).
- Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) - industrial applications in the energy sectors and manufacturing (smart agriculture and Digital control systems).
- Infrastructure IoT - connectivity in smart cities (management systems and infrastructure sensors).
These are different types of IoT devices that simplify our lives.
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Get a Free ConsultationWhy is IoT Important?
According to the McKinsey Global Institute , by 2025 the Internet of Things will annually bring the global economy from $3.9 to $11.1 trillion. IoT is used in almost every field - with its help you can monitor health, energy consumption, and traffic, goods and create a smart home, city, or factory.
IoT technologies are successfully used in almost any industry - from air transportation (data from sensors on aircraft can be sent to special applications on passengers’ smartphones) to agriculture (irrigation automation, smart feeders, and patches that transmit information about the condition of animals).
The Internet of Things for Business is a powerful, innovative technology that enables companies to move forward, expand existing and discover new opportunities, maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace, and increase operational efficiency.
- Automatic closing of simple tasks and redistribution of duties of employees to perform more complex ones;
- Efficient operations management;
- High resource efficiency;
- Reduced costs due to reduced downtime;
- Increased level of labor safety;
- Improving marketing and management strategies;
- Improve customer service and retention;
- Increasing the company's competitiveness.
What Are IoT Devices?
These are hardware devices including gadgets, sensors, appliances, and other machines that take and exchange data via the Internet. IoT devices are programmed for particular applications and can be embedded into other devices. For instance, an IoT device in your car can predict the traffic and send a message of your impending delay to the person you are about to meet.
How do IoT Devices Work?
IoT devices may have varying functions, but they share similarities in their operational mechanisms. IoT devices are physical objects that detect events in the physical world, firstly. A Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server is typically used to connect them, and they usually come equipped with an integrated CPU, network adapter, and firmware. To function over the network, an IP address is also required.
A software application is used to configure and manage most IoT devices. An app on your smartphone to control the lights in your home, for instance. The need for external applications can be eliminated by devices that have integrated web servers. When you enter a room, the lights switch on immediately, for instance.
Top 5 IoT Devices for 2023
Examples of IoT devices include smart mobile phones, smart refrigerators, smart watches, fitness trackers, smart fire alarms, smart door locks, smart bikes, medical sensors, smart security systems, and virtual assistants such as Alexa and Google Home, there are a lot of IoT trends to watch out for.
1. Google Home Voice Controller
Google Home is a smart, and visually appealing device that is capable of playing music, controlling connected objects, and providing personalized daily briefings via voice command. This voice-controlled smart speaker is Wi-Fi enabled and comes equipped with Google Assistant, which is the same virtual assistant found in numerous Android smartphones such as the Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy S8.
2. Amazon Echo Plus Voice Controller
The Amazon Echo Plus voice controller is a well-known and dependable IoT device that offers a wide range of voice-activated services. Its capabilities include answering phone calls, setting alarms and timers, checking the weather, and much more.
3. August Doorbell Cam
The August Doorbell Cam is an IoT device that permits you to answer your door from any location remotely. It continuously records motion fluctuations and any questionable activities occurring at your doorstep.
4. August Smart Lock
The August Smart Lock is a trusted and dependable IoT security device that empowers users to control their doors from anywhere. It serves as an effective deterrent against burglars while also providing an additional layer of protection for your home.
5. Foobot
Foobot is an IoT device that can precisely gauge indoor pollution levels, thereby facilitating the enhancement of air quality in homes, cafes, offices, and various other indoor public settings.
Our Experience
Despite the war in Ukraine, Stfalcon persevered and, in the second month of the full-scale war with Russia, we were approached by the Khmelnytskyi Regional Military Administration to create an automated system for activating and deactivating warning sirens.
The Stfalcon team was tasked with developing software that would enable communication with a smart lock. The software needed to enable the owner to remotely control the lock via a smartphone, a virtual reality password, and automatic door opening. Moreover, the software was required to have the ability to identify the owner and offer control both within the line of sight and over the Internet.
Bottom Line
The IoT revolution appears to be important for business development, and this can apply to any type of enterprise. The concept of IoT can significantly improve many areas of our lives and help us create a more convenient, smart, and secure world.
Examples of the Internet of Things range from wearables such as smartwatches to smart homes that can, for example, control and automatically change the amount of lighting and heating. Whether it's growing oysters or creating a traffic control system, the most valuable thing about the technological concept of IoT is that it is open to new challenges and has enough opportunities to implement almost any business idea, if you are interested, just contact us.