Internet of things (IoT)

• The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of interconnected electronic devices.

Definition

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of interconnected electronic devices that can collect and transfer data over a wireless network without human intervention.

The Internet of Things is the process that allows everyday physical items to be connected to the Internet: from common household objects, such as light bulbs, to health care resources, such as medical devices; smart personal clothing and accessories; and even smart city systems.

Items

The IoT devices inside those physical objects typically fall into one of two categories: they are switches (meaning they send instructions to an object) or they are sensors (meaning they collect the data and send it somewhere else).

Although a complete IoT system consists of four different elements:

• Sensors or devices:

They collect data from their environment for a particular purpose. A device can have multiple sensors.

• Connectivity:

Once the device has collected the data, it needs to send it to the cloud, using Wi-Fi, bluetooth or other ways. The particular connectivity option will depend on the IoT application.

• Data processing:

Once the data reaches the cloud, the software processes them and defines whether or not to perform an action. However, sometimes the user must intervene through the user interface.

• User interface:

If the user wants to intervene or control the system, he will do so with the interface.

The particular connectivity, network, and communication protocols used by enabled devices will vary based on individual IoT applications.

Trends

Regarding the latest trends for 2023, it is expected:

• an increase in data and devices with more interactivity with users,
• AI as a key factor in the internet of things,
• the reality of the voice interface (VUI),
• increased investment in the internet of things,
• a real expansion of industrial IoT and digital twin technology.

Applications

These are some of the most common applications:

• portable
• smart homes
• Smart cities
• autonomous vehicles
• telehealth
• smart farming