SCIENCE26 - What is the Internet of Things?

My recent blog, “The History of Virtual Reality,” closed with a statement to the effect that the future of virtual reality included integration with another technology, the Internet of Things, which I declined to discuss there as “beyond the scope of the article.”  This blog will address that subject, and try to answer the question:  What is the Internet of Things?

 

After an introduction, where I will attempt to define and explain the Internet of Things, I will discuss its development history, then current applications, challenges in maturing the technology, and finally the future of the Internet of Things.

I will list my primary sources at the end.

 

Introduction

There is an exciting new technology out there that I don’t believe many people have heard about:  the Internet of Things (IoT).  It has fabulous potential, but for many people, hearing about it for the first time, it’s a little scary too.

First a definition, then an example: The IoT is a network (interconnected group) of physical objects, or "things," that are termed “smart” because they are embedded with sensors, processors, and software that allow them to connect and exchange data with other devices in the group.  The connected smart devices then connect to software applications on the internet to manage the operation of the group of devices, enhancing efficiency, safety, productivity, and decision-making

An example is the offsite monitoring and control via smartphone of home security devices, including smart cameras, doorbell cameras, motion sensors, smart locks, and alarm systems - providing autonomous control in real time and responding to changing conditions (e.g. power outages).

With the growing adoption of connected devices, there is a trend toward remote security monitoring and automation.  Additionally, advancements in facial recognition, AI-driven surveillance, and integration with home automation systems are enhancing the effectiveness of smart security solutions.

Today, consumers are increasingly adopting smart home devices like voice-commanded virtual assistants, and smart monitoring and control of lighting, thermostats, and appliances (for example to control on/off and adjust settings). And most of us have had smart TV’s and smartphones for quite a while.  Many of us also use home video feeds to check in on a pet, monitor a babysitter, or watch for deliveries while at work.

Consider the varied household functions shown in the figure below.  We are all used to managing these functions individually, some mechanically by hand, some electronically.  IoT brings the capability to remotely interconnect/monitor/control all or any of these (potentially smart) functions as a group.

Yes, I realize that few of us today would choose this “every function” solution, but some combination of functions might be very useful someday.

Example of smart home functions that could be integrated into an IoT system under autonomous control.

 

The figure below outlines the major components of the IoT.  For the smart home example, embedded sensors in selected household elements collect data about their operating conditions in the home.  The collected data is sent to a central location, typically the “cloud,” a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data.  This is achieved through connectivity methods like Wi-Fi, low-power wide-area networks (designed for long-range, low-power communication), mobile cellular networks, or direct satellite networks serving remote or underserved areas where traditional terrestrial networks are unavailable.

Once in the cloud, software processes the data. This processing can range from simple checks (e.g., temperature within acceptable range) to complex analyses using artificial intelligence (e.g., identifying objects in a video feed).

The processed information is then made available and useful to the end-user (homeowner in the example).  This can be through alerts (emails, texts, notifications) sent to his computer or mobile device that allow the user to monitor and even control the household devices (e.g., adjusting temperature remotely).

Components of IoT, using a smart home as an example.

 

Today’s IoT encompasses a wide range of emerging applications, including smart homes, smart cities, healthcare, agriculture, transportation and logistics, and industrial automation.  See below.

The IoT is transforming how we interact with the physical world by enabling everyday objects to become "smart" and interconnected.  Today, the IoT is a vast and rapidly growing system of interconnected devices.  The evolution of the IoT faces significant challenges, like cost, security, and privacy, but the future of IoT is forecast to be one of continued growth and increasing integration into various aspects of life, supported with ongoing advancements in artificial intelligence, smart computing, and cybersecurity. 

 

IoT Development History

Origins and Coining of the Term IoT (1960’s-2000)

1960s-1980s: Early concepts of interconnected systems merged with ARPANET, the precursor to the modern internet.  The development of local area networks in the 1980s allowed computers to share data in real time.

1999: British technologist Kevin Ashton, while working at Procter & Gamble, presented the idea of using RFID (radio-frequency identification) to connect physical objects to the internet, effectively coining the term "Internet of Things.” 

Kevin Ashton is known for coining the term "the Internet of Things to describe a system where the Internet is connected to the physical world via world-wide sensors.

 

Early Developments (2000-2012)

2000-2005: The rise of wireless networks (e.g. WI-FI) and the launch of Amazon Web Services enabled more devices to connect to the internet.

2008: The release of Google’s Android operating system for mobile devices expanded possibilities for IoT devices, particularly in consumer electronics.

2010-2012: Advances in cloud computing and big data analysis allowed for large scale data collection and processing, accelerating IoT application in industries like manufacturing and healthcare. (Big data analysis is the systematic processing and analysis of large amounts of data and complex data sets to extract valuable insights.)

Mainstream Adoption and Expansion (2013-2020)

2013: Google introduced Google Glass, an early example of wearable devices, though it was later discontinued.

2014: IoT became a prominent topic at tech conferences, and investment in IoT startups surged.

2015-2017: Software applications like AWS IoT and Microsoft Azure IoT facilitated the development, deployment, and management of internet-connected devices and IoT applications.  They acted as central hubs, enabling communication, data management, and analysis for a network of devices.  Billions of devices were connected globally, spanning sectors such as smart homes, transportation, and industrial automation.

2018-2020: The implementation of 5G networks and edge computing improved IoT performance and reliability.  Industry concepts such as smart factories gained traction.  (5G is fifth generation wireless cellular technology.  Distributed edge computing enables physical devices to communicate more efficiently by processing data locally and exchanging only relevant information with other devices or cloud services.)

Recent Developments (2021-now)

IoT adoption spread into healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and consumer electronics.

 

Current Applications

The IoT is currently being applied across a number of business sectors, impacting daily life and industries alike.  Here are some examples, meant to be representative, not exhaustive.  It’s also important to note that we’re at the beginning of the application of IoT technology; there is a long way to go to reach its full potential.

Representative examples of today’s emerging IoT applications.

Smart Homes

IoT devices are commonly found in smart homes, facilitating automation of tasks and enhanced control over household systems.  Examples include locks, TV/speakers, blinds, smart thermostats, lighting, security systems, connected appliances and irrigation systems.

Smart Cities

Traffic Management: IoT smart sensors such as cameras, and RFID tags, are deployed on roads and at intersections to collect data on traffic volume, speed, density, and other relevant parameters.  The IoT can monitor traffic conditions, dynamically adjust traffic light timings, and even reroute vehicles based on real-time data, leading to reduced congestion, improved safety, and optimized traffic flow. 

Waste Management: IoT sensors in waste bins track fill levels in real-time, alerting waste management companies when bins are full and need emptying.  GPS technology in bins and collection vehicles allows for optimized route planning, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.  Sensors can also detect if bin lids are open or closed, helping prevent overflow and littering. 

Public Safety: High-resolution cameras with video analytics detect suspicious behavior, monitor traffic patterns, and identify potential hazards like illegal dumping or vandalism.  These systems instantly alert authorities to the location of gunfire, enabling a faster response to active shooter incidents.  Environmental sensors monitor air quality, temperature, and gas levels, providing early warnings of potential disasters like fires or gas leaks. 

Environmental Monitoring: IoT sensors monitor air quality, water quality, noise, waste management, weather and climate, and other conditions, providing data to enhance public health and optimize urban planning.  

Smart Buildings: IoT can automate and optimize building functions like HVAC, lighting, and security to enhance efficiency and comfort. IoT sensors can also monitor equipment performance, allowing for predictive maintenance to prevent unexpected breakdowns and reduce downtime. 

Healthcare 

Remote Patient Monitoring: Wearable devices with biosensors (like special watches or implanted heart monitors) track heart rate, blood pressure, glucose levels, and activity, enabling health care providers continuous monitoring of patients from anywhere, and facilitating earlier intervention for chronic conditions.

Medication Adherence:  Smart pill Dispensers and bottles remind patients when to take their medications and can even dispense the correct dosage at scheduled times.  Some systems offer automated pill dispensing and send alerts to caregivers if doses are missed.  IoT-enabled systems monitor medication usage in real time, providing valuable data to both patients and healthcare providers.

Telemedicine: IoT devices equipped with cameras, microphones, and diagnostic sensors facilitate remote examinations and consultations, allowing doctors to assess patients' conditions and provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations from a distance.  Special smart medical devices, ranging from wearable trackers to ingestible sensors, collect and transmit real-time data, facilitating timely interventions and enhancing patient care. 

Asset Tracking: IoT technology (e.g., RFD tags) locate and manage medical equipment and other assets within a healthcare facility in real-time.  This technology helps hospitals optimize resource utilization, reduce costs, and improve patient care by ensuring equipment is available when needed. 

Agriculture

Precision Agriculture: Sensors collect data on soil conditions, weather, and crop health to optimize watering, fertilization, crop yields, and resource management.

Livestock Monitoring: Wearable sensors (embedded in collars or ear tags) track animal health, location, and activity levels, enabling early detection of illness and improved animal welfare.

Smart Greenhouses: IoT automates remote climate control in greenhouses, optimizing temperature, humidity, light, CO2, and nutrients for higher yields.

Automated Farm Equipment: Autonomous tractors can till, plant, and harvest crops without human intervention, guided by GPS and AI, increasing efficiency and reducing labor costs.  Robotic systems can automate fruit and vegetable harvesting, improving speed and reducing damage to crops.  Weed control robots can precisely target weeds, minimizing the need for herbicides and promoting healthier crops. 

Transportation and Logistics

Smart Cars: IoT is foundational for the development of autonomous vehicles, enabling communication between vehicles and infrastructure for enhanced safety and efficiency.  IoT technology is used extensively today to enhance connectivity, performance, and safety. This includes features like real-time data sharing (e.g., fuel efficiency), remote diagnostics, over-the-air updates (e.g., real time traffics and weather), vehicle navigation, and integration with infotainment systems.  IoT plays a crucial role in safety systems like collision avoidance, lane keeping assistance, and emergency services. 

Fleet Management: IoT devices monitor vehicle location, performance, and driver behavior to optimize routes, reduce fuel consumption, and improve safety.

Cold Chain Monitoring: Sensors in refrigerated packaging, storage, and transportation units track temperature and humidity, ensuring product quality and reducing spoilage.

Industrial Automation

Process Optimization:  By monitoring production lines in real-time, manufacturers can identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, leading to adjustments that maximize throughput and minimize downtime.  IoT-enabled sensors can track inventory levels in real-time, ensuring optimal stock levels, reducing waste, and streamlining logistics.  Sensors can monitor product quality throughout the production process, identifying defects early on and preventing them from reaching the customer.  IoT devices can track goods and materials throughout the supply chain, providing visibility into their location, condition, and status, leading to more efficient logistics and reduced costs.  This is one of the most popular IoT applications; 60% of companies had implemented some form of automation by 2024.

Predictive Maintenance: Sensors monitor machine performance, temperature, pressure, vibration, and motion, and predict potential failures, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Asset Tracking: IoT devices track the location and state of assets like tools, machinery, and raw materials in real-time, optimizing production workflows.

The IoT is playing an increasingly crucial role in enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving the quality of life across diverse sectors.

 

Challenges

IoT presents both immense opportunities and significant challenges.  While IoT promises improved efficiency, convenience, and innovation across many market sectors, several hurdles need addressing for its widespread and secure adoption. 

Top IoT Challenges

Here are some specific examples of challenges for IoT systems

Security

One of the most critical challenges is securing the vast network of interconnected IoT devices from cyberattacks. This includes vulnerabilities like weak passwords, lack of encryption, insecure interfaces, and the potential for devices to be compromised and used in large-scale attacks like botnets, a network of internet-connected devices, each infected with malware and controlled remotely by a cybercriminal.  The increasing number of internet-connected devices, and legacy systems with weak security further exacerbate these concerns.

Privacy

IoT devices often collect vast amounts of personal and sensitive data, raising significant privacy concerns. The potential for this data to be misused, leaked, or harvested for illegal purposes highlights the need for robust privacy safeguards and regulations.

Interoperability and Standardization

The lack of standardized protocols and frameworks across different manufacturers and device types creates a fragmented ecosystem, hindering seamless communication and data exchange between devices.  This fragmentation makes it difficult to build cohesive IoT solutions and manage diverse devices efficiently.

Scalability 

Managing and scaling (expanding an existing IoT solution to accommodate more devices, data, and users while maintaining performance, security, and cost-effectiveness) IoT deployments with a growing number of different devices presents challenges. These include ensuring sufficient network capacity and bandwidth, efficient device management, and handling the massive volume of data generated by IoT devices.

Data Management 

The sheer volume and variety of data generated by IoT devices create challenges in data collection, storage, processing, and analysis.  Ensuring data quality, integrity, and timely processing, especially for real-time applications, requires robust data management strategies and infrastructure.

Regulatory Compliance 

Navigating the complex and evolving landscape of regulations and compliance requirements, which vary by region and industry, poses a challenge for IoT deployments.  This includes adhering to data privacy laws and ensuring responsible use of collected data.

Cost 

The implementation of IoT solutions can be costly, encompassing expenses related to device manufacturing, network connectivity, data management, and ongoing maintenance.  Hidden costs, like those associated with device battery life and maintenance, can further strain budgets. 

Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing advancements in security technologies, establishment of clear regulations, promotion of standardization, and development of robust infrastructure and data management solutions. 

 

Future

The future of IoT is one of continued growth and increasing integration into various aspects of life, with billions more devices expected to connect and generate vast amounts of data. 

Top 5 Trends for the future of IoT.

Here are some specific examples of future characteristics of IoT.

Massive Growth in Connected Services

Projected to reach 29 billion smart devices by 2030, up from 9.7 billion in 2020.  Key sectors include energy management, asset management, and connected vehicles.

AI-Powered IoT

Integration of artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance, autonomous vehicles, and energy optimization.

Low Power Wide-Area Network

Essential for scalable IoT applications in agriculture, logistics, and utilities.

Enhanced Security

As IoT expands, cybersecurity will remain a critical focus for businesses deploying large-scale solutions.

Edge Computing

Processing data closer to the source (IoT sensors) will become more prevalent, enabling faster response times, reduced latency, and lower bandwidth usage. 

Cellular Network Technology

Faster and more reliable 5G networks will support the growing number of connected devices and enable new, data-intensive IoT applications.  6G networks are expected to be commercially available around the early 2030s.  6G networks promise significantly faster speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity, while also integrating new technologies like AI, cloud-native architectures, and non-terrestrial networks (wireless communication systems that operate above the Earth's surface, utilizing platforms like satellites, high-altitude balloons, or drones, to provide connectivity).

Digital Twins

Virtual replicas of physical assets or systems will be used for testing, simulation, and optimization, leading to faster innovation and improved decision-making. 

Blockchain for Security

Blockchain technology (as used in securing bitcoin currency) will play a vital role in enhancing security and privacy of IoT systems. 

Sustainability

IoT will play a key role in promoting sustainability by optimizing resource consumption, reducing waste, and enabling more efficient energy management. 

 

 

If you think that the internet has changed your life, think again.  The Internet of Things is about to change it all over again!” -  technology entrepreneur Brendan O’Brien

 

Sources

My principal sources include: “Internet of Things,” Wikipedia.com; “7 Examples of IoT in Everyday Life,” cbtnugges.com; “The Evolution of IoT: A Journey Through Key Milestones and Future Trends,” talkingiot.io; and “How IoT Works - 4 Main Components of IoT System,” data-flair.training; plus, numerous other online sources.   I am increasingly using Google’s AI Mode summaries of searches, including for this blog: “the internet of things,” “what is the history for the internet of things,” “what are the current applications for IoT technology,” “what are the challenges for the internet of things,” and “what is the future of the internet of things.”