Internet of Things: Comforting Lives Smartly

Time has surged vast changes with the assistance of internet. From a time when writing letters was the fastest mode of distant communication to the time of realtime instant messaging applications, internet has contributed enormously. This dramatic change in connectivity, and eventually, in lives is just a hint towards Internet of Things. Internet of Things is a smart connectivity between human and electronic devices.

 Now, power companies take electricity meter readings through tele-metering systems rather than visiting individual house, a doctor can supervise the condition of the patient 24x7 using devices even when the patient is at home and doctor is in hospital, vehicle-affixed terminals automatically show the closest parking space; and the sensors in smart homes turn off utilities, close windows, proctor security, and keep homeowners updated with all on the go. The scenarios that only existed in science fictions in the past are a part of reality now because of induction of the Internet of Things. With the advancement of internet and artificial intelligence technology, things are getting smarter day by day. Internet of things is powered on this concept of ‘smartness’.

Also known as M2M or Machine to Machine, Machine to Man, Man to Machine, Machine to Mobile, the Internet of Things links humans, devices, and systems. When integrated with microchips and sensors, the devices, systems or machines can think, feel, sense, and communicate with each other. Together with the infrastructure of the Internet and mobile networks, these objects get in touch with humans and enable us to admonish and control them.

Internet of Things is providing human life a greater connectivity and a supreme functionality. There is apparently no limit over what can be connected to the Internet as technology is focusing to make almost any and every device compatible with internet. Some of the examples where Internet of things is comforting lives smartly are:

• Students at Writhlington School in Somerset (UK) have used the internet of things to watch how orchids grow
• Street lights in Barcelona dim on their own to save electricity. Also, they check traffic flow and pollution levels to give feeds to central system for betterment of the city.
• Deutsche Telekom and French IT firm Medria invented a wearable collar for cows to keep them connected to the wireless internet
• Ducks in Buckingham Palace (UK) have GPS devices attached to their legs so that their location can be tracked
• Toilets at London’s Heathrow Airport report on their usage

More than just saving the human efforts, these innovations are also much better in efficiency and productivity. Internet of Things is proving itself as a boon for mankind and making their lives smarter, faster and convenient in many ways. It will be fascinating to see what else can Internet provide us in coming future.