The IOT (term coined in 1999) is the name given to the interconnection of everyday devices you use such as home utilities or automobiles. It is the way that machines communicate with each other through the internet to improve performance and efficiency for whatever service they are giving. The goal of the Internet of Things is to monitor devices using other devices, with as little human interference as possible.
Very basic examples of the Internet of Things in use is in automobiles and in home devices. Imagine, your car is connected to the internet, and you want to know where a free parking space is. Then, the parking meter tells your car where the empty spot is and you go and you park. Newer cars now have sensors that gather data on tire pressure, fuel economy and other engine levels. This data goes through an Internet of Things platform and then is stored in an analytics database. This gives manufacturers insight into how each model is performing, the ability to note when something goes wrong, and how to fix the issue.
Companies that are working to increase home automation are looking at increasing security and comfort. This can mean having internet accessible cameras, locking or unlocking your doors through an app or adjusting your thermostat from your phone before you get home or get out of bed in the morning.
The IOT is already being used by many devices today, and in some ways is the largest next step for technology innovation of the future. The above mentioned examples of the IOT are just small ways we could be using this technology to our advantage. Larger advancements may include autonomous or self-driving cars, face-recognition door locks, heart rate tracking/heart attack prediction through heart monitors over the internet, and much more. This industry is just beginning, and there is great potential for amazing technology to come forth through it. As Albert Einstein said: “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.”