The Internet of Things, or IoT, has changed the way we use and engage with technology and machines. We are seeing an uptick of the usage of IoT the past few years, now accounting for over billions of devices, from consumer deployments to larger-scale applications from organizations, companies, or even governments.
Users are looking for ways to streamline operations and rethink productivity with the help of IoT. The Internet of Things is expected to grow in popularity over the next few years. No doubt, the Internet of Things is the future of technology and will continue to be so.
Connectivity is slowly being redefined by the Internet of Things, extending it to long-range capabilities that we haven’t seen before to accomplish a specific set of tasks remotely. We’re seeing a revolutionary stage into the acceptance of IoT with more and more consumers growing into utilizing a host of interconnected devices.
Nowadays, more and more people are taking advantage of IoT devices, from home-based models to wearable devices and even devices that assist in enhancing the quality of life at work. One company that has made it a mission to do exactly that is RAKwireless, a Shenzhen-based company working with organizations from all over the world to set up and supply different parts of the IoT process
How Does IoT Work?
The internet of Things is an interconnected system or network of sensors, modules, or devices, that include embedded technology, enabling the system to communicate and interact with the objects or devices connected. The connectivity among these devices can be short-range or long-range and can happen anywhere—from the house to the business to an entire city. It can include appliances and gadgets, such as smoke alarms, lighting, agricultural tools, motors, and almost any device you can imagine. IoT benefits a lot of users from all industries.
For IoT to work or to transform A system or device into a smart one, there are two conditions that have to be met. In order to achieve this, one device or system must be able to communicate with the internet somehow. And two, the device is integrated or contains sensors or software that supports network connections and actuators. Some examples include temperature and humidity sensors, motor control modules, and GPS locations trackers.
The Internet of Things refers to smart devices or IoT devices that satisfy these conditions. With smart devices, you are able to do more than usual, and you’re now able to communicate with a system, get data, and analyze it.
Advantages and Disadvantages of IoT
Here are just some of the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing IoT technology:
Advantages:
- Machine-to-machine interaction helps users avoid inefficiencies and is able to detect any redundancies and errors in the system without needing to check each device.
- Users are able to automate all or certain devices in the smart system, which gives more control over the desired task or set of tasks
- Users can monitor their devices and systems even remotely.
- IoT saves users a lot of time. Instead of their usual processes, time could be halved or more due to the automations.
- It can contribute to a higher quality of life for the users and consumers.
Disadvantages:
- There is no international standard for IoT devices. While electronics have standard certifications, IoT still does not have a way to tell whether these devices are high-quality.
- More complex systems may need more connected devices which can increase the chances of error or failure.
- Privacy and security breaches are still a major concern for IoT.
- There is also an issue of job reductions when smart systems are applied because there is less need of manual labor.
Top Sensors and Modules If You’re Considering Utilizing IoT
If all of these have tickled your fancy and you’re considering using IoT, here are some recommendations for sensors or modules to get you started:
- Temperature and Humidity Sensor
Need to keep track of the heat or cold in your area, or for a farm? This sensor gives you the right tools to detect a range from -40 to +125 °C, which enables its use in nearly any environment. Combined with other devices, this Temperature and Humidity Sensor can collect environmental data easily and efficiently.
- Transmitter and Receiver IR Sensor
For smart home or smart office applications, an Infrared, or IR, transmitter and receiver, can be helpful as a way to control different devices with a remote. Change the mood of the lighting, open or close window coverings, or monitor and control the temperature all with just a click.
- Soil Moisture Monitoring Sensor
If soil moisture is important to your work, whether that’s for agriculture or other related fields, a soil moisture monitoring sensor can help you keep track of the amount of moisture in the land. You can even set up a system that will alert you when it becomes too moist or too dry, so that you’re always one step ahead.
- Motor Control Module
For automatic motor enthusiasts, the Motor Control module can control one stepper motors or two DC motors. You can now remotely control these devices with the use of this module.
- GPS Location Tracker
Locating your goods has never been this easy! The GPS Location Tracker helps users keep an eye on their valuable items through the use of satellites like GPS and GLONASS for a more accurate location acquisition. In a matter of seconds or minutes, you will be able to find where your items are without needing to lift a finger.
Need to detect certain gases in the air and how concentrated they are? The Gas Sensor Module can be used to create your own smart breathalyzers or for kitchen uses so that you’re also on top of the kind of air surrounding you.
In the next 5, 10 years, the Internet of Things will have grown to become one of the largest industries the world has ever experienced. The question is, will you adapt then or now?
