IDT - IoT devices

What is Internet of Things (IoT) and IoT devices?

IoT (Internet of Things) - The interconnectedness of physical devices (appliances, vehicles) that are embedded with sensors, software and network connectivity which enables them to connect and exchange data

• In order to exchange data between devices - for the collection and sharing of data from a vast network of devices, creating opportunities for more efficient and automated systems.

• IoT devices - are various devices that are interconnected between network/internet and physical devices.

• e.g. smart objects

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing - storing and accessing the data and programs remotely on servers that are hosted on the internet and managed by a third party (instead of the computer’s hard drive or on a local server).

→ Uses:

• Storage, backup and recovery of data

• Development of new applications and services (software services)

• Delivery of software on demand

• Streaming videos and audio

What are the components of IoT?

• Sensors/devices - collecting data

• Connectivity - sending data to cloud

• Data processing - Input (raw unreadable data) → Processing → Output (processed data into information understandable to users)

• User interface - delivery of information to users for user interaction

What are the applications of IoT?

1) Transportation

2) Medical

3) Manufacturing

4) Retail

What are the benefits of using IoT?

• Sensors - monitor data remotely and specific conditions to ensure optimal conditions for ideal performance

• Collect real-time data from sensors - that can be analyzed to detect patterns and identifying issues before they become serious.

• Track inventory/equipment/supply chain/traffic or track customer behavior for best product placement = improve customer experience and bring convenience

• Manage inventory

• More precise and accurate (no human-error) in their work therefore used to perform mundane/repetitive tasks

• Increase efficiency

What are the challenges of IoT?

• Security and privacy - data needs to be properly encrypted during data transmission between devices (if not hackers may gain access to sensitive/personal data and make use of the data illegally)

• Scalability - when IoT devices share data between too many devices → this can lead to low latency during data transmission and cause connectivity issues.

• Cost-effectiveness - many IoT devices = means requires more network availability in order to increase productivity and efficiency

• Reliability connectivity - IoT devices are highly reliable to internet/connectivity to function

• Interoperability - if you are using different devices = using a different user-interface, which may cause some difficulty for user’s usage

What is edge computing?

Edge computing - is the process of bringing information storage and computing abilities closer to the device that produces the information and the user that consumes it.

• Directs data connectivity between devices and increases efficiency, as the data is transferred or reached at a faster speed (short-cut for data transfer)

• Data is also transferred to the cloud for storage and future use.

What is AI’s involvement in IoT?

AI - systems that can learn to emulate human tasks using prior experience.

AI integration in IoT:

• IoT collect and handle a huge amount of data that is required for the AI algorithm → this algorithm then converts the data into useful actionable results that can be implemented by the IoT devices.

• e.g. collaborative robots, smart cities

What is blockchain?

Blockchain - Blockchain provides robust security features that helps to protect IoT data from tampering and unauthorized access and can enhance security, transparency and efficiency.

• e.g. encryption, immutable ledgers

• Each transaction is recorded in a block and linked to the previous one, making it nearly impossible to alter the data without detection and only authorized access can change the blockchain.

• Blockchain can facilitate secure and efficient data sharing between IoT devices - by using decentralized network, meaning devices can share data directly with each other without relying on a central server.