Most of the time, what you think is ‘the next big thing’ is just not quite big enough. A good example of this would be the recent phenomenon of the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) – often also referred to as M2M or Machine-to-Machine communication, which is far bigger and expanding at a much more rapid rate than the majority of people probably realise. Revolving around increased communication between machines, the Internet of Things is built on cloud computing and data-gathering sensor networks, creating a connection which is mobile, virtual and instantaneous. So, how big actually is the Internet of Things?
Sensors and machines
A lot of the hype surrounding the Internet of Thing has been largely focussed on machine to machine communication – machines ‘talking’ to each other and passing information. However, a machine is just that; a tool that is physically doing something in order to complete a certain task. You’ve probably heard the term ‘smart’ more times than you can remember, with ‘smart’ motorways, ‘smart’ locking systems, and even ‘smart’ lightbulbs becoming more and more mainstream. But, what this term is really referring to is sensors. Unlike machines, sensors gather data, measuring and evaluating different criteria. It is this combination of machines and sensors which is really propelling the Internet of Things to huge success, whether it be in personal life or in business. Click here for more information about IoT processes and software.
Possibilities
When it comes to the Internet of Things, the possibilities truly are endless. Take, for example, the development of many smart motorways across the UK – these roads use different technologies to help reduce congestion and improve traffic flow, minimising the need for conventional, costly and time-consuming road-widening jobs which would have once been the one and only way to tackle the problem. But, it’s not just the roads of the UK and indeed other countries which are benefitting. In the future, smart technology could be integrated into a huge number of applications – for example, smart materials could be used to build with, creating buildings that can literally alert their owners to when there is a problem in the structure. As futuristic as it may sound, think back to when you thought that half of the things we have today were similar to something from a Back To the Future movie – developments such as these are closer than we realise.
Effect on the future
Already, we have sensors everywhere which are tracking and monitoring data, making the world a safer place – for example sensors on motorways which can alert emergency services and warn other drivers via electronic signs in the event of a collision. With cloud-based apps constantly converting the collected data into useful information, getting real-time updates and being best prepared to respond has never been easier. This new intelligence is cropping up everywhere, creating a major gap in the market for new products and services, and even providing more job opportunities.
The Internet of Things is much, much bigger than you probably think – this technology trend is set to cause a lot of positive changes in the upcoming years.
Image by Dometorres
