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Thursday, July 6, 2023

A Glimpse into the Future of IoT

Abstract:

In the present era, technology has been progressively advancing towards automation, with the goal of simplifying our lives by reducing the need for manual intervention. This trend has brought about its consequences, with some arguing that it encourages indolence, while others perceive it as an opportunity to pursue our passions. Nonetheless, there is an undeniable truth that automation is the way forward, and its most significant impact is being experienced within our own homes.

 


Introduction:

 

The Internet of Things (IoT) has become indispensable in our daily lives, positioned to have a profound impact in the near future. It provides immediate solutions for traffic management, reminders for vehicle maintenance, and reductions in energy consumption. Monitoring sensors can diagnose maintenance issues and prioritize repair schedules, while data analysis systems contribute to the efficient functioning of urban areas, facilitating traffic management, waste disposal, pollution control, law enforcement, and other crucial functions.

 

Taking it a step further, interconnected devices also offer personal benefits. For example, your refrigerator can alert you when the vegetable compartment is empty, or your home security system can enable you to remotely open the door for guests using IoT-enabled devices. With the ever-growing number of devices, the volume of generated data will also be substantial. This is where the interplay between Big Data and IoT becomes evident.

 

Big Data effectively handles the immense amount of data generated through its technologies. IoT and Big Data are pivotal subjects in various applications, including commercial and industrial domains. IoT, a term coined approximately a decade ago, refers to a network of interconnected devices that gather, store, and manage extensive amounts of data. On the other hand, Big Data involves analyzing this data to derive meaningful insights. The driving force behind IoT and Big Data has been the collection and analysis of consumer data, with the aim of understanding customers' purchasing behavior.

 

Not too long ago, we envisioned futuristic homes where tasks would be autonomously accomplished—lights turning on automatically, coffee brewing as you wake up, and showers adjusting water temperature based on the weather. Today, the technology required to achieve all of this has been available for some time and has become affordable. As a result, we are witnessing remarkable advancements in the realm of automation.

 

Home Automation System:

 

Home automation simply involves using smartphones and easily accessible computing devices to automate and control household items and devices, ranging from electrical appliances to lights to doors, with the assistance of remotely controllable hardware. Home automation usually begins with small-scale implementation, with individuals initially controlling simple binary devices that can be either "on" or "off." However, it is when these devices are connected to the internet that they truly become intelligent and enter the realm of the Internet of Things. Current automation systems leverage their internet-enabled capabilities to record and analyze usage patterns of devices, particularly lighting and heating systems, in order to reduce monthly electricity bills and overall energy consumption.

 


When setting up a home automation system, it is advisable to start by addressing your specific needs. For many people, the primary concern is their electricity bill. Consequently, smart lights are often the initial home automation product purchased. Others may find peace of mind in smart switches, alleviating concerns about leaving appliances, such as geysers, turned on. From there, a comprehensive lighting system can be gradually developed, allowing remote control and responsiveness to human presence. Similarly, an automated home theater can be created, featuring a smart TV paired with intelligent ambient lighting.

 

A typical smart home automation system consists of a central hub that can be configured to control a variety of smart devices, sensors, and switches, all communicating with the hub using specific protocols. The hub is controlled through an app or web interface. Importantly, monitoring and computing functions are distributed between the hub and the remote app. For instance, in a smart lighting system, the hub serves as the central interface between multiple smart devices, such as bulbs and door contact sensors.

 

Communication between smart devices and the hub is facilitated by common communication technologies, with an app serving as the control interface for the lighting system. To gain a better understanding of the hub's role, one can draw parallels with a standard Wi-Fi router. Both devices serve as intermediaries, routing signals from various sources. In some cases, the hub and router are integrated, eliminating the need for two separate devices. However, when they are separate, the hub, which requires internet connectivity, is connected to the router. Essentially, a smart hub offers a centralized method to control all smart devices, enabling connectivity to the cloud and consolidating apps into a single interface provided by the hub manufacturer.

 

The Future of IoT:

 

The emergence of 5G technology will significantly enhance the capabilities of connected cars, enabling faster message transmission. According to a recent report, the global connected car market is projected to grow from 5.1 million units in 2015 to 37.7 million units by 2022. The adoption of telematics units, technological advancements focused on driver and passenger experience, and an emphasis on safety and cybersecurity are driving the growth of connected cars worldwide. India is expected to emerge as a significant market for such vehicles. Currently, less than 2 percent of all vehicles sold in the country are equipped with connectivity features. However, our experience with smartphones has shown that widespread technology adoption can occur rapidly, provided it is reasonably priced.

 

Enhancing Road Safety:

 

Connected cars enable insurance companies to incentivize safe driving behaviors, leading to lower premiums. This, in turn, contributes to safer roads and an improved driving experience. Drivers can also utilize the gathered information to evaluate and enhance their driving skills. In a country plagued by traffic congestion, big data will introduce predictability in traffic management by aggregating data from each vehicle.

 


Predictive Maintenance:

 

Through connected cars, drivers and fleet managers gain access to vital vehicle diagnostics data, allowing the detection of potential issues before they escalate. This proactive approach reduces vehicle breakdowns, ensures hassle-free driving, and improves fuel efficiency. Moreover, well-maintained vehicles result in reduced emissions.

 

Data Monetization:

 

Recent research indicates that a single connected vehicle has the potential to generate more revenue than ten conventional non-connected vehicles. In the future, the market share of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) will be determined not by the number of units sold but by the data revenue generated per vehicle. Data monetization in the context of IoT is still in its early stages, and we can anticipate significant developments in this field in the near future.

 


Conclusion:

Connected cars will soon tap into their extensive databases to provide personalized suggestions, such as your favorite number or the best route to pick up your child from her piano class every Friday. With the introduction of 5G technology, connectivity issues will become a thing of the past. 5G will enable connected cars to send and receive messages faster, up to 10 times per second. It will also enhance situational awareness, providing advanced warnings about roadblocks or obstacles, thereby allowing drivers more time to react.

 

Hashtag/Keyword/Labels:

#FutureofIoT #HomeAutomation #ConnectedCars #BigData #5G #InternetofThings

 

References/Resources:

 

1. "IEEE-SA Internet of Things Ecosystem Study," IEEE Standards Association, 2015. [Online] Available: https://standards.ieee.org/innovate/iot/study.html

2. Cisco Internet Business Solutions Group (IBSG), "The Internet of Things How the Next Evolution of the Internet is Changing Everything," 2011.

3. Internet of Business, Beecham Research, Intel, "The future of retail through the Internet of Things (IoT)."

4. Internet Society, Karen Rose, Scott Eldridge, Lyman Chapin, "The Internet of Things: An overview," 2015.

 

For more such Seminar articles click index – Computer Science Seminar Articles list-2023.

[All images are taken from Google Search or respective reference sites.]

 

…till next post, bye-bye and take care.

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