THE FUTURE OF IoT – The Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) is defined as an interconnection of uniquely identifiable embedded computing-like devices within the Internet structure. This phrase was first used by Kevin Ashton from MIT in 1999. These “things” are machines embedded with sensors that gather, store and analyze data. These are linked to the Internet, so they can upload that data for further processing, download updated software and often be controlled remotely. These “things” include door locks, heart monitors, smart cars, and smoke detectors. The definition is expanding as developers build more and more IoT applications. These are in addition to the vast array of smart devices, connected appliances, and wearables currently on the market.
Gartner, an international research firm, estimates that by the end of last year, there were 3.8 billion connected things. By 2020, Gartner estimates there will be 25 billion of these smart devices, transmitting tiny amounts of data to us, to the cloud and to each other. Cisco’s John Chambers has said that there will be 50 billion devices online within five years, with a total market worth $19 trillion. Another leader, Siemens, has said these smart things are starting to power a fourth Industrial Revolution (after steam, electricity and wired computers).
A recent IoT survey by New Harbor Research also showed this area to be expanding rapidly. Currently there are several areas being served by IoT devices. The areas include automation (19%), wearables (13%), fitness (11%), and automotive (11%). Several items, like FitBit and Nest Learning Thermostat, have been mass-marketed and have exposed the public to the possibilities of IoT, and the most publicized IoT has been the Apple Watch.
There are many examples of interesting uses for IoT in the future. Here are a few. In the home, Apple is developing HomeKit. It is meant to be a platform where all developers can use one language for smart-home devices. One tablet can be used to manage security, energy use, lighting, HVAC, and entertainment systems. Many office buildings are already “smart”. In the future, climate, energy usage, and security can be set at remote central locations that control hundreds or thousands of buildings.
In the future, urban centers will have enormous growth. IoT technology will also grow dramatically. Stoplights will have embedded video sensors to control greens and reds. This will reduce idling, congestion, and smog. Parking spaces will have sensors to guide drivers to open spots. Tel Aviv already has sensors in the asphalt of busy highways that pick up a car’s license plate. Trucks and cars are then guided and charged to use special, faster lanes to move traffic faster.
Manufacturing has been using this technology for many years. It is used throughout the manufacturing process. In the future, this information will be delivered “instantly” to smart devices. This will reduce repair and maintenance costs and downtime by up to 70%. Big savings in energy usage will continue and increase.
Automobiles are already packed with computers and sensors. “Smart” cars being developed have even more. Tesla’s Autopilot uses cameras, radar, and sonar to automatically drive, park, and warn drivers of danger. This information is continuously sent to engineers who can then improve the software. Experts say that in the future, fatal accidents and driver-hours can be reduced dramatically.
There are many more examples in health care, the energy grid, and agriculture. But there are challenges and obstacles in using IoT technology that must be overcome. One obstacle is called “the language barrier”. There is no universal means of sharing information. For example, smart home devices currently speak many wireless languages, depending on the manufacturer. Your home’s thermostat and HVAC system might communicate in Bluetooth, the refrigerator and coffee maker in ZigBee, the locks and blinds in Z-Wave and the smoke detector in WiFi. This lack of standardization makes integrating systems over wide areas impossible.
Perhaps the biggest challenge is securing IoT data. There are many examples of hacking critical data. Security professionals have hacked insulin pumps and changed dosages, and have taken over cars while driving on the road. Large companies such as Cisco have been working with the Federal government to increase security standards. Applying standards to protect data to other countries is difficult since they have their own standards and laws.
Another problem is that many parts of the IoT must be capable of functioning in real time. For example, in driving smart cars or managing traffic in smart cities, a lag of microseconds could be fatal.
This is related to the challenge of data processing and storage. Central processing centers may not work for many IoT applications. Multiple “micro data centers” would need to be built at multiple locations. This is necessary due to the volume of data and the high speed required.
In conclusion, the use of IoT technology in the future will explode. IoT technology will go beyond smart phones and tablets, with apps running in the cloud. Developers feel that current devices will be replaced in the next 5-10 years by more advanced technology. Advancements in these fields are moving so fast that developers feel that there is something better just around the corner.
References
https://www.wired.com/2015/07/hackers-remotely-kill-jeep-highway/
http://www.itbusinessedge.com/slideshows/iot-top-7-challenges-02.html
http://www.techtimes.com/articles/36950/20150303/satisfied-care-caregiver-robots-japan.htm
