The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical devices, vehicles, buildings, and other objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity, allowing them to collect and exchange data. The IoT allows these objects to be connected and controlled remotely across existing network infrastructure, creating opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world into computer-based systems, and resulting in improved efficiency, accuracy and economic benefit.
Here’s how it works:
- Sensors and actuators are embedded in physical objects and connected to the internet.
- These devices collect and share data about their environment and themselves with other connected devices and systems.
- The collected data is processed and analyzed, often using artificial intelligence algorithms, to extract valuable insights and trigger certain actions.
- Based on these insights and pre-defined rules, the connected devices and systems can take automatic, semi-automatic, or manual actions to control the physical objects or the environment.
For example, an IoT system in a smart home might consist of sensors that detect movement, temperature, and humidity, and actuators that can control the heating, lighting, and security. The data collected by these sensors is sent to a central hub, which processes the data and sends commands to the actuators to adjust the temperature or turn on the lights based on the collected data and the pre-defined rules set by the user.