What is IoT and how does it work?

What is The Internet of Things (IoT)?

The IoT refers to the billions of physical objects that are connected to the internet. They have built-in software, sensors, and other technologies that allow them to connect to networks. These objects can range from everyday household objects such as a lightbulb or a kettle to things much more high-tech such as industrial robots or autonomous cars.

How does IoT work?

The sensors and software built into the IoT devices collect, send, and act on the data they obtain from the objects via machine learning. These devices often interact with related devices and act based on the information they receive without any human intervention unless instructions or setup are required. For example, if you have a smartphone with an app for your heating at home, you can set up timers for your heating to turn on and off from your phone without being in the house, this can then be a recurring action.

Why is IoT important?

The development of IoT devices has helped the world become smarter and more efficient. As well as developing smart devices to help automate our homes, IoT gives organisations a real-time view of how their systems function, providing information on anything from machine performance to supply chain and logistical operations.

Companies may use IoT devices to automate operations and save money on manpower. It also reduces waste and enhances service delivery by lowering the cost of manufacturing and delivering items and providing transparency into consumer transactions.

As a result, the Internet of Things is one of the most substantial technologies in society today, and it will continue to be, as more organisations see the value of connected devices in maintaining their competitiveness.

What are the advantages of IoT?

• Automating tasks to increase the quality of a company's services while minimising the need for human involvement, saving money and time.
• Increases efficiency for the users by saving money and resources, for example, controlled heating and lighting to reduce bills.
• Improved security for smart homes, offering personal protection.
• Improved communication between linked electronic devices.
• Increased data access helps simplify decision-making and makes processes quicker. For example, when a printer tells you, you are out of ink.

What are the disadvantages of IoT?

• If the system has a flaw, every linked device will get corrupted.
• It is difficult for devices from various manufacturers to connect with each other since there is no universal standard for IoT interoperability.
• As the number of linked devices grows and more data is shared between them, the risk of a hacker stealing personal data increases as well.
• Basic human contact skills will be diminished across society as our lives grow increasingly dependent on technology.
• Surveillance cameras, robots, smart machines, and other devices are displacing humans who previously performed these jobs. This means people are in danger of losing their jobs, resulting in high unemployment rates. 

What jobs are there in IoT?

According to Statista, the total number of IoT-connected devices worldwide is projected to amount to 30.9 billion units by 2025, a sharp jump from the 13.8 billion units that are expected in 2021. This means the demand for highly skilled workers in IoT will only continue to grow. Some IoT jobs include:

Our home and working surroundings will become more saturated with smart products as the number of IoT devices continues to climb. There has never been a better time for engineers and skilled professionals to look into a career in IoT.