NTC: Explanation of IoT (Internet of Things)

NTC: Explanation of IoT (Internet of Things)

[The mission of NTC - Non-Tech Coach is to explain technology topics in everyday terms for a non-technical audience.]

The Internet of Things (IoT) is all about connecting everyday devices to the internet, making life easier and businesses smarter. From smart fridges to automated factories, IoT is changing the way we do just about everything. This post explores the many applications of IoT, from business to consumer, and where to invest wisely.


Definition of IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a fancy term for a simple idea: getting your stuff to talk to each other through the internet. Think of your thermostat, your car, and even your coffee maker, all connected and working together. The concept has been around for a while, but it really took off when Wi-Fi became more accessible and devices became smarter. It all started back in the '80s with some creative engineers who connected a Coke machine to the internet to check if it was stocked—because who wants to walk all the way to the machine to find out it’s empty?


Application of IoT in Business

In the business world, IoT is like a superpower for efficiency and innovation. Factories use it to keep machines running smoothly by predicting when they might break down. Retail stores use IoT to manage inventory and make shopping more personalized. Even hospitals are getting in on the action, using connected devices to monitor patients’ health from afar. Big tech companies like IBM, Cisco, and Microsoft are leading the charge with IoT solutions, but plenty of smaller companies are also creating clever, specialized gadgets for everything from farming to smart homes.


The world is super connected thanks to IoT


Benefits of IoT

What’s the big deal about IoT? For businesses that leverage any type of equipment, it means saving money by automating tasks and using data to make better decisions. Imagine knowing exactly when a machine is about to break down and fixing it before it does—that’s the power of IoT. It also opens up new ways to wow customers with personalized services and products. For the rest of us, IoT makes life a little more convenient. Whether it’s a fridge that reminds you to buy milk or a fitness tracker that helps you stay in shape, IoT is all about making daily life easier and more connected.


Three Interesting Facts

  1. Connected Devices Outnumber People. There are now more connected IoT devices in the world than there are people. According to estimates, the number of IoT devices surpassed the global population back in 2017, and this number continues to grow exponentially.
  2. The First IoT Device Was a Toaster. The very first IoT device is believed to be a modified toaster that could be controlled over the internet. This happened in 1990 when a group of tech enthusiasts connected a toaster to the internet to remotely turn it on and off.
  3. Wearable IoT. IoT has made its way into fashion with "wearable technology." Smart clothing, fitness trackers, and even smart shoes are all examples of IoT in the fashion industry. Some smart shoes can track your steps, monitor your posture, and even adjust their fit based on your activity level.


The Future of IoT

The future of IoT looks bright and super connected. With faster internet speeds thanks to 5G, we’ll see even more IoT gadgets and smarter cities, where everything from traffic lights to garbage cans are connected and optimized. And when you mix IoT with artificial intelligence (AI), things get really interesting—think self-driving cars that learn from their experiences or homes that know exactly how warm you like it. In the years ahead, IoT will keep getting smarter, helping us live in a world where everything works just a little bit better together.


So What's In It For Me? ?

Well that depends on your perspective. Let's consider two, plus thoughts on investment opportunities:

  1. For Business Professionals. If your business leverages equipment to create, transport, operate or monitor, IoT should be fundamental to your business models. Manufacturing, retail, healthcare, agriculture, energy, supply chain, transportation, insurance, and smart home tech all leverage IoT devices and algorithms to monitor, analyze, predict and optimize performance. It can't hurt to learn more, and layer in predictive AI to help to optimize future plans.
  2. For Everyday Consumers. Well let's be honest—if you're not into tech or don’t see the need for a fridge that can order your groceries, IoT might feel like just another gadget. ?But it is all around you, whether it's smart home devices like Alexa making your life more convenient or wearable tech like your Apple watch helping you stay healthy. IoT can make a real difference to the quality of your life, so I would say it is worth researching some more.?
  3. Investment Opportunities: For those thinking beyond business or daily life, IoT also presents potential investment opportunities. As businesses continue to further integrate IoT into their operations, the market for these technologies is expanding. Investing in IoT-related companies, whether they're giants like Cisco or innovative startups, could potentially yield high returns as the demand for connected devices and smart solutions increases. Consider tech companies like Honeywell, Semtech, Qualcomm and Schneider Electric, and research market segments such as Industrial IoT, Smart Cities, IoT Processors and IoT Connectivity.


In conclusion, whether you're looking to improve your business, simplify your life, or explore new investment avenues, IoT has something to offer. It might not revolutionize everyone's daily routine just yet, but it's definitely a trend worth keeping an eye on as it continues to shape our connected world.?


Recommended Resources to Learn More

Blogs/Websites

YouTube Channels

Podcasts

Online Courses


Thanks for your time today!

Andy Mac, Non-Tech Coach



Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this website are my own and are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute professional advice or endorsements. While I strive for accuracy, I make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information. Readers should seek professional guidance before making any decisions based on this content. I am not responsible for any actions taken based on this information.?


Osarobo Aiguobarueghian

Results-Focused Digital Marketer | Social Media Expert | Maximizing ROI with Targeted Ads | I help businesses build visibility, engage audiences, and drive results through data-driven strategies.

3 个月

The Internet of Things (IoT) is truly transforming industries and our daily lives! From smarter cities to predictive AI integration, the possibilities are endless. Businesses leveraging IoT for optimization and consumers adopting connected devices for convenience both stand to benefit immensely. Plus, the investment potential in IoT technologies like Industrial IoT or Smart Cities is huge as the demand continues to grow. I came across GAO RFID Inc. or gaorfid.com — you might find it pretty useful for this topic!

回复

要查看或添加评论,请登录

Andy McCartney的更多文章

  • NTC: Understanding Quantum Computing - Really?

    NTC: Understanding Quantum Computing - Really?

    Do I need to understand quantum computing? The short answer is not really, unless you are curious about emerging tech…

    2 条评论
  • Understanding USAID + Trump's Decision

    Understanding USAID + Trump's Decision

    In our world of misinformation, some would argue propaganda, it is easy to form an opinion after reading a headline or…

    2 条评论
  • The Economic Landscape Trump Is Inheriting

    The Economic Landscape Trump Is Inheriting

    As Donald Trump assumes office today, let's present some factual data on the state of the economy he is inheriting. In…

  • Trump, Musk, AI Agents ... What Next?

    Trump, Musk, AI Agents ... What Next?

    It has been an interesting couple of months in the US, and the next 4 years will no doubt be a rollercoaster ride of…

  • Understanding Trump, Data, and Technology

    Understanding Trump, Data, and Technology

    Donald Trump’s approach to data and technology reveals a complex relationship shaped by a preference for impactful…

  • Are AI Agents Coming For Your Job? (Part 1)

    Are AI Agents Coming For Your Job? (Part 1)

    [Non-Tech Coach is a channel dedicated to explaining technical topics and stories to a non-tech audience] Every…

  • Video: Tech Layoffs and the AI Road Ahead

    Video: Tech Layoffs and the AI Road Ahead

    A couple of weeks ago I posted an article that analyzed the stats and the impact of tech layoffs over the last 2-3…

    1 条评论
  • NTC: Understanding Elon Musk

    NTC: Understanding Elon Musk

    [Non-Tech Coach - NTC is a channel that tells tech stories to a non-technical audience] To understand the enigma that…

    7 条评论
  • 2024 Tech Layoffs: Causes, Impact, and the Road Ahead

    2024 Tech Layoffs: Causes, Impact, and the Road Ahead

    The technology sector, once seen as untouchable, has witnessed an unprecedented wave of layoffs in 2024. Major tech…

    1 条评论
  • NTC: Introduction to Tech Company NVIDIA

    NTC: Introduction to Tech Company NVIDIA

    [The mission of NTC - NonTech Coach is to explain technology topics in everyday terms for a non-technical audience.]…

    5 条评论

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了