What Is the Internet of Things Actually Being Used for Today?

The Internet of Things might seem like a buzzword right now. Google Trends shows continual interest in the subject each year, and the marketplace is growing. With an estimated 26 billion devices projected to be connected by 2020, it is actually something that you need to take seriously. It is more than some hip term, and may actually be the way of the future. 

Seeing actual examples of Internet of Things devices in action can help shed light on what these devices actually do. 

Take for example, the use of the internet of things in medicine. In a hospital, devices are connected to pagers, computers and other devices so doctors and nurses can easily monitor the stats of a patient, regardless of where they are in the world. If there is an alert, such as a patient coding, healthcare professionals are alerted at once.

Major cities are even incorporating the internet of things into how they handle their parking. In city parking garages, the IoT helps drivers know how many free spaces are available on each level. These sensors help drivers to locate spaces easier and help the garage to determine when they are filled to capacity. This is incredibly useful when a major sporting event or concert is going on.

Cities are also using the Internet of Things to help them to better maintain roads. Sensors located on roadways monitor the normal flow of traffic at a given time. In areas where traffic is heavier than others, these devices transmit counts to a central system. The city then can plan maintenance for these areas and increase lanes, based on the statistics these devices transmit.

Another way the Internet of Things is being used today is in your car. Some car insurance companies now have devices you can plug into your vehicle. This device monitors the speed you are going, braking habits and even how loud your radio is. This information is sent over the internet to the provider. Based on the transmitted data, the provider determines if you are eligible for good driving discounts. Of course, this is a double-edged sword. Those who drive erratically may also face higher rates based on the transmissions from this device.

As you can see, the internet of things is becoming an important part of our world. Every year, new industries are rolling out new technologies that incorporate, or take advantage of IoT. Before long, our world will be universally connected and our devices will be far more powerful than they are today.

Posted in IoT Basics | Tagged connecting internet ready devices, machine to machine technologies