IoT(Internet of Things devices) are physical objects that are equipped with sensors, actuators, software and network technologies. They collect data from their environment, transmit it to platforms or cloud systems via wireless technologies and thus enable intelligent automation.
Whether as intelligent thermostats in the smart home, GPS trackers in logistics or sensors in Industry 4.0 - IoT form the basis for the Internet of Things and connect the physical with the digital world.
How do IoT work?
An IoT goes through several process steps:
- Data acquisition: Sensors record physical variables such as temperature, movement, humidity, position or energy consumption.
- Processing: Built-in microcontrollers analyze initial data and forward it.
- Data transmission: Transmission standards such as WLAN, mobile communications (LTE, IoT, 5G), LoRaWAN or Bluetooth send the data to central platforms.
- Data analysis: Data is collected on an IoT or in the cloud, visualized and often evaluated with the help of AI.
- Action: Based on the analyses, actuators or applications can react automatically, e.g. alarm messages, control commands or process optimizations.
Types of IoT
- Sensors: Temperature, humidity, vibration or GPS sensors.
- Actuators: Devices that execute commands (e.g. open valves, start motors).
- Wearables: smartwatches, fitness trackers or medical devices.
- Smart appliances: Intelligent household appliances such as washing machines or refrigerators.
- Industrial devices: machines with condition monitoring, predictive maintenance sensors.
Advantages of IoT
- Transparency: Data from processes and environments can be called up at any time.
- Increased efficiency: Optimization of operating processes through automation.
- Safety: Quick detection of faults or hazards.
- Sustainability: energy and resource saving potential through intelligent control.
- Scalability: From individual devices to billions of networked units worldwide.
Use cases
- Smart Home: Intelligent control of lighting, heating and security systems.
- Logistics: real-time tracking of containers, vehicles and pallets.
- Industry 4.0: Predictive maintenance, machine monitoring and process automation.
- Healthcare: Wearables for vital data monitoring or IoT in telemedicine.
- Energy & environment: Smart meters, weather stations and air quality sensors.
Future prospects
With the increasing spread of 5G, edge computing and artificial intelligence, IoT are becoming even more powerful. In future, they will not only collect data, but also perform local analyses and make autonomous decisions before information even reaches the cloud.
Summary
IoT are the foundation of the Internet of Things. They collect data, connect systems and enable intelligent applications in almost all areas of life and the economy. From the smart home to Industry 4.0, they are driving the digital transformation and opening up new opportunities for efficiency, safety and sustainability.
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