How well do you know the Internet of Things (IoT)?

Understanding the Internet of Things (IoT) and its Applications

• The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical objects, devices, vehicles, buildings, and other items that are embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity to collect and exchange data.
• IoT devices are also known as smart devices and require systems such as sensors, data processors, communication hardware, and a user interface to function.
• Each IoT device has a unique identifier or UID, which is like a fingerprint for the device.
• IoT devices gather input from sensors that detect and collect data about some type of input from the physical environment, such as light, sound, motion, and temperature.
• Communication hardware in the device transmits information to a central data hub using the internet, which processes the information it receives from the device.
• IoT devices need internet access to function, including devices such as refrigerators, which can be used to access websites.
• Smart devices have various applications, such as smartwatches and smart fitness trackers, which people can wear to track their health and fitness.
• IoT devices can also help people, like older adults or those with disabilities, live alone safely, with sensors that alert an ambulance if the person falls or GPS sensors that can alert family or the police if a person with Alzheimer’s disease has wandered away from home.
• Smart home technology is becoming very popular, with devices such as thermostats, lighting systems, washing machines, clothes dryers, ovens, vacuums, home cameras, and doorbells that allow you to automate tasks around the house.
• Devices can even be connected to each other, for example, lights could come on if someone rings the doorbell.
• Some IoT devices have much more complicated processing, such as computer vision, which trains computers how to identify what is in pictures or videos and is necessary for autonomous vehicles.
• IoT devices are transforming the way we live, work and interact with the world around us.