Although a recent study found that over 87-percent of Americans do not fully know what the Internet of Things is, it is already a large part everyday life for most people. Autonomous communication between machines seems to be something that only exists in the movies and science fiction to some, but we are closer to this being the norm than you may think.
From the Amazon Echo and iPhone to your home smart TV and Wi-Fi router, many people experience some form of a relationship with the connected world on a daily basis. Some assume that these interactions and connections are still initiated and managed by humans, but this is not the case anymore. These daily interactions are actually handled by the technology and Internet of Things.
While the term “Internet of Things” still instills a bit of fear when used arbitrarily in conversation, it is fair to say that you and your business probably already rely or use IoT devices on a daily basis. Here are just a few ways that the Internet of Things is already having a lasting impact on everyday life for most people:
• Health – Interestingly enough, wearable technology has gone from seemingly excessive smart watches to devices that can actively monitor and assess health levels at all times. Wearable technology is currently being developed that can monitor and record health concerns in the Internet of Things. These issues, such as allergic reactions, heart issues, blood pressure, and seizures, can be detected and alert the wearer of impending problems via their smartphone. With universally accessible medical records in the IoT, patients, healthcare facilities, and doctors can all work together to coordinate patient care options in real-time as well. Experts even estimate that items such as smartwatches will one day become semi or permanent tattoos.
• Convenience – Internet of Things devices are also already being used to make everyday life easier and better. With smartphones, smart appliances, and smart home devices, everything is connected, simplified, and more automated. In addition to helping around the house, these devices are also being used by cities to make urban life more convenient and attractive with new safety features, better transportation systems, and energy-efficient buildings.
• Safety – Sensors that are connected Internet of Things are now being integrated into materials that are used in construction to provide real-time data to the IoT. With the ability to literally mix these devices into mediums such as concrete, safety factors such as pressure, internal material temperature, vibration, and rebar movement can all be assessed and recorded in real-time. This essentially means that structures are able to monitor themselves and report potential problems to engineers or workers before they become potentially life-threatening. These sensors can also be used in many other safety settings, such as reporting road conditions and assessing water and air conditions.
• Business – The Internet of Things has and will continue to revolutionize the way that we approach modern business. IoT devices allow for simpler data collection, sharing, and analysis for a more streamlined day-to-day functioning for businesses as well as improved productivity and efficiency. Remote work is also made simpler by this technology as it allows for access from literally anywhere.
It is safe to say that the Internet of Things is only going to get more ingrained in everyday life from this point on. So, how are you going to prepare yourself and your business to handle these changes?
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