IoT in 2021 – what products we can call smart devices today?
In our daily life is increasingly present more and more so-called "household appliances". smart devices. As the demand for this type of equipment is constantly growing, manufacturers of appliances for various purposes are increasingly willing to include smart products in their offers and work on their development. From this article, you will learn what the Internet of Things really is and what features products should have today so that we can call them smart devices.
What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
In a free translation of Internet of Things we can understand as Internet of Things. This is the term used to refer to the widely understood network of smart devices (smart appliances) that are connected to the Internet. Among smart devices, we can list a wide variety of equipment, such as m.in.:
– household appliances (washing machines, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, etc.).);
– RTV devices (TVs, speakers, etc.);
– Security systems (monitoring, alarms, video intercoms, etc.) are also very important.);
– thermostats;
– lighting.
The networking of all devices makes it possible to create a so-called "smart device". smart home (smart home), which we can manage with a smartphone, tablet or voice assistant. Smart home owners can remotely turn on or off selected devices or create settings to automatically control equipment.
Today, the IoT market is increasingly daring to go beyond home smart devices. Autonomous cars are starting to drive on the roads, and physically active people may reach for smart shoes or clothing.
What devices can we call smart today?
The words "smart" and "intelligent" are definitely overused today by marketing professionals and applied to ordinary devices that are nevertheless characterized by some innovation. Therefore, it is difficult to consider "smart toothbrushes" or "smart plasticine" as real smart devices. So how to distinguish between ordinary appliances and smart devices?
Key to understanding the difference is the definition, which comes from the publication: "What is a smart device? – a conceptualization within the paradigm of the internet of things":
„A smart device is a context-aware electronic device capable of performing autonomous computation and connecting with other devices wired or wirelessly to exchange data” (transl. own).
Based on the above definition, we can therefore cite three key features of smart devices, which are:
– context awareness,
– autonomous data processing,
– the possibility of wired or wireless connectivity.
For this definition, we can talk about full compliance with the idea of IoT. This is because it assumes that any object can be an element of the Internet of things, provided that it is characterized by the listed features.
An integrated network of smart devices
Smart devices must give the ability to connect them into an integrated network, which can significantly improve the comfort of life. Operating lighting, heating and selected electronic equipment via a mobile device is primarily associated with convenience and time savings, but also results in lower electricity consumption.
Context awareness
This differentiator of smart devices means that they are able to adapt to changing conditions and take actions appropriate to those conditions and the situation at hand. This should include options for self-configuration and communication with other smart devices to take appropriate action.
Responding in real time
Smart device systems are able to perform several actions simultaneously to respond appropriately to a changing situation, e.g. In the room or on the road. That's why smart appliances are equipped with all sorts of sensors to make the appropriate response, e.g. Turning on lights or alarms when smart alarm systems detect movement, turning on heating when the temperature is recorded below a minimum specified value or, finally, braking an autonomous car when it recognizes an obstacle in the road.
How to manage smart devices?
IoT platforms are required to control smart devices. With their help, you can connect to, monitor and control the equipment and resources that make up the Internet of Things. An example of an IoT platform is Cloud IoT Core from Google.
What the IoT sector looks like in 2021 and what it will look like in the future?
Statista service predicts that in 2025 the number of Internet of Things-connected devices will be 38.6 billion. Meanwhile, by 2030, the number is expected to reach 50 billion, creating a massive network of a wide range of devices across the globe with different purposes – from smartphones and tablets to kitchen appliances.
As McKinsey predicts, the Internet of Things market will play a very important role in building the global economy. As early as 2025, the IoT market is expected to be worth between $4 billion and $11 billion. This is good news for many companies as well, which can add value in this way, reducing operating costs and creating new revenue streams by offering advanced and functional IoT solutions to residential and business customers.
Everyday products are becoming smart devices
Manufacturers of devices used on a daily basis, whether by individual users or businesses, are now meeting market expectations and trying to keep up with prevailing trends by transforming their existing equipment into smart devices. Transformation into a smart product is made easier by working with a technology partner. Solwit helps device manufacturers not only write specialized software, but also advises on the components and controls to be installed. Such comprehensive assistance allows not only remote control of products, but also allows the collection of data, necessary for conducting detailed business analytics.
The Internet of Things sector is growing rapidly. Creating business development opportunities not only for smart device manufacturers, but also for everyone else who wants to grow in the IoT industry.