IoT is one of the many terms that are frequently used in connection with digitalization. So often that nobody really dares to ask what exactly the term stands for and what the IoT brings to everyday life.

We dare. So let's take a look at the definition first:

«The Internet of Things (IoT) is a collective term for technologies of a global information society infrastructure that enables physical and virtual objects to be networked with each other and to work together using information and communication technologies.

Functions implemented using 'Internet of Things' technologies allow interaction between people and any networked electronic systems, as well as between the systems themselves. They can also support people in their activities. The ever smaller embedded devices are designed to support people without being distracting or even noticeable. For example, miniaturized computers with various sensors are incorporated directly into items of clothing, so-called wearables. (...) The Internet of Things refers to the linking of clearly identifiable physical objects (things) with a virtual representation in an Internet-like structure. It no longer consists only of human participants, but also of things.»

All well and good. That sounds complex. But what can I really use this IoT for as a normal person? What CAN it do?

The following functions can be found on the Internet if you «google» the term:

If it is built into devices, IoT is able to:

• Record data: Sensors in the devices record information such as temperature, movement or location.
• Transfer data: The recorded data is sent to central systems or other devices via networks.
• Process data: The collected data is analyzed in order to identify patterns or make decisions.
• Carry out actions independently: Devices can carry out actions independently based on analyses.

And where is this already being used today?

IoT is already being used in various areas of daily life and in industry. This creates numerous new opportunities for increased efficiency, automation and personalized services.

Here are some application examples:

• At home:
  • In the smart home: Household appliances such as refrigerators or lighting systems are networked with each other, i.e. they can automatically adapt to the needs of the residents if these have been correctly defined.
  • Energy management: Many energy-consuming devices, such as lamps and household appliances, are already equipped with internet connectivity. This not only enables remote control by users, but also centralized management via cloud-based interfaces. Such systems help to optimize energy consumption and support the efficiency of energy production and distribution.

• At work: Industry 4.0: This term refers to machines in production plants that monitor their own condition and report maintenance requirements in good time. This efficiently minimizes downtimes.

• In the health care sector:  Portable devices are used that measure vital signs and can inform medical staff immediately in the event of abnormalities.

• Outdoors/on the road:
  • Infrastructure monitoring, e.g. in public transport or in the energy sector: IoT technologies enable the monitoring and control of urban and rural infrastructure such as bridges, railroad tracks and offshore wind farms. By continuously collecting data, changes in structural conditions can be detected, which increases safety and minimizes risks. In addition, maintenance and repair work can be planned and coordinated more efficiently, resulting in cost savings.
  • Environmental monitoring: IoT applications/devices in the field of environmental monitoring use sensors to collect data on air or water quality, atmospheric or soil conditions. This information can help to protect the environment, for example by monitoring wildlife movements or implementing early warning systems for natural disasters such as earthquakes or tsunamis.
  • Maritime applications: IoT devices are used to monitor environments and systems on boats and yachts. As many leisure boats are left unattended for long periods of time, such devices provide valuable early warnings of problems such as flooding, fire or deep discharge of batteries.

• In the agricultural sector: In agriculture, IoT technologies and devices are used to collect data on temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind speed, pest infestation and soil conditions. This data supports the automation of agricultural techniques, enables informed decisions to improve the quality and quantity of yields, minimizes risks and reduces the effort required to cultivate crops.

These are just a few examples of the various applications of the IoT. However, they clearly show the enormous potential of this technology to increase efficiency and safety in various areas.

Also interesting:

The term 'Internet of Things' goes back to Kevin Ashton, who first used it in 1999. However, this is not documented in writing. The Internet of Things became known through the activities of the 'Auto-ID Labs' (a global network of seven academic research laboratories: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the USA, University of Cambridge in the UK, University of St. Gallen/ETH Zurich in Switzerland, Fudan University in China, KAIST in South Korea and the University of Zurich in Switzerland). Gallen/ETH Zurich in Switzerland, Fudan University in China, KAIST in South Korea, Keio University in Japan, University of Adelaide in Australia, which focus on the development and research of technologies for automatic identification and data capture and contribute significantly to the further development of technologies that revolutionize global trade processes and enable new benefits for consumers).