Internet, one of the most important inventions of this century is a whole world in itself. Nowadays, life without the internet is hard to imagine. Our increased dependency on the internet can’t be denied by anyone. But the internet of things should not be confused with the internet. Though the name is quite similar, the Internet of things is much more than just web surfing and social sites. Before explaining IoT, let’s do a little present-day world analysis. It is feared that in the future, due to the increased population, resources like food and water, energy may fall short. Along with that, it is expected that the traffic problems will rise, crime will rise, pollution will increase, and the disease outbreak and health problems are also likely to increase. All these combined are going to impact the quality of human life in a severe manner.
These problems require careful and innovative solutions. IoT, with its innovative technology, is presumed to transform our society. It is already benefiting us in many ways as IoT can
- Connect everyday objects to the internet
- Assist in reducing air pollution
- Improve agriculture
- Improve food supply
- Detect and contain the spread of the virus
Along with that, smart lighting, smart parking, warning systems, etc. are some other amazing ways IoT has made our lives modern and technologically advanced. Some of the future impacts expected from the IoT are discussed below.
Smart Cities and Robotics
With increased urbanization in the past few years, more than half of the total population lives in cities. These populous cities then play a major role in climate change as the demand for different products increases. The carbon emitted from transportation, smoke released from factories and industries, and different toxic oxides released from the different machines adds to the pollution that’s spreading really fast. This also gives rise to severe world events and weather imbalances. Ideas are being worked upon to improve the situation.
Air Monitoring:
IoT helps in collecting data related to air quality, pollution, and climate.
Traffic Control:
IoT also assists in collecting traffic-related data and installing safe traffic lights and controlling traffic with a fast and convenient transportation system. Furthermore, smart parking meters, digital bus routes, automated traffic lights have drastically reduced fuel and energy consumption.
Smart Houses:
In intelligent housing, the buildings are equipped with the IoT technology which aims at making human life as convenient as possible. IoT in smart houses help in
- Automated temperature sensors that adjust the heating system according to the external temperature.
- Automated lighting adjustments in a room.
- Alarm clocks can be synced with the standard time of the area.
- Appliances can be connected online on a single platform.
Automation Across Streets and Parks:
Various cities have automated the street lights thus saving energy. Moreover, with smart water technology, a remote-controlled irrigation system can be installed for parks and fountains. IoT can also enable governments to establish city-wide wifi for the citizens.
Robots:
We have already witnessed how robots are assisting humans in various factory works. Kitting, labeling, assembling and sorting, everything can be done in a quicker and efficient manner by robots. But their role in the future will not be confined inside the walls of the factory. People will soon see the practical shape of the idea behind the Doraemon cartoons. We are already seeing some restaurants using robots serving food, in some fields playing games, etc. It is expected that with further advancement in technology, we’ll start seeing them in houses, streets, and workplaces. They will be assisting humans in their daily life chores and help them with other tasks too.
Smart Agriculture
As discussed earlier, the population rise in the world is going to lead us to a number of problems. Along with pollution, the gap between demand and availability of resources will be one of the biggest problems. Farmers are looking for ways to make the agriculture process technologically advanced for better yield and less consumption of resources.
Smart Use of Fertilizer
Many big agricultural companies are using IoT to reduce the consumption of water and fertilizer, almost 40% reduction in water usage has been made possible without cutting yield. IoT is assisting the farmers to cut the quantity of waste, improve the quality of the products and increase its quantity.
Tracking and Monitoring:
IoT can also assist farmers to track microclimates across the irrigation land. Along with that, IoT can also check and monitor temperature changes, the humidity levels. This helps save the perishable goods and extend their span.
Drone imagery
and Soil Sensors:
Drones and soil sensors are assisting the farmers in identifying the right time and in taking decisions to choose the best time to carry out various irrigation actions. It also helps them to measure real-time soil and temperature conditions with precision. All these things help the farmers to avoid droughts or soil salination and save the crops.
Drones, Trains, and Transport
Transport is the major user of fuel and energy and one of the main contributors to air pollution. Truck, cars, and other vehicles release toxic gases that are not only harmful to humans but the other living beings as well. The daily commute amid congested traffic becomes a nightmare and adds to pollution too. But with IoT, many problems can be solved.
Smart Cars:
The IoT will enable cars to open themselves with sensors on our mobile phones. Moreover, the software with GPS technology can take your car via the most suitable route i.e. with the least traffic and shortest distance.
Autonomous Vehicles:
Tesla cars are already trending among people. More ways are being explored to further improve this technology. Driverless vehicles are expected to take over the daily commute soon.
Along with that freight forwarder and logistics, managers are looking forward to integrating IoT in the transportation of the goods from one place to another. M2M learning would enable the trucks to analyze and predict the traffic and also reroute if necessary. It will also make them communicate with other automated machines and guide them too. This, in turn, would save a lot of fuel and reduce pollution.
Smart Hospital & Connecting Patients
The most important role played by the IoT is definitely the innovations in the health sector. Some ways in which IoT is helping are :
Wearable Technology:
This technology assists the doctors to access the patient’s data in a quicker and efficient manner. Wearables like wristbands can help monitor vital signs and record:
- Blood pressure
- Blood sugar level
- Allergic reactions
- Seizures
- Sleeping patterns
- Nutritional balance
The data is collected and shared on IoT and many health mishaps can be avoided. The technology can also tell if the patient is taking the medicines regularly or not.
Accidents:
IoT can inform if there has been an accident or bad weather thus informing people about the potential risks. The ambulances can be dispatched from the hospitals in time and lives can be saved.
Cancer Screening:
One of the major breakthroughs is the screening of the most common types of cancers. Temperature sensors can help detect any sort of abnormality in the tissues and predictive analysis is made to detect the stage at affordable prices.
