Is There a Future for the Internet of Things?

In my last article, I discussed how technology innovation can transform society and the economy that drives it. However lately, I have found myself intrigued by the latest innovation buzzword, “Internet of Things.” The reason for my newest interest is not the media attention…it’s my new refrigerator.

Okay, okay. I know what you’re thinking: “As long as it keeps your food cold and dispenses cold water and ice on demand, what more could you want?”

My refrigerator runs on the Internet of Things

In addition to doing the tasks we normally expect, my refrigerator has a Wi-Fi supported LCD screen that features 8 apps: Memos, Photos, Epicurious, Calendar, WeatherBug, AP, Pandora, and Twitter. Some of the apps are specifically designed for the refrigerator, while others are apps we’ve come to know and love.

It’s amazingly convenient. I can now update my grocery list when I run out of an item. And instead of cluttering the appliance with photos, memos, and the magnets that hold them up, I can now store and call up any photo, memo, or saved date – organized neatly within that little 8-inch screen.

Okay, that’s cool…but is the Internet of Things useful?

After having a taste of the Internet of Things in my kitchen, I’m starting to wonder how it can transform everything we do – from our homes and offices to business operations. According to Gartner, Inc., the value of this technology does not lie in the device or Wi-Fi connectivity. But it’s the interconnectedness of aggregated data, data processing, and decision making that takes advantage of the data generated by the device – and the ability to remotely influence that device.

As data grows in the Internet, so does the possibility of being able to connect it to other people and aggregate it to make better decisions. And a number of smart technologists have figured out ways to do just that.

Check out how the Internet of Things is being applied today:

• The supply chain: The global supply chain is constantly growing and experiencing a large increase in connectivity. Where there used to be lapses in real-time information updates, shipping companies are now using wireless connectivity to remotely monitor their inbound and outbound assets. As a result, shippers can report on the location and route of a truck and the condition of its cargo – including humidity, temperature, and pressure. This added intelligence plays a critical role in ensuring regulatory compliance and the safety of our global food and pharmaceutical supply chains.


• Water utilities: A number of communities are improving water quality and wastewater management with thousands of tiny sensors that wirelessly report on everything, from water levels to the type of bacteria in the water and blocked water mains.


• Energy utilities: Smart meters are typically armed with wireless connectivity, transmitting energy-use data in real time to a utility’s headquarters. This information enables utilities to better manage their infrastructure with better demand-response strategies to help limit blackouts. And consumers have the information they need to decrease their usage and monthly bill. The wireless collection of energy data also frees up utility trucks for maintenance and emergency repairs, since there is no longer a need for dispatching personnel to read meters.


• Healthcare: At a recent conference, it was unveiled that doctors will be able to analyze data gathered from wearables. Soon, swallowable sensors in our medication will tell us how our bodies react. Sensor belts will track sleep movement and posture. And smart bandages will send electric currents to chronic pain spots.

These applications – while not as sexy as my new refrigerator – are leading the first wave of the Internet of Things. But this is only the start.

In my next three posts, I will explore how the Internet of Things will enable automation at home and the workplace, as well as the use of robotics for a variety of tasks. And it is this wave that will set the stage for the future of the Internet of Things.

via Business 2 Community http://www.business2community.com/tech-gadgets/future-internet-things-0600436?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=future-internet-things