Most devices in the world right now are IoT devices. That’s right, you read that correctly. At the time of writing this IoT devices outnumber non IoT devices. Why is the Internet of Things becoming so popular? What are all these devices used for? Read on to find out!
In the ever-evolving world of technology, the Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a game-changer. With an estimated 30.9 billion IoT devices projected to be in use worldwide by 2025, it’s clear that we’re living in an age where IoT devices outnumber non-IoT devices. This proliferation isn’t just limited to our homes and offices. It’s also transforming the way we travel, with a growing number of IoT devices being integrated into vehicles like ships, airplanes, cars, and trains.
What is the Internet of Things?
Let’s back up a bit first. For those of you wondering what is behind the acronym IoT this information might shed some light.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a concept that refers to the interconnection of everyday objects via the internet, enabling them to send and receive data. This revolutionary idea transforms ordinary items into “smart” devices, capable of communicating with each other and with us, thereby creating a network of physical objects embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and connectivity.
The term “Internet of Things” was coined by British technology pioneer Kevin Ashton in 1999. At the time, Ashton was working on radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology at Procter & Gamble, and he used the term to describe a system where the internet is connected to the physical world through ubiquitous sensors. Since then, the concept of IoT has evolved significantly. It has expanded beyond RFID and now encompasses a wide range of technologies, including wireless sensor networks, QR codes, and electronic product codes. Today, IoT is a critical component of our daily lives, influencing sectors as diverse as healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and home automation. It has truly ushered in a new era of connectivity, transforming the way we live and work.
IoT Devices in Motion
In the realm of transportation, IoT devices are making a significant impact. For instance, temperature gauges in vehicles can monitor and regulate the internal environment, ensuring optimal conditions for passengers or cargo. Inertia sensors, on the other hand, can detect changes in motion or orientation, providing valuable data for improving safety and performance.
These are just a few examples of how IoT is revolutionizing the transportation industry. From infotainment systems to predictive analytics, IoT devices are enhancing the way we travel, making journeys safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable.
Need for IoT Device Management Platforms
With the surge in IoT devices, there’s a growing need for efficient management platforms. These platforms should be capable of handling the entire lifecycle of an IoT device, from deployment to decommissioning. They should also be able to manage and monitor device operations, ensuring optimal performance and security.
Most IoT device communications involve small packets of data, often transmitted through protocols specialized for low power and low computing devices. One such protocol is the Lightweight Machine to Machine (LWM2M) protocol, which is designed for efficient communication and remote management of IoT devices.
A shining example of a successful platform based on this protocol is the Coiote IoT Device Management Platform by AVSystem, a European company. This platform simplifies IoT device control and management across various radio communication technologies and integrates easily with cloud services. It’s designed to scale with the number of devices, making it an ideal solution for businesses at any stage of their IoT journey.
The Future of IoT
Looking ahead, it’s likely that most new homes and vehicles in the developed world will come with IoT devices built in. This means that proper management, servicing, and security of these devices will become increasingly important.
In fact, the IoT device management market is expected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34.9%, reaching a value of US$ 39.7 billion by 2032. This indicates a huge new industry on the horizon, with the potential to become as omnipresent as telecom companies or internet providers.
It’s the present, the future, the here-and-now reality of the ever accelerating era of information exchange. IoT is simply the latest peg in that ladder to total human connectivity. And as the world becomes increasingly connected, the need for efficient and secure IoT device management platforms will continue to grow. These platforms will play a crucial role in harnessing the full potential of IoT, paving the way for a future where everything is interconnected and smart.
