IoT (Internet of Things) is a term that is coming up as one of the strongest market trends of recent times. Some say it’s the future, others say it’s already here. But when you hear these acronyms in a conference, do you really know what they mean?
The Internet of things has 3 basic components:
Sounds simple, but these are the 3 essential components of the IoT world, value is achieved by closing the distance between the physical and digital worlds, in systems that are automatically strengthened and improved.
Being able to connect anything gives vent to the imagination and yes, unfortunately, also to many projects that have no apparent meaning or utility, which are harmless if you are in college, but bleeding if you mounted a start-up of smart shutters which indicate the luminosity level outside (original but does not cover any need).
But do not worry, here at SlashMobility we give you the key data to assemble an IoT project with meaning and usefulness through the following question:
If I could know the state of anything in the world and could reason from the data: which problems could it solve?
In the answer is where the egg of the golden hen is found; It is essential to be able to extract value from connected devices. Does it solve any need? Is it profitable?
To help you avoid the annoyances that bad ideas in IoT bring, take note of this set of principles that will help you advance in the right direction:
- Intelligent and adaptable: When IoT devices learn and adapt to the needs of users, they provide an experience that can avoid the need for a user interface. Services that aggregate data from multiple sources and make logical decisions provide a transparent service to the end user. An ideal example for this principle is Google’s Nest Smart thermostat, which adjusts the temperature of your home according to your routine.
- Designed for humans: While all data and algorithms may seem abstract, designing products and experiences should always have a human layer. One example is the SPark project (Smartphone / Smartwatch System for Parkinson Patients), which through wearables measures the intensity of the tremors, allowing doctors to regulate medication doses without the need for seeing the patient. (video)
- Reliable and safe: As long as we have more interactions with the internet, the security and authentication of IoT products and services are paramount. The use of encrypted protocols, data protection collected and identity management are a must. A perfect example is AWS IoT by Amazon that offers a secure and reliable platform for your IoT projects.
- Invent and innovate: the essence of IoT lies in providing opportunities to invent new categories of products and services that improve the quality of life. For a product to excel in its category, it must add value to its purpose. An example is Flood Beacon a device that measures in real time the level of water and sends alert on risk of floods.
The beauty of IoT is that it is not tied to a single type of communication technology. According to the needs of the project (for example, does it have to be energetically independent or reach long distances?) Protocols and ways of communicating with the world and reaching the cloud are diverse.
The most common technologies for connectivity are:
- IEEE 802.15.4, used for Personal Area Wireless Sensor Networks (WPAN) with low data transmission rates, is a standard that completes the Zigbee specification allowing the communication of low cost and speed devices. It emphasizes the low cost of communication with nearby nodes and without infrastructure or with very little, to further favor the low battery consumption.
- LoRa: is a low power specification for wireless devices operating at the regional, national or global level. It could be said that it is the same as 802.15.4 but on a large scale and it is a protocol that is taking a lot of force these days.
- Bluetooth and NFC: short-range wireless technologies for personal use (PAN) networks. One of the uses with more route are the Beacons in the case of Bluetooth BLE and control of inventory with NFC.
- Wifi and GSM: old acquaintances who live in our cell phones, although both consume enough battery, allow Internet connectivity. GSM is very useful for projects where the devices are in constant mobility, such as a chain cold meter of foods that go in a truck.
Esto es todo por ahora amigos, desde SlashMobility te hemos dado las herramientas clave para comenzar un proyecto IoT de valor, el resto está en tus manos. Si tienes alguna duda, anímate a ponerte en contacto con nosotros.
That’s all for now friends, from SlashMobility we have given you the key tools to start a value IoT project, the rest is in your hands. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Our Slashboy Alvaro Saburio, Tech Leader Cross, is the author of this post.
