Remember when we were children and the idea of talking to our house, controlling things with a remote control, or making us say what we are missing, you looked like something about a science fiction film ? Well, this future is there, and this is called the Internet of Things (IoT).
The IoT is already everywhere, and it grows quickly. According to Statita, there were around 18 billion IoT connections worldwide in 2024, and the number should increase to 32.1 billion by 2030. IoT expenses are expected to reach $ 800 billion in 2025.
So what exactly is IoT? In simple terms, it connects daily devices to the Internet so that they can communicate between us and with us. Think of the smart thermostats that adjust the temperature before even getting home, security cameras that send live flows on your phone and clothes that follow your fitness and health statistics in real time.
If it’s “intelligent”, it’s probably an IoT device.
An IoT system relies on four essential components to operate. The sensors are first of all the sensors, which serve the eyes and ears of the device by bringing together environment data. A security camera detects movement, an intelligent thermostat detects temperature changes and an intelligent watch follows your heart rate. Once the data has been collected, it needs a way to travel. This is where connectivity comes into play, allowing IOT devices to transmit information via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cellular networks. For example, your smart doorbell sends an instant notification to your phone when someone rings it.
The next step is data processing. Some devices manage this locally, while others send the cloud information for analysis. AI can also help make decisions in real time depending on the data, such as a safety system automatically recognizes the difference between a human animal and a wandering animal. Finally, the user interface allows you to interact with the device. This can be done via a smartphone application, a website or a voice assistant, allowing you to monitor, control and personalize your IoT system according to your needs.
IoT does not only transform houses; He is also reshaping the industries. In health care, portable devices follow the vital signs of patients and alert doctors to potential problems before degenerating. In manufacturing, the sensors predict when the machines need maintenance, preventing expensive breakdowns. Transport is also more intelligent, connected vehicles optimizing the tracks, improving energy efficiency and securing shipments.
While everything becomes more connected, the IoT quietly transforms our lives. This may not attract as much attention as AI, but behind the scenes, it has a significant impact.