Emerging Technologies
Internet of Things (IoT)
Definition
The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the network of physical objects—"things"—that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the Internet.
Why It Matters
IoT is transforming the world by connecting the physical and digital realms. It enables smart homes, smart cities, connected cars, and predictive maintenance in factories, leading to greater efficiency, convenience, and data-driven insights.
Contextual Example
A smart thermostat in your home is an IoT device. It connects to the internet to download weather data and allows you to control the temperature from your smartphone, even when you are not home.
Common Misunderstandings
- Security is a major concern for IoT, as many devices are not designed with strong security measures, making them vulnerable to hacking.
- The massive amount of data generated by IoT devices is a key driver for cloud computing and edge computing.