In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about the potential of artificial intelligence. Moreover, there has been talk of the Internet of Things. What exactly does that entail? This is your guide to AI and the Internet of Things.
What Is the Internet of Things?
Also known as IoT, is in reference to the literally billions of physical devices scattered around the world. These devices are all connected to the Internet, sharing and collecting data all the time. It is possible to turn nearly anything into a part of the IoT because of wireless networks and super-inexpensive computer chips.
These different objects are then able to connect and, with the addition of sensors, it gives them a level of intelligence to connect with devices that would otherwise be “dumb.” All of this means communicating in real time and exchanging information in the blink of an eye.
What Are Some Examples of IoT Devices?
When we say that just about any physical object can potentially be transformed into a device considered to be IoT, we mean anything. So long as it can connect to the Internet and communicate information, it can be considered.
Even a lightbulb can be an IoT device. There are smart bulbs that can connect to smartphone apps and smart home devices that are capable of transmitting usage information, efficiency, and more.
Some larger things can also be filled with smaller IoT devices. A jet engine may be filled with literally thousands of different sensors that both collect and transmit data back and forth to ensure it is working optimally.
When Did the IoT Start?
The idea of adding intelligence and sensors to even the most basic of objects goes back to the 1980s, though some believe it started earlier than that. The problem was that computer chips were simply too big to accommodate.
It took time to develop cost-effective and compact computer chips that could work in so many devices. With the growth of the Internet, it was a perfect storm for sharing information.