Simplified, the Internet of Things is a web of connections between sensors or machines (often incorporated in technology) that connects with the cloud to get data and "speak" to different objects to complete an action without the need of the user.
The range of IoT devices has begun to seep into our day to day lives - from wireless speakers, smart homes, and even smart cities. I am particularly interested in the idea of smart cities for the help with creating more accessibility for those in need. Accessibility technology company Aira which I had the opportunity to work for a few years ago has begun developing smart access for the blind and low vision in select cities and geolocations across the country. Their development of these smart access cities provide blind or low vision people with access to visual information when ever they need it. This unbelievable use of the IoT is life changing for many and it excites me for what else is on the horizon.
Through the use of the IoT, smart cities will include an infrastructure that will help decrease cost of electricity (turning off lights when no one is home, turning down the heat or air conditioning) or overall use of electricity. With the predicted 75 billion devices connected with the IoT by 2025, electric cars, smart roads, smart parking, artificial intelligence, security, environmental monitoring - the list goes on and on. Increased access to necessary (or emergency) resources, smart sensor networks, and opportunities to improve the environment and lives of many will be provided through smart cities and the IoT.
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