Internet of Things (IoT) – a market worth millions

IoT is a technology which will revolutionize the world. There is no doubt that it will affect all branches of industry. According to estimates, in 2020 there will be between 25 and 50 billion devices connected to the network. It was estimated in 2018 that the IoT market only in Poland was worth 800 million, and in the world in 2020 it would be worth USD 1.5 billion. So you can already see how many benefits the Internet of Things can give us. But let’s start from the beginning.

What is Internet of Things (IoT)?

Internet of Things is a concept based on the idea of communication between devices – M2M (machine to machine). So it means that there is a possibility of information exchange, processing and data collection by devices, using a computer network or electrical installation, without human interference. Moreover there is no limit to the number of devices connected to the network. But it is important to combine them to make them recognizable to each other.

What is interesting, the term was used for the first time in 1999 by Kevin Ashton the creator and technology pioneer. By that word he defined the network of interconnected objects.

To define this idea, the term Internet of Everything (IoE) is also used. IoE is about a network of people, data, processes and things connected to the Internet.

How IoT technology works?

The Internet of Things, as its name suggests, requires an Internet connection in order to be able to provide data from sensors. Connectivity is provided by a network of wires or wireless technologies, such as:

Mobile network 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
ZigBee
Z-Wave
6LoWPAN (IPv6 over Low Power Wireless Personal Area Networks).

Therefore, no matter what device you want to target, it is only important to have access to the network or have a sensor installed in it, to make possible to send information. The process can be carried out automatically or by the control unit used by the user. A phone, tablet, computer or even a smartwatch can be such a device. As a result in that way, IoT creates a network of connected vessels, which we can control in any way.

Internet of Things – security and data protection

However, security and data protection is a priority for the development of the Internet of Things. In today’s world generating and sending so much information involves many dangers, but also a huge responsibility. Therefore, at the moment this is the most important challenge for IoT. Certainly it is already known that this technology cannot cope without the development of others, such as artificial intelligence or blockchain.

What is the purpose of developing the IoT?

The most important purpose of IoT is primarily to create intelligent spaces. This applies to cities, buildings, energy systems, medicine, transport or various industries, as well as our homes and everyday activities. It also significantly affects the monitoring of the environment and threats.

IoT, thanks to the widespread access to the Internet, a significant reduction in the costs of technology and the equipment itself, is becoming more and more popular. What’s more, the number of such devices is getting bigger.

Dependence between IoT and Industry 4.0

Speaking of IoT, we cannot fail to mention Industry 4.0. Because the Internet of Things has actually begun the fourth industrial revolution and plays a huge role in its development.

At the core of Industry 4.0 are new technologies, automation, data exchange, a combination of systems and intelligent machines that communicate with users.

Industry 4.0 is based on the previously mentioned IoT, CPS (cyber-physical systems), Big Data, cloud computing and augmented reality.
Above all IoT gives many benefits and greatly affects production management, cost reduction, efficiency improvement and quality improvement. It is not surprising, therefore, that the use of devices in IoT technology is becoming so popular.

The most popular Internet of Things devices and applications

There are more and more devices in IoT technology, not only in industry but also around you. Already probably your smartphone has a lighting sensor, accelerometer, magnetometer, proximity sensor, gyroscope, a temperature sensor or GPS. So these various applications allow you to check your progress in running, control your devices at home. Thanks to Bluetooth you can also connect your car with your phone or transfer data to another device. Sensors are installed in heart rate monitoring patches, watches and contact lenses.

Internet of Things (IoT) – how does it affect our lives?

The development of this idea has a real effect on our lives. Most importantly it translates into finding new solutions thanks to which we can save energy, improve the quality of life and save money.

Smart Home

Smart Home is an idea, which although it is just starting to conquer the world, it has enormous potential. Probably you already use automatic thermostats, and being out of the house you can adjust the light in your apartment, the temperature in the rooms or even remotely switch on the washing machine.

Smart City

Moreover the cloud computing you can not only remotely control the devices, but more importantly integrate them and automate their operation. Such solutions have been functioning on Polish streets for many years. For example, light regulating sensors that, depending on traffic, are able to adjust the frequency of changes so as to optimize traffic on individual streets or even in whole districts.

The number of devices permanently connected to the network is constantly growing. Recently in Poland, Orange (mobile network operator) has issued an electronic SIM card – eSim. That’s why, even in small devices, you can directly connect to the Internet.

Therefore, thanks to IoT, which gave rise to the fourth industrial revolution, communication between machines and man becomes a fact. The Internet of Things has a real impact not only on industry and technology, but also on our lives, functioning and comfort. Thanks to M2M communication, all production processes become easier and more efficient. IoT is basically the most developing and useful technology for our time. However, let’s not forget, that the development of IoT still has many challenges and interesting innovation ahead of us.

The use of LC Elektronik products in the IoT technology

At LC Elektronik in 2011-2015 we carried out a thorough modernization and adapted our resources and machines to Industry 4.0. What's more, our customers are also increasingly asking about products in which IoT technology can be used. So it is a reason why we meet these expectations.

Our products are widely used in any type of industries, medical, transport and military.
These include:

Keypads for IoT devices - which control machines and devices in IoT technology.
Direct printing - needed to mark keys or components on the IoT machines.
Enclosures for electronics - in which you can install any IoT's devices and sensors.