What it means when hearts and cows are connected to the internet
If you haven't bumped into the acronym IoT, you soon will. The world is about to become a whole lot smarter with the "Internet of Things" (IoT). It's not just computers and tablets that are connected to the internet. Rapidly changing technology is making it possible to connect a wide variety of "things" to the internet, so we can monitor and connect with many aspects of our environment. From our bodies to our homes, the world is rapidly becoming a smarter, at least a more connected place. What does that mean for us as consumers? Does the value and convenience outweigh the potential risks?
Why this is important: With the "Internet of Things", it's a whole lot smarter world where things are connected real time everywhere. The real question is … does too much information yield too little knowledge? And what are the risks?
The new age of IoT – "Internet of Things"
The internet is certainly not new. Most of the people on this planet are connected via computers, tablets and smartphones. When making a connection via a device, you choose how and where to connect, what to search, download and what to share. Up to this point in history, most internet connections and use has been a real time interaction with you and I choosing when, where and how to connect.
The age of IoT is now possible and scaling rapidly. With the new low power technology available, it is now possible to connect devices and things that do not have to "log on". Most already know that current TVs are designed to be connected with the internet. It is also possible to connect major appliances like refrigerators and laundry as IoT devices. The fact that Amazon just doubled their home automation assortment is an indicator of how big IoT will become in home automation, monitoring and security.
Here are some interesting stats on the trend of IoT:
- There are 7.6 billion people on the planet
- There are currently 20 billion things connected to the internet today
- By 2020, there will be 50 billion things connected to the internet
So, beyond your television and computer, just what is being connected in the "Internet of Things"? And is this a good thing for us?
7 Things you didn't realize that were connected to the Internet
I happened to run across an article TheITBrief.com had with an intriguing title related to IoT. More importantly, it presented an intriguing series of cases on 7 Things that most people don't know that are connected to the internet.
- Implanted heart defibrillators. One of the amazing advances in heart care is implanting defibrillators. These devices must monitor heart rate and collect data. In the past, heart patients had to go to their physician's office, so they could download the data. By connecting the defibrillators to directly to the internet, they can communicate with smartphones and even directly send data to the doctor real time. In new models, IoT defibrillators can even take immediate life-saving actions based on reacting to scenarios of irregular heartbeats.
- Cows! When I grew up around farms, the rancher literally had to go out to the pasture and "check cattle". By fitting cows with IoT devices, they can get real time data on where the cattle are, if they are sick, and even alerts when a cow is pregnant. Dairy farms are having IoT cow sensors transmit as much as 200 MB of data per cow on all aspects of what their cows are eating and how much milk they are producing.
- Houseplants. Wi-Fi enabled IoT sensors can be used to monitor houseplants and gardens. They can report on rainfall as well as soil conditions. Beyond passive monitoring, they can be used to automatically dispense needed moisture and fertilizer.
- Pill bottles. The bottles themselves might not yet be Wi-Fi enabled, but there are monitoring stations available to see if bottles have been removed and if they are empty. Emails can be directly sent to family and doctors as to whether and when someone is taking their medication. Pharmacies can be alerted via IoT devices for "auto refill" based on when meds are depleted via IoT data transmitted.
- Waste management systems. IoT generally refers to connecting things to the internet. But the technology can be paired with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) to track movement of things like waste cans. Sanitation crew trucks are using these systems to streamline routes and determined where the greatest pickup needs are.
- Factory machines. Most of us don't spend a lot of time in factories. While factories have become increasingly "automated", the machines and systems need to be monitored for supplies, maintenance and breakdowns. By connecting the machines via IoT technology, factories can reduce down time, increase production, and make quicker line changes based on machine readiness and capability … all reported Wi-Fi to central locations so that people do not have to be physically present on the floor checking dials and gauges.
- You. Ok, you probably realized this last one already. But, with the tremendous growth of fitness devices, you are increasingly becoming a treasure trove of IoT data. Who isn't wearing a "FitBit" or some similar device which reports your exercise behavior, steps and even weight to your smartphone, computer and even your doctor's office? Almost every fitness company like Nike, Adidas have created IoT devices, and rumor has it that Apple will launch theirs this fall. With wearable IoT devices, there literally is no place to hide when everything is connected real time to the internet.
When does TMI become less knowledge, and an invasion of privacy?
The seven examples above are just some of the many IoT devices that have arrived for consumers and businesses. TheITBrief reports that the "machine-to-machine" market will grow to almost $1 trillion by 2020. Even more interesting, Cisco estimates a $14.4 trillion "private sector" value for the Internet of Things by 2023. So, the trends seem very clear:
- IoT devices are growing exponentially
- IoT devices are moving from mere data collection to active reporting via Wi-Fi
- Many IoT devices can be programmed to "intervene" (e.g. shock your heart)
When is all of this IoT data too much information? Can you believe 200 MB of data per dairy cow! Perhaps the professional managers, ranchers and doctors will make sense out of all of this. And, knowing the number of steps you walk per day might be helpful as a personal trend in managing your own health.
But, what about all the potential privacy, security and potential abuses of TMI?
- Do I really want my insurance company to have all my health stats from my IoT I'm wearing at work and at home?
- Do I want an IoT device to broadcast where I've driven my car, how fast, and how many stops I have made along the way?
- Home monitoring sounds great, but if it broadcasts to the internet, who else knows my energy consumption and what's in my refrigerator based on my IoT devices.
At the end of the day, I still have a DVD device next to my TV that is still blinking the infamous 12:00 indicating that it needs to be configured. Will we be able to program and connect all of it ourselves? IoT devices might take care of that if they are self-configured by "someone" via Wi-Fi. Who is that someone? What will they be able to access in my home and life?
The world of the "Internet of Things" is already upon us. As TheITBrief case studies illustrate, IoT devices can create incredible value. But as with any tool, there is also great potential for harm, or at least ethical issues with data access and use.
One thing for sure, once something gets to the internet … it's pretty much out there forever. The interesting question for all of us will be the personal benefits and convenience of IoT devices in our lives, versus the potential loss of privacy and security.
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Sources:
- TheITBrief.com: 7 ThingsYou Didn't Know Were Internet-Connected
- Plugging In Image: Renjith Krishnan; Freedigitalphotos.net
- Connected Image: Stuart Miles; Freedigitalphotos.net
Interesting business area you have got, Chris!
Quite funny, I spoke earlier today this topic of IoT with my wife, just before I checked the 500px/Kuusamo forest 2/2 -photo (2 reindeers) ... and your correction to your own comment.
Strange occurrence in a strange world, Chris.
Have a productive and a enjoyable year of 2015.
And keep photographing!
Your fellow 500px member,
Jukka Kuikanmaki, Finland
jukkakuikanmaki.500px.com
Posted by: Jukka Kuikanmaki | December 28, 2014 at 05:09 PM
wow, I knew about factory machines and even plants but heart defibrillators!!! this is amazing, looks like the Internet of Things opened a whole ocean of possibilities.
Posted by: Voyager | October 23, 2014 at 12:37 PM