You must have heard of smartwatches and even most of now using them. There are numerous advanced features in it, but some common purposes you have been using it are -tracking heart rate, sleep patterns, step counting, temperature sensing, etc.
Do you observe anything? The smartwatch connects to devices like your smartphone without any direct physical connection.
Still, it shows you the results; how?
How that’s working? Well, to make it that possible, one technology that has the maximum contribution is the Internet of Things.
Now, you must be wondering what IoT is. We can define, the Internet of Things (IoT) as a network of physical objects, which is often described as “things,” that have sensors, software, and other technologies embedded in them.
These smart objects are designed to collect and share data with other devices and systems through the internet, without the need for traditional wired connections.
If we look at the real-time application of IoT in this digital age, it’s truly an interesting thing to know. Currently, there are over 16 billion connected IoT devices. However, experts are predicting that this number will increase to 29 billion by 2027.
And, this is not limited to any particular sector. The internet of things (IoT) applications are scattered across a wide range of industries.
Seeing such a growing market, you must be thinking of investing in it. But the questions that may trouble you are,
- Where does IoT fit in the market?
- How it has been evolving?
- What are the real-time examples of IoT?
- Is it limited to wearable devices?
Tons of questions; isn’t it? No worries, we have compiled a list of the top real-world IoT applications to provide answers to these questions.
An overview of the top 5 real-world applications of the Internet of Things (IoT)
1. Transportation
A smart car like Tesla is one of the examples of real-time applications of IoT in transportation.
Controlling, monitoring, and operating vehicles by means of smartphones or other intelligent devices is way easy. Moreover, for this, there is a need for IoT app development.
You need to hire app developers who can create apps that provide real-time traffic information, optimize routes, etc.
Besides, integrated with advanced sensors and a central computer, these vehicles efficiently navigate the roads.
Moreover, manufacturers leverage these sensors to gain valuable insights into their supply chains. They cleverly incorporate sensors into the vehicles that transport their goods, enabling them to monitor the logistics process with utmost precision. This strategic implementation allows them to optimize their operations and ensure seamless delivery.
The advantages of internet of (IoT) are not limited to logistics and transportation. Even parking becomes an effortless task with the aid of these sensors. Individuals can acquire these sensors to facilitate parking their smart cars in their garages.
With this real-time IoT application in transportation, they can effortlessly manage their vehicles in tight spaces, relieving them of the stress associated with parking.
2. Smart Homes
Amidst the buzz of IoT, the most sought-after real-time IoT application that is getting hype on Google is the mysterious ‘smart home’.
Let me help you in getting it clear by giving you an example. Think of the sheer delight of remotely turning on the air conditioning before even setting foot inside your house on a hot summer day.
Smart homes are essentially connected homes that utilize internet-enabled devices to automate and control various household functions. You can control these devices using a smartphone or a voice-activated assistant from a remote location.
The reason the demand for IoT app development services is so high. Developing an app makes it convenient for homeowners to manage their homes even when they are away.
3. Agriculture and Pest Control
Let’s explore an often overlooked area where the use of IoT is highly beneficial—farming. Agriculture is vital for sustaining humanity, but with the rapidly growing population, maintaining large-scale agriculture can be challenging without a significant revolution.
IoT applications in agriculture help in:
- Enhancing production and aligning it with the global population explosion.
- Monitoring weather conditions and predicting weather patterns, enabling farmers to plan and adapt their farming practices accordingly.
- Automating processes such as planting, harvesting, and irrigation, increasing efficiency and reducing labor costs.
- Tracking the health and location of livestock, preventing disease outbreaks, and ensuring their safety.
- Using drones equipped with IoT sensors to monitor crop health and detect diseases or nutrient deficiencies early on.
- Integrating pest control systems with IoT devices to monitor and control pests more effectively, reducing the need for harmful pesticides.
Pest infiltration has long been a threat to the agricultural sector. However, companies like Semios, a real-time internet of things (IoT) application, employ sensors to track pest populations. Furthermore, IoT-based traps can be utilized to capture pests and promptly alert authorities.
4. Healthcare
Another real-time application of IoT is the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), which holds a wide range of healthcare applications.
This enables early detection of any health issues and enables timely intervention. Also, using the intelligent device not only helps patients manage their medication but also facilitates seamless communication with healthcare providers.
As the patient takes their medication, the smart pillbox transmits relevant data, including the medication taken, to a cloud server.
This integration leads to improved efficiency and accuracy in data management and sharing, resulting in better patient care and outcomes.
Besides, these devices play a crucial role in diagnostic purposes as well as remote patient surveillance. Also, the real-world IoT applications in healthcare are-
- Improved medication management by using smart pill dispensers that remind patients to take their medications and track adherence.
- Enhanced telehealth services, enable patients to have virtual consultations with healthcare professionals from the comfort of their own homes.
- Streamlined hospital operations through the use of IoT devices to manage inventory, track equipment, and optimize workflow.
- Preventive care through wearable devices that monitor physical activity, sleep patterns, and heart rate, providing individuals with personalized health recommendations.
5. IoT Applications in Retail
The world of retail can greatly benefit from the capabilities of internet of things (IoT) technology. Both online and in-store shopping experiences can be enhanced through the utilization of IoT sensors and automation systems, which enable efficient warehouse management and logistics. RFIDs, already widely used, play a significant role in this process.
One of the challenges faced by retailers is the uncertainty of mall locations. With the rise of online shopping, the demand for physical stores has decreased. However, IoT can provide valuable insights by analyzing mall traffic, allowing stores located in malls to make informed decisions and adjustments that enhance the overall shopping experience while reducing operational costs.
IoT also empowers retailers to engage with customers on a more personalized level. By leveraging the data collected through IoT sensors, retailers can understand customers’ preferences and past purchase behavior.
This information enables retailers to create tailored promotions and offers for their loyal customers, eliminating the need for costly mass-marketing campaigns with lower chances of success.
Customer engagement through IoT can be seamlessly integrated into customers’ smartphones, especially through dedicated store apps, providing a convenient and personalized shopping experience.
Furthermore, internet of things (IoT) technology’s real-time application enables inventory management and supply chain optimization. By tracking product levels and demand patterns in real time, retailers can ensure optimal stock availability, reducing the risk of stockouts or overstocking. This leads to improved operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Ending Notes!
It is not the end. There are more real-time applications of IoT in our surroundings. These were the most popular ones. Hope this piece of information helps in understanding the potential and impact of IoT in various industries.
Undoubtedly, we are still in the early stage, there are more to come in the future. With continuous advancements in the technology sector, we can expect internet of things (IoT) to grow more. However, to take advantage of this technology, you need a professional team, like to develop an IoT-based mobile app, so hiring an IoT app development company makes sense.
