IoT-based Automation and its Future

Industry 4.0 is one of the largest and most dynamic industrial revolutions the world has experienced and is still in the process of incorporating in the history of time itself. This includes multiple domains of technology and science ranging from Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Big Data Analysis, and so on. Amongst these, Internet of Things (IoT)is the field that is solely based on networking, acquisition and analysis of data, and transmitting or relaying intel between multiple devices or inter-connected wireless networks.

A completely digitalised IoT-based automation system would eliminate any human protocol whatsoever and would collect data from remote devices in the sample field using sensors, and further this data is usually processed using Wi-Fi modules such as NodeMCU microcontroller that analyse the data and take actions. A good example would be an IoT-based heart monitoring system that utilises pulse sensors to collect data from the user’s heartbeat and thereby sends an alarm notification to a connected device such as a smart watch or a smartphone in cases of pre-set thresholds. IoT thus has been incorporated not just in households to make monitoring and performing chores easily, but also in major manufacturing houses and hospitals, power generation substations, and so on.

IoT-based Automation in Agriculture

Countries around the globe have adopted leaner and more efficient ways to increase the efficiency and quality of their agricultural process. With automation being one of the most necessary trends, IoT goes in deep when it comes to building and monitoring farms that ensure a healthy yield during varying seasons throughout the year. Robots, drones, remote sensors and computer imaging are hardware-based protocols that are used, accompanied by machine learning algorithms to fetch raw data for analysis. Farmers are well equipped with this level of IoT-based automation, and can monitor their crop’s health and map the fields through this survey to ensure a healthy yield. This helps in saving time and money since there is minimal risk involved.

Healthcare made easy with IoT

IoT-based wireless systems have been used over the years in monitoring a critical or general patient’s health, but with time, the functionality has been expanded due to much appraised advancements in technology. Sensors are utilized to track real-time location of medical equipment, ranging from defibrillators, wheelchairs, nebulizers, etc. Furthermore, electronic-based MNCs have released smart wearables that allow a regular person to track his/her health by using a monitoring app on their smartphones that directly connects both the devices. This lets a person track their calories, steps per day, heartrate, blood-sugar levels, and also includes certain paid programs that can customize the user’s workout plans according to their respective goals.

The industries need to benefit too

Industrial automation makes use of topics such as control systems, robotics, and computer applications to create an in-house inter-connected network between hardware and software to regulate, monitor, and control all operations. This leads to a simpler and more efficient procedure with minimal human intervention. These systems are often self-resilient, which leads to automatic restoration of any data or power loss. With the integration of IoT, industries can effortlessly streamline, collapse and create system architectures that are resilient, steady, effective, and most importantly, reliable. Furthermore, the management can utilise IoT to enhance employee productivity with user-friendly interfaces/dashboards, save time and money, generate more revenue by increasing and widening their communication, and so on.

Home Automation System: Key to Iron Man’s J.A.R.V.I.S

One of the fastest blowing trends in the field of IoT is the very well-known Home Automation System. Alexa by Amazon, Google Nest, Apple HomeKit; all are some widely used examples of the same. A home automation system has practically no limits. It allows all the registered users of a smart home to connect with all the devices in their house, ranging from lighting, air-conditioning, kitchen appliances, entertainment devices, and more. On a more niche note, it even lets a user monitor the energy consumed by the devices in his/her house at all points in time. It is basically an internal network that is shared by the whole family, and it synchronizes all the smart devices like smart alarm system, smart energy meter, and more, on a singular platform.

Internet of Things has been the fastest growing field in the sphere of computer and electrical applications, and in a country like India, it promises the possibility of a simpler and more “connected” future. This is already observed in multiple countries such as Germany, U.S.A, Canada, France, and so on. With a huge global market that is rapidly increasing, IoT-based automation systems are clearly the future in all developing countries.