The Past, Present, and Future of Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) has been a buzzword for years, but it’s only in recent years that it has become a significant trend in technology. IoT is the connection of physical devices to the internet, enabling them to communicate and exchange information with each other. This article explores the exciting evolution of IoT, from its past to the present and what we can expect in the future.
The Birth of IoT
IoT was born in the early 1980s, when the first internet-connected device was invented – a Coca-Cola vending machine at Carnegie Mellon University. The machine could report inventory levels and check the temperature of the drinks. This was the beginning of the first wave of IoT.
The second wave of IoT started in the 1990s, when the World Wide Web became publicly available. The internet went from a tool for communication to a global platform for commerce. IoT became more sophisticated, and devices could communicate with more precision and in real-time.
The Rise of IoT
The present-day IoT market is vast and consists of different types of devices such as wearables, home automation, industrial automation, and connected vehicles, among others. According to a report by Statista, the global IoT market size is expected to grow from $212 billion in 2019 to $1.6 trillion by 2025.
The rise in IoT has been driven by the availability of inexpensive sensors, cheaper data storage, and the proliferation of cloud computing. IoT is transforming businesses and industries, enabling data-driven insights that were previously impossible.
The Future of IoT
The future of IoT is exciting and promises to revolutionize the way we live and work. IoT devices will become more intelligent, and their ability to communicate with each other will improve. There will be a proliferation of smart cities, where IoT sensors and connected devices will enhance services such as traffic management, waste management, and public safety.
In healthcare, smart wearables will become more advanced and accessible to the masses, enabling remote patient monitoring and improving the quality of care. In agriculture, IoT sensors will be deployed to monitor soil moisture levels, track livestock, and manage the use of pesticides and fertilizers, leading to more efficient farming practices.
Conclusion
IoT has come a long way since the first internet-connected vending machine. It has become an essential technology in our lives, and its impact is only set to grow. As we move into the future, we can expect IoT to become even more prevalent, and we will see new ways in which it will transform industries and businesses alike. The possibilities are endless, and the future of IoT is exciting.
