The Fascinating History of Internet of Things
The concept of Internet of Things (IoT) is relatively new, but the idea of connected devices has been around for a long time. In fact, the early beginnings of IoT can be traced back to the late 1970s when a group of students from Carnegie Mellon University connected a vending machine to the internet.
Since then, the Internet of Things has come a long way. Today, IoT is all around us, from home automation systems to smart cities and industrial IoT applications. The following is a look at the history of IoT, how it has evolved, and where it is headed.
Early Beginnings
As the story goes, the students from Carnegie Mellon connected a vending machine to the internet so that they could check its status and see if it was stocked with soda before making the trip down to the machine. This was the first successful internet-connected device and paved the way for many more to come.
In the 1980s, the internet became more widely available, and the first internet relay chat was created, which allowed people to communicate with one another in real-time. The ability to communicate in real-time led to the creation of more connected devices, including the first internet-connected appliance- the Sunbeam Remote Controlled Coffee Maker.
The Rise of Smart Homes
The 1990s saw an explosion in the number of connected devices, particularly in the home automation space. Companies like X10 and Insteon began offering affordable home automation solutions that allowed homeowners to control everything from their lights to their thermostat from their smartphones.
The smart home revolution continued into the 2000s with the introduction of the first smart speakers and automated assistants. Devices like the Amazon Echo and Google Home are now commonplace in many households, allowing users to control their entire home with their voice.
Industrial IoT
As IoT continued to evolve, it began making its way into industrial applications. Today, Industrial IoT (IIoT) is used to improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and optimize operations in a wide range of industries, from manufacturing to healthcare.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that IoT will continue to grow and evolve. With advancements in technology like 5G and edge computing, the possibilities for connected devices are virtually endless.
Conclusion
The history of IoT is a fascinating one, and there is no doubt that it has come a long way since its early beginnings. From a simple internet-connected vending machine to the smart homes and industrial applications of today, IoT has changed the way we live and work.
As we move into the future, the potential for IoT is limitless. As more devices become connected, we can expect to see even more advancements and innovations that will change the world as we know it.
