Internet of Things (IoT)
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appliances that are capable of connecting to the Internet, in the individual & home environments, in public space and workplaces
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a relatively new concept that combines a number of fields and technologies. There are a number of definitions for it, which actually describe an array of connecting different types of objects to the Internet. Those objects are sometimes called "smart objects" because of their ability to connect to the Internet. On many occasions, those are everyday items that have been added the ability to connect to the Internet, and they have become "smart objects" (such as "smart TV" with a Wi-Fi connection) and part of the Internet of Things.
Connecting to the Internet can be performed via a wireless connection (such as Wi-Fi). In this situation, the person in the environment is exposed to non-ionizing radiation. Increasing use of the Internet of Things and "smart objects" will manifest a significant increase in radiation sources with the potential for chronic exposure to non-ionizing radiation, so the possible effects of this exposure to human health will need to be examined.
The Internet of Things (IoT) concept was established in 1999 by Kevin Ashton, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The original definition was mainly referred to the vision of using wireless tags (RFID) to identify objects (such as in-store products, e.g. clothing) and even contact them. In the following years, the concept of the Internet of Things grew stronger, with the increasing use of RFID tags, and especially as the concepts of various "smart objects" and diverse "smart environments" (home, city, shopping, medicine, etc.) gained ground, along with improving Internet connectivity capability.
In its current broader definition, the concept of IoT refers to internetworking of physical and "smart" objects containing electronics, software, sensors and controls, primarily based on the interconnected network (Internet) known to us, and the ability to connect the objects to this network through communication.
The "smart objects" gather useful information and transmit it independently. An example of this is home automation — "smart home" components: automatic control of lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and home appliances (laundry, drying, robotic vacuum cleaners, water purifiers, ovens, and refrigerators), via Wi-Fi.
Nowadays, the Internet of Things is the platform for "smart cities" and "smart energy" management systems.
There is a constant increase in the volume of internet-capable objects. According to Gartner, a technology advisory company, by 2020, there will be 20.8 billion IoT components in the world. ABI Research, a market research institute, estimates that more than 30 billion devices will wirelessly connect to the Internet of Things by this year. Estimates of other bodies reach even larger volumes, 50-75 billion.
The variety of possible uses of the Internet of Things
The Internet of Things will increase efficiency, accuracy, financial gain and automation (reducing the need for human involvement). The Internet of Things is expected to increase connectivity between objects, systems, and services and accelerate the transition to machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, encompassing a variety of protocols of many advanced communications and applications.
The wide-scale implementation of IoT devices is expected to change many aspects of our lives. For the home consumer, the scope of devices operated over the Internet and through components for home automation and energy management will grow and the "smart home" concept will be implemented. Other IoT components, such as wearable health control equipment and internet-enabled medical equipment, can change the way healthcare is provided. The IoT can bring comfort to people with disabilities and the elderly, and enable them to improve their independence and quality of life. IoT systems such as interconnected vehicles, smart transport control systems, and road and bridge detectors will promote "smart city" and "smart transport" ideas, helping to reduce transportation load and energy consumption. IoT technology will also enable promotion of agriculture, industry, and energy production and distribution.
