All about the Internet of Things

The IoT is based on systems that monitor, adjust, and collect the interactions between the various connected devices. For example, if we have a smart thermostat at home, and it detects that the temperature is very low or very high, it sends the information through the internet to a server. The server processes the data, and from it, it can send automatic instructions (such as connecting the air conditioning if it is too warm) or send you phone notifications to let you know what is happening to let you decide.

Therefore, in addition to the connected objects themselves, the Internet of Things relies on sensors, internet access, servers, and data processing systems so that information can be sent and received.

• We have devices (such as smart watches or fitness trackers) that can record data such as heart rate, sleep quality, and physical activity to control health status and sports level, amongst others. There are also blood pressure monitors and glucometers capable of sending data to a physician in real time or making decisions such as administering a dose of insulin by means of a pump if the patient needs it.
  
  
• In the urban environment, smart cities apply IoT to connect and manage aspects such as energy, waste management, transportation, and security. For example, it's possible to optimize the on/off schedule of streetlights to minimize energy consumption, or to detect traffic jams and allow the opening of alternative routes to mitigate their impact.
  
  
• Smart grids make the most of the IoT potential to improve their performance and efficiency: They can detect faults, optimize the management of renewable energies, and control infrastructure. Furthermore, smart meters allow consumers to make adjustments in real time, while helping companies to optimize energy distribution.
  
  
• In the field of logistics, the IoT is used in the so-called connected logistics, which links the various elements of the supply chain. For instance, sensors and IoT devices are used to track where products are in each moment, as well as to improve the distribution of loads and find out the status of vehicles. This allows for fine-tuning of planning, tracking, and deliveries.
   
• The same happens with digital supply chains, which collect data in real time on production, storage, and transportation of products, which results in better planning, inventory optimization, tracking, and traceability.

In the IoT, the following aspects stand out:

• Data collection: Numerous parameters (temperature, humidity, pressure, energy consumption, etc.) can be monitored through sensors and devices in order to collect information on the performance and status of industry processes and assets thanks to artificial intelligence.
  
• Connectivity: Just like with the conventional IoT, connectivity allows data to be transmitted to systems and databases for analysis.
  
• Data analysis: Through techniques, such as machine learning or big data, errors and faults can be detected, production can be optimized, and we can determine the performance of systems, such as with machine learning tools.
  
• Automation: This data allows measures to be taken in real time and adjustments to be made to prevent faults, as well as improve energy efficiency and production performance.
• Security: It's essential to implement measures, such as data encryption or network segmentation, to ensure the data confidentiality and protect industrial systems.
  

The IIoT is making significant progress in the development of industrial processes, while it enables methodologies to be optimized and innovations to be introduced in this field, such as disruptive technologies.