Introduction
The Internet of Things, or IOT for short, refers to the billions of internet-connected devices and objects that collect, send and act on data. IOT devices are physical objects that are embedded with sensors, software and connectivity that allow them to connect, exchange data and be controlled remotely over the internet.
Some key things to know about IOT devices:
- They have connectivity – they can connect to the internet directly or indirectly via a gateway. Common connectivity protocols include WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular and satellite.
- They have sensors – temperature, motion, pressure, light etc. The sensors generate data that can be analyzed.
- They have processing capabilities – to analyze data and execute commands. This may be a simple microcontroller or a powerful embedded computing system.
- They generate and exchange data – with users, other devices, applications and services over the internet.
- They can be controlled and accessed remotely – to change settings, give instructions, monitor status etc.
The number of connected IOT devices is growing exponentially. Estimates indicate there will be over 30 billion connected IOT devices by 2025. Let’s take a deeper look at what IOT devices are, the different types and their applications across industries.
What is an IOT Device?
An IOT device is a computing device that connects wirelessly to a network and has the ability to transmit data. IOT devices have sensors that collect data, connectivity to transmit it, and sometimes the ability to receive and act on data.
More formally, an IOT device has three key capabilities:
- Sensing – The device has sensors that detect events, changes and conditions in the physical environment like temperature, motion, pressure, location etc.
- Connectivity – The device can connect to and exchange data over wired or wireless networks. This may be via WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular, satellite or other communication protocols.
- Data exchange – The device can send sensor data over networks and in some cases also receive data and commands to actuators that can control mechanisms and systems.
The core components of an IOT device are:
- Sensors and actuators – To detect events and conditions and enable responses. Sensors convert physical properties into electrical signals. Actuators convert electrical signals into physical actions.
- Processors – To execute code that processes sensor data and controls actuators. Can range from basic microcontrollers to advanced microprocessors and systems-on-chip.
- Communication hardware – To connect to wired and wireless networks. Can include chips, antennas, ports etc.
- Software – Firmware and applications to manage device operation, data exchange protocols, process data and enable communication.
- Operating system – Some devices have compact real-time operating systems suited for IOT devices.
- Security features – Hardware and software to secure device communications and data transmissions.
- Power supply – Battery, power harvesting or AC power connection.
IOT devices take input from the physical world through sensors, process it and transmit it over networks. The connectivity allows them to exchange data with applications, services, other devices and users to enable useful functions.
Types of IOT Devices
There is a vast variety of IOT devices for different applications across industries like home, transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, energy and more. IOT devices can be classified into different types based on factors like mobility, size, communication protocols, power source and functionality. Here are the main categories of IOT devices:
Consumer IOT Devices
These are IOT devices intended for personal and home use such as:
- Smart home devices – Smart speakers, smart displays, smart security cameras, video doorbells, smart thermostats, smart switches, smart locks, smart appliances etc. Most connect via WiFi and are controlled via smartphones and home assistants like Alexa.
- Wearable devices – Fitness bands, smart watches, smart glasses and health monitoring devices that connect via Bluetooth to smartphones. Measure data like steps, heart rate, sleep etc.
- Smartphones and tablets – Modern mobile phones and tablets with cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS are IOT devices with rich sensing capabilities.
- Entertainment devices – Media streaming dongles, smart TVs, game consoles, and connected audio devices are IOT entertainment systems.
Industrial IOT Devices
These IOT devices are designed for industrial environments and applications:
- Sensors – Temperature, pressure, gas, flow, level, proximity, motion sensors used for monitoring industrial equipment and infrastructure. Most connect through wired interfaces.
- Actuators and controllers – Valves, motors, pumps, relays and industrial automation controllers that actuate based on sensor data.
- Tracking devices – RFID readers, asset trackers, location beacons and video surveillance cameras for tracking assets, inventory and people.
- Industrial mobile devices – Ruggedized tablets, handheld scanners, wearables designed for factory and field work. Connect via WiFi, cellular and Bluetooth.
- Gateways and routers – Hardware devices that enable legacy industrial systems and equipment to connect to networks and the cloud.
Medical and Healthcare IOT Devices
IOT is transforming healthcare with devices like:
- Wearable devices – Activity trackers, smart watches, ECG and EKG monitors, glucose monitors etc. for health and fitness monitoring.
- Implantable devices – Implantable sensors, pacemakers, insulin pumps etc. with connectivity for real-time diagnostics and delivery of therapies.
- Telehealth equipment – Monitoring devices to track vital signs paired with communication devices for remote healthcare.
- Wireless medical devices – Inhalers, pumps, monitors that connect to smartphones and healthcare systems for data tracking.
- Smart medical equipment – Connected imaging machines, beds, ventilators and medication systems that integrate with healthcare IT systems.
Automotive and Transportation IOT Devices
Connected vehicles contain dozens of IOT devices and sensors:
- Infotainment systems – Dashboard touchscreen displays, Bluetooth connectivity, WiFi hotspots and navigation systems.
- Telematics devices – Black boxes and data loggers that record driving data and connect to backend systems via cellular.
- ADAS sensors – Cameras, RADAR, LIDAR and ultrasonic sensors that enable advanced driver assistance systems and self-driving technology.
- Diagnostic devices – OBD-II port connectors that plug into vehicles to monitor vehicle health and driving data.
- Fleet management trackers – Hardwired asset trackers and GPS locators used to monitor commercial trucking fleets.
- Electric vehicle systems – Charging stations, battery optimizers and range monitoring systems specific to connected electric vehicles.
Network-Connected Devices
These IOT devices connect end points to wired and wireless networks:
- Connected sensors – Environmental sensors for air quality, noise, pollution levels that relay data via WiFi, LoRaWAN etc.
- Smart meters – Energy meters, gas & water meters that connect to utility networks to transmit consumption data.
- Smart grid devices – Distributed energy resource controllers, grid sensors and switches for power management.
- ** routers** – Network routers, switches, gateways and modems that extend connectivity.
- 5G Cells – Next generation 5G base stations and small cells that enable cellular IOT.
- Satellite modems – Satellite transmitters and receivers that connect assets and infrastructure in rural areas.
IOT Device Components
IOT devices contain a range of electronic components that enable sensing, connectivity, power and intelligence:
Microcontroller Units (MCUs) – Tiny low powered microcontrollers specially designed for IOT devices. Examples: ARM Cortex-M, Microchip AVR, NXP Kinetis.
Sensors – MEMS accelerometers, gyroscopes, compasses, microphones, environmental sensors, biosensors etc.
Wireless radios – WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, LoRa, NB-IoT, LTE chipsets and antennas tailored for IOT.
Power supplies – Batteries, energy harvesting modules, charging circuitry optimized for long battery life.
Memory and storage – NOR and NAND flash memory chips to store firmware and data.
Real-time operating systems (RTOS) – Lightweight operating systems like FreeRTOS, ThreadX and RIOT OS designed to run on MCUs.
Security chips – Hardware chips that provide security functions like encryption, authentication and access control.
Interfaces – UART, SPI, I2C, USB interfaces to connect sensors, actuators and peripherals to MCUs.
IOT device hardware provides the core functionality while software and connectivity enables intelligence. The components come together on circuit boards like single board computers and system-on-modules tailored for IOT products.
IOT Software Platforms
In addition to hardware, IOT software platforms provide vital capabilities:
Device Management
To remotely configure, monitor, control and update connected device fleets. Leading platforms include AWS IoT Core, Microsoft Azure IoT Hub and Google Cloud IoT Core.
Connectivity Management
To connect and manage cellular, satellite or low power wide area networks like Lora and Sigfox. Platforms like EMnify, Soracom and Twilio provide global connectivity.
Data Management
IOT platforms to securely ingest, process and analyze huge volumes of IOT data in real time. Examples include AWS IoT Analytics, Google BigQuery and Azure Time Series Insights.
Application Enablement & Development
Tools to build, deploy and scale IOT applications without managing infrastructure. Platforms like AWS IoT Greengrass, Microsoft Azure IoT Central and Google Cloud IoT make IOT application development easier.
IOT platforms provide cloud-based tools and managed infrastructure tailored to IOT use cases. They help manage connections, data, analytics, visualization and workflows across millions of endpoints.
IOT Device Connectivity Protocols
There are a range of wireless technologies used to connect IOT devices depending on the use case, power needs and network requirements:
WiFi – Popular for consumer electronics and industrial devices. Provides high bandwidth with medium range. Supported by widespread infrastructure.
Bluetooth/BLE – Ubiquitous in wearables and peripherals. Very low power consumption for battery-operated devices. Short range up to 50m.
Cellular – Includes 2G/3G/4G/5G networks. Long range connectivity globally. High power consumption but enables mobility.
LoRa/Sigfox – Low power wide area networks for sensors and trackers. Run on unlicensed spectrum with km-range connectivity.
Zigbee – Mesh protocol for smart homes and buildings. Low power consumption with self-healing mesh reliability.
NB-IoT/LTE-M – Cellular LPWAN technologies optimized for IOT. Low power and extended coverage.
Satellite – Provides global connectivity in rural areas. Latency can be high but useful for assets in remote locations.
Ethernet – Widely used for fixed industrial assets and hardware connections. Provides reliable high bandwidth communication.
Choosing the right protocol depends on power needs, communication frequency, bandwidth needs, network coverage and cost. IOT devices may use multiple protocols to transmit telemetry data, receive notifications and enable over-the-air updates.
IOT Device Management
Managing hundreds or thousands of IOT devices in the field requires specialized device management capabilities:
- Provisioning and Authentication – Securely configure and register device credentials on first boot.
- Configuration Management – Remotely configure device settings like communication parameters, sampling frequency etc.
- Monitoring and Diagnostics – Get real-time and historical insights into device health and activity.
- Software and Firmware Updates – Securely update device software and firmware versions over the air.
- Command and Control – Remotely send commands to devices like changing states, triggering actions etc.
- Decommissioning – Retire and disconnect devices no longer in use while retaining data.
Leading IOT platforms provide these device management capabilities at scale across global networks. AWS IoT Core, Microsoft Azure IoT Hub, Google Cloud IoT Core are popular cloud-based IOT device management platforms.
On the hardware side, secure chips like hardware security modules, trusted platform modules and secure elements provide tamper-resistant secure storage for device credentials, encryption keys and access control.
IOT Device Security
Security is a major concern with IOT devices given the potential risks of hacking:
- Device vulnerabilities – Weak default passwords, unpatched firmware, lack of encryption are common issues.
- Data vulnerabilities – Unencrypted data transmission and storage can expose private data.
- Identity spoofing – Faked device identities can infiltrate networks.
- Denial of service – Devices with weak security can be compromised to execute DDoS attacks.
- Takeover – Hacked devices could be used to pivot and access enterprise or home networks.
To secure IOT devices:
- Use trusted hardware modules and secured operating environments.
- Perform penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.
- Ensure secure boot, code signing and verified updates.
- Encrypt data transmission and storage.
- Use strong authentication, access control and certificates.
- Monitor devices for suspicious activity and anomalies.
- Isolate IOT networks and limit external access.
- Maintain physical security of devices.
A defense-in-depth approach is required to secure the ecosystem of IOT device hardware, connectivity, platforms and data flows.
Applications of IOT Devices
Let’s look at some of the many applications of IOT devices across different industries:
Smart Homes
- Smart speakers – Voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home for information, entertainment and appliance control.
- Smart lighting – Connected LED bulbs with wireless control for automation and energy savings.
- Smart switches and plugs – Remotely control appliances and enable scheduled on/off.
- Smart security – Monitor home remotely via cameras. Control security systems.
- Smart locks – Keyless entry. Access control via smartphones.
- Smart thermostats – Adjust temperatures based on occupancy and preferences to conserve energy.
- Smart sensors – Detectors for water leaks, open doors/windows, smoke, CO.
- Smart appliances – Refrigerators, ovens, robots with connectivity for control, diagnostics.
Industrial IOT
- Predictive maintenance – Vibration sensors on motors and pumps to monitor equipment health in real time.
- Inventory management – RFID and barcode scanners to track items through facilities.
- Quality assurance sensors – Test product quality on assembly lines with connected instruments.
- Environmental monitoring – Sensors that track temperature, humidity throughout facilities.
- Asset tracking – Real-time location of equipment and vehicles in yards and warehouses via tags.
- Fleet management – GPS trackers and telematics for tracking vehicles, fuel usage, driver behavior.
- Smart meters – Monitor utility usage on factory floors in real-time.
- Process optimization – Sensors that improve throughput, material handling, supply chain logistics.
Smart Cities
- Smart lighting – Intelligent street lights with adaptive brightness, tracking and fault detection.
- Water management – Monitor pipe pressure, leaks, reservoir levels with IoT sensors.
- Waste management – Connected trash bins optimize pick-up routes.
- Environmental monitoring – City-wide air quality, noise monitoring informs public health initiatives.
- Smart parking – Sensors on lots detect availability and direct drivers.
- Traffic management – Adaptive signals, real-time congestion mapping, public transit tracking.
- Public safety – Connected cameras, emergency response coordination.
- Smart infrastructure – Monitor structural health of bridges, railways, airports.
Healthcare Systems
- Remote patient monitoring – Wearable sensors allow patients to be monitored at home, improving outcomes.
- Asset management – Real time location of medical equipment reduces losses.
- Inventory management – RFID tracking for pharmaceuticals and supplies.
- Environmental monitoring – Ensure stable temp, humidity for drugs, tissue samples.
- Patient flow optimization – Tracking and visualization of patient journeys through hospital improves throughput.
- Infection control – Hand hygiene compliance monitoring reduces hospital acquired infections.
- Connected imaging – XRay and MRI systems integrated with healthcare IT systems.
Agriculture and Farming
- Soil sensors – Measure moisture, nutrition levels to optimize watering and improve crop yield.
- Livestock tracking – Monitor the health and location of cattle via wearable tech.
- Smart greenhouse – Automated control over lighting, humidity, irrigation based on conditions.
- Cold chain monitoring – Ensure optimal storage and transport temperatures for perishables.
- Farm vehicle tracking – Self driving tractors. Fleet management for machinery.
- Smart irrigation – Automated irrigation controlled via data from field sensors.
Retail and Logistics
- Smart shelves – Digital shelving displays stock levels in real time. Detect low inventory.
- Supply chain tracking – RFID and GPS to track location and condition of goods in transit.
- Smart checkout – Frictionless retail where customers are automatically charged via app.
- Inventory robotics – Robots equipped with sensors assist in warehouse inventory counting.
- In-store analytics – Sensors track customer foot traffic patterns within store.
- Food management – Monitor refrigerator and freezer temperature, humidity and air quality.
Energy Management
- Smart grids – Sensors and automation across transmission and distribution for efficient delivery.
- Smart meters – Meters enable consumers to track energy usage patterns in real-time.
- Renewables monitoring – Assess output and performance of solar, wind installations via sensors.
- Predictive maintenance – Monitor oil pipelines, wind turbines and power assets in real time.
- Asset tracking – GPS tracking devices on high value equipment and vehicles.
- EV charging networks – Software platforms to manage electric vehicle charging stations.
These are just some examples of the broad applications of IOT devices across industries. The use cases for IOT are constantly expanding as technology evolves.
The Future of IOT Devices
What does the future hold for IOT devices and applications? Some key trends:
- 5G and new spectrum – Faster 5G networks and new spectrum like CBRS will enable next-gen IoT.
- AI at the Edge – More analytics and
Top 10 IoT Devices in Electronic Application
Technology continues to change the work. The dawn of the year 2000 was the start of a new era, as far as the applications of the technology were concerned.
It started with the bubble of the dot.com phase that led to the evolution of the Internet. This is followed by the proliferation of social networks and multiple websites.
Now, we are talking about the application of advanced technology in the form of the Internet of Things (IoT). We are talking about a new system of connecting most of our devices to the Internet.
The Internet is smart. The Internet is reliable. The Internet is for everyone and everything!
In this article, you will find out more about the top 10 Internet of Things (IoT) devices that are not only becoming more popular in 2021 but are also making disruptions in important economies.
What is IoT?
So, what is this IoT that everyone in the tech world is talking about? Internet of Things or IoT for short refers to a system of interrelated computing devices that are physical.
IoT is also a network of objects, digital machines, people, or animals. Those are generally classified as and called Things.
This network of objects is embedded with sensors and Unique Identifiers (UIDs) that are connected to connect and exchange data from those Things.
The transmission of data is usually done from those devices or things to the network. Therefore, human intervention is not always needed.
What is IoT Devices?
Simply put, IoT Devices are the pieces of machines, hardware, gadgets, sensors, and appliances that are connected to the Internet. The connection is done in a way that the IoT Devices can transfer over the network/Internet without requiring additional programming.
The Top 10 IoT Devices to Watch Out for in 2021
Although there are several IoT Devices, not all of them function the same way. Likewise, some IoT devices have been able to gain more traction in recent months than the others have.
Thus, we present to you, the top 10 IoT Devices that will feature the most in the technological sector in 2021:
1. IoT Healthcare Devices
Picture a world where patients can now receive instant information on their health status, even if they are many miles away from the nearest hospital or clinic.
Is it possible? Yes, it is!
Wearable healthcare devices make it possible. The role played by the Internet of Things (IoT) in this regard cannot be underestimated.
Now, these IoT healthcare devices can collect data from the Internet where they are connected. This way, patients and those at the risk of certain health conditions will be able to have more control over their health.
Thus, IoT healthcare devices are one of the IoT devices to look out for in 2021. For emphasis, let us talk about a couple of these IoT healthcare devices and the inputs they are making to make the healthcare system better.
Monitoring Medical Adherence
Is it possible for a device to monitor whether a patient has taken his or her medication or not? Yes, it is because certain IoT devices have been developed to look into this.
You would agree that illnesses can be treated faster if the patients took their medications religiously. However, that is not always the case because some patients tend to either forget or decide not to take their medications.
However, some healthcare IoT devices have been manufactured to tackle this. These devices can go as high as determining whether the patient has taken the medication.
The determination is usually by monitoring the swallowing of the capsules or tablets, saliva swallows and even drinking water after swallowing the capsules.
The medical adherence IoT devices are designed in different ways with the most common being wearable smart necklaces.
IoT Healthcare Devices for Glucose Tracking
Blood sugar or glucose levels can now be tracked with ease with dedicated IoT devices used for tracking glucose.
These glucose tracking IoT devices are sometimes designed with automated insulin delivery systems and glucose monitoring systems that can be used to check the amount of glucose in the body.
Examples of these IoT glucose trackers are:
- Eversense
- Dexcom
2. Industrial IoT Devices
There is no doubt that the industrial sector is one of the economic sectors that benefit the most from the application of the Internet of Things.
You must have heard about Industry 4.0. It simply refers to the next industrial revolution where Internet-enabled devices will be mostly used to automate tasks in our industries.
Of course, the manufacturing or production of most products is done in industries. So, you can imagine the innovations that would be in place as soon as more IoT devices are deployed for use in our industries.
Likewise, some industrial IoT devices are tipped to be used the most in 2021. These are some of them:
Kiva Technology
At the core of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is the innovations made by the tech giant and global e-commerce disruptor, Amazon.
Kiva Technology is one of the huge investments made by Amazon to aid warehouse reinvention.
Kiva Technology was acquired by the company (Amazon) in 2012 and it is used for locating the shelves of products.
The technology is manned by robots, which is the reason why Amazon was able to cut down on its operating costs by 20% as of 2014.
Self-Driving Tractors
The manufacturing sector may be receiving most of the attention, but it is not the only industry that is being disrupted by the Internet of Things (IoT).
The agricultural sector is also disrupted by IoT and John Deere is one of the companies that is leading the new era of agriculture.
The company had in 2015, rolled out self-driving tractors that now make it easier for farmers to go about their businesses.
That is not all. The company also deployed telematics technology, which can be used for discovering potential mechanical issues in the tractors. This way, the predictive feature of the technology can pick out the issues for immediate fixing.
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) can also be applied in the following areas of industrial production:
- Monitoring of equipment damages
- Automation of the inventory monitoring for the maintenance of efficient workflow.
- Automated and remote equipment monitoring
- Supply-chain optimization
- Faster changes and improvements in the industrial business model
- Predictive maintenance
3. AWS IoT Devices
Amazon is not only a company that deals in the online distribution of goods and services. The brand also focuses on the development of Internet of Things (IoT) devices via the dedicated Amazon Web Services (AWS).
AWS IoT refers to the provision of cloud services by Amazon. These cloud services are used to connect Internet of Things (IoT) devices to both Amazon Web Service (AWS) cloud services and other devices.
Besides, AWS brings together both Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence together so that the two can be combined to create scalable solutions to cloud computing and IoT offerings.
Now, several AWS IoT devices are delegated for use in different sectors. They include:
FreeRTOS
FreeRTOS is one of the IoT devices manufactured and deployed by Amazon Web Services (AWS).
FreeRTOS is an Operating System (OS) specifically designed for use in Microcontrollers (MCUs). The impact of this IoT is that it makes it simpler for low-power and small edge devices to be programmed, deployed, secured, and connected to cloud services. The FreeRTOS AWS IoT also makes it easier to manage the operations of the microcontrollers from the same interface.
AWS IoT Device Management
It is one thing to develop and deploy an Internet of Things (IoT) device. It is another thing to manage the device effectively so it continues to function optimally.
That is the concept behind AWS IoT Device Management. It is an IoT device that allows you to securely onboard, monitor, organize and remotely take control of the other IoT devices that are connected to it.
AWS Partner Device Catalog
Amazon Web Services IoTs do not work alone. There may be a need for the developers or users to connect to other IoT devices for maximum productivity.
This informs the reason behind the development of the AWS Partner Device Catalog. It is a dedicated IoT used for finding both hardware and devices that can work well with Amazon Web Service (AWS).
Once that is confirmed, developers will then be able to use the AWS Partner Device Catalog to explore and build the IoT devices of their choice.
AWS IoT Core
Internet of Things (IoT) devices need to connect easily on the Internet. That is what the AWS IoT Core does.
It is a managed cloud service that paves the way for connected/IoT devices to securely and easily interact with both IoT devices and cloud applications.
4. IoT Home Devices
Ever heard of Smart Homes? Have you wondered what it means for homes to be smart? It simply means that those homes are equipped with some of the best IoT devices that can be used to raise the IQ or functionality of the home.
Today, there are several IoT devices for our homes. These range from Wi-Fi locks to security cameras and down to smart lighting.
The idea is to make the home connected in a way that most of the devices or appliances in the home can work well with the use of the Internet.
You can now automate your house with some of the best smart home devices.
The examples below are some of the top IoT devices that would be used in most homes around the world in 2021:
Nest Protect
Nest Protect is a smart smoke detector that helps you to stay safe around your house. You may not always be lucky to be within reach when a fire breaks out in your home.
However, Nest Protect does a great job of detecting carbon monoxide and smoke. The device would then turn on the spoken alerts and the lights around that area
This way, you will be able to have a visual cue of the direction of the smoke/carbon monoxide so you can get out of the house on time.
Hamilton Beach Smart Coffee Maker
Home IoT devices are much more than just smart door locks and smart bulbs. Instead, smart coffee makers are also a part of the deal.
The Hamilton Beach Smart Coffee Maker is an example of how smart the home can be. This coffee maker can brew as much as 12 cups of coffee at once.
All you need is to issue a voice command and everything will be set!
5. Edge Devices IoT
Edge Devices are pieces of hardware or equipment that are used to transmit data from the local network to the cloud. This way, it will be easier to connect your Local Area Network (LAN) to a Wide Area Network (WAN) or an external network.
An edge device also serves the purpose of providing an entry point into a service provider or enterprise core networks.
Generally, Edge Devices serve as the intermediary or smart gateway for languages/protocols used by both local devices and cloud computation. That way, it will be easy for secure information transmission to be done for both.
On the one hand, local networks are NFC, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi. On the other hand, cloud network uses specific protocols, such as HTTP, AMQP, CoAp, and MQTT.
From the above, it is clear that both the local and cloud networks have different protocols for data transmission. Therefore, there is a need for common ground or interface for the data from the local networks to be transmitted to the cloud networks. It is this interface that is called Edge Devices or gateways.
Some examples of Edge Devices are:
- Multiplexers
- Routers
- Integrated Access Devices (IADs)
- Routing Devices
6. IoT Wearable Devices
Internet of Things (IoT) devices are not limited to just physical devices usable in industries and homes.
You can also wear IoT. This is because of the Wearable IoT Technology that makes it possible for people to wear electronic devices that function both as mere devices and trackers.
Wearable Technology refers to electronic devices that are developed with tracking and analytical features. This ensures that the IoT Wearable Devices analyze the wearers (individuals wearing) them, as well as transmit the information/data obtained from the individuals.
The relevance of Wearable Devices is that the devices can accurately track and relay relevant personal data, such as the exercise and medical data of the person(s) putting on the device.
This would, in turn, be used to help the individual to upgrade the lifestyle.
Here are some examples of Wearable (IoT) devices you can come across in 2021:
- Gaming Wearable, such as Haptic vests, Virtual Reality (VR) Headsets
- Smart clothing that monitors your temperature, movement, pulse, nutrition, respiration rate, sleep, and heart rate.
- Fitness trackers are designed as wrist bands to track GPS, monitor your sleep level, step count, nutrition (including calorie intake), moving distance, and blood sugar.
- Smart Shoes
- NFC Smart Ring
- Smart Nicotine Patch devised with Nicotine Replacement Therapy for delivering nicotine into the bloodstream of the user.
7. Windows IoT Devices
Windows, the disruptive tech product from Microsoft Inc. is not taking a back seat in the heated-up drive for a world driven by IoT.
The Windows 10 IoT Enterprise is a step in the direction of providing IoT device developers with a rich device platform and world-class IoT development tools.
The Windows 10 IoT Enterprise is also pegged to the Azure IoT interface for easy scalability after the IoT devices must have been developed.
The Windows 10 Enterprise for IoT is designed to help developers who may find it difficult to scale the containerized workloads.
This way, developers will find it convenient to build IoT devices using a platform that supports devices that would not only be relevant now but also in the future.
Besides, the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise integrates both Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make data collection and analysis easier for intelligent-edge devices.
8. IoT Medical Devices
The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is used to describe the fusion of the Internet and devices developed for use in the connected healthcare space.
Both patients and medical practitioners are the primary beneficiaries of this new form of IoT because the device can now monitor the status of the patients.
The role of IoMT in the medical sector includes but is not limited to the tracking of drug effectiveness, remote monitoring of the patients’ health, and sleep monitoring.
IoT devices used in the medical sector are also designed to monitor the quality of air available to the patients, reminders for a medication refill, and remote transfer of medical data.
With these IoT medical devices, patients and healthcare providers can now have more time on their hands. On the side of the patients, they can monitor their health status either at home or in the office. On the other hand, healthcare providers will be able to keep track of the patients’ health status from the hospital without necessarily inviting the patients over.
Some of the innovative IoT devices used in the healthcare system include:
- Sensor Metrix is a wireless sensor that ensures that medications and blood samples are stored under the right temperature.
- Patients on Catheterization can use UroSense to monitor both their core body temperature output, as well as the output of urine.
- QardioCore is an ECG Monitor used for providing continuous medical-grade data, such as monitoring and sending out important data, such as cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Up by Jawbone is a fitness tracker used for tracking the overall health of the wearer. Some of the tracked data are diet, calorie intake, sleeping activities, weight gain, and overall health.
- Propeller’s Breezhaler Device is a medical device equipped with a smart sensor. The connected sensor works with a mobile app and is designed to help in the easy management of COPD and Asthma.
9. Wi-Fi IoT Devices
There is an argument on whether the Internet of Things (IoT) devices are designed to function wirelessly or not.
The fact is that a majority of IoT devices are designed with wireless functionality, which means that you don’t necessarily need to be near the devices before you can use them.
That notwithstanding, there are a couple of Wi-Fi IoT devices that you can start using in 2021.
A majority of these Wi-Fi or wireless IoT devices use Wi-Fi most of the time. So, you need to have a compatible application for the IoT on your device for them to function effectively.
Some of these Wi-Fi IoT devices are:
Amazon Dash Button
This is a Wi-Fi IoT device that allows the user to order medical products, foods, drinks, and even pet items from popular brands, such as Clorox, Bounty, and Glad.
You can do all that via the Wi-Fi Internet connection.
Smart Light Switch
This is another Wi-Fi IoT device that relies on the available Wi-Fi network to give wireless access to the lights in your home.
10. Smart IoT Devices
A majority of Internet of Things (IoT) devices are smart, aren’t they? Yes, they are! But, that doesn’t mean that some are smarter in the real sense of the world.
We are referring to the likes of smartphones (Android and iOS), smartwatches, and smart locks for our doors.
These smart IoT devices are mostly electronic devices designed to connect to other devices via wireless networks and protocols, such as NFC, Bluetooth, LiFi, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi.
Besides, these smart devices can come in different forms, including:
- Boards, such as Horizontal Surface Computers
- Tabs or wearable centimeter-sized devices, such as Smart Cards and Smartphones.
- Pads or handheld decimeter-sized devices, such as laptops.
How to Choose the Best IoT Platform
You have just identified a huge market demand for a specific type of IoT and you want to develop series of IoT solutions to satisfy that market need.
Before that, you want to consider some of the important factors or things to look for in any IoT platform.
Here are some of those things to look for:
- Select a fully capable platform that offers Data aggregation, connectivity management, and application enablement.
- The platform should also offer IoT Orchestration Hub because that is one of the best ways to access the all-around IoT solutions in one place.
- It should also be an end-to-end IoT platform that ensures the excellent distribution of IoT services across several value chains.
Conclusion
The Internet of Things (IoT) is already playing an immeasurable role in the improvement of technological solutions across different sectors of the economy.
The 10 IoT devices mentioned in this article are some of the most used and will continue to feature in the IoT economy now and in the future.
