For many countries, such as India, the adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) will require customized features to make it fully accessible and affordable. For example, one recently conducted survey suggests low-power extensive area network (LPWAN) innovations — such as Long Range or LoRa — can offer large-scale and lower-cost connectivity to IoT devices distributed over wide geographical areas.
Sigfox, which offers a low-bandwidth dedicated network in 65 countries, and Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), a low-power, wide-area network radio technology developed by 3GPP, are gaining traction in the industry for similar reasons. The aim is to optimize and strengthen networks at a reasonable cost for smart cities, agriculture, and devices.
Though it may take time before networks can fully perform all of the functions required or expected at a cost-effective price point, advancements are quickly attaining interest.
Here is a couple:
- System-on-chip (SoC) that combine electronic circuits of several computer components onto a single, integrated chip device, is gaining attention in the industry.
- Wireless non-segregated circuits are now capable of facilitating self-powered sensor nodes, which are simple to deploy without the requirement for power or signal wirework.
Similar to most other revolutionary concepts, the increased use of IoT depends on several factors, including a fair, secure, and consistent approach by technology providers and network suppliers.
According to the above-mentioned survey, despite technological advancements, some challenges may affect the growth of the IoT sector in India. Concerns include a lack of consistent standards, insufficient security, and protection for user data, cost and technological constraints that affect functionality, and a disconnected IoT supply chain. It is also important to consider reliable information services, the availability of usable products, data tampering features, and the high cost of connectivity in the country.
Nevertheless, IoT advancements are increasing rapidly and particularly in wearable devices and appliances.
What’s new in wearables
A new collection of sensors based on micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology is under development to facilitate IoT applications for motion and image sensing. Their purpose is to accommodate users interested in measuring everything from outdoor altitude and humidity to personal calorie intake and other health-related monitoring or activities.
IoT applications typically require a single chip in and low-power dissipation for battery-operated gadgets. However, new advancements mean SoCs with graphics processing units (GPUs) that include embedded cores and integrated wireless connectivity offered in a single package. Such developments have led to IoT devices with sensors that must calculate, store, and offer reliable network capabilities. The challenge, of course, is to maintain low-energy specifications at a low cost.
Smart appliances
A new study by Transparency Market Research (TMR) indicates that — much like smart refrigerators — freezers are experiencing new market growth. The TMR report predicts the demand in the global freezers industry to increase at a CAGR of 5.0% until 2025. In terms of volume, the demand for freezers globally is also expected to increase, though at a CAGR of 6.5 percent until 2025.
There are a few reasons for these increases. Domestically, there’s been an increase in the consumption of prepared food and beverages. Commercially, there are more restaurants and cafes opening, worldwide. There’s also an increase in regulations relating to greenhouse gas emissions and interest in sustainability, which is leading to a greater demand for energy-efficient products — including freezers.
Manufacturers are transforming their products to, in some cases, employ solar energy and the Internet of Things. IoT-connected freezers allow for monitoring of internal temperature, humidity, energy use, potential water leakage or maintenance issues, and even the door status (whether it’s open or closed). A real-time monitoring dashboard on some freezers can send real-time alerts to owners.
For IoT to work effectively, connectivity will be key at a cost everyday homeowners and commercial business owners can afford.
Filed Under: Applications, Blog entry, Featured, IoT applications, Smart Wearables, Tech Articles
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