Through processors, sensors, and other resources, an ordinary piece of equipment is turned into a device that can connect to the internet and perform tasks in an intelligent, coordinated way. The possibilities of IoT in Industry 4.0 are many, so keep reading and check them out!
What is IoT and why is it important?
In 1999, British technology expert Kevin Ashton introduced the term Internet of Things in a talk at Procter & Gamble (P&G).
Initially, he proposed that if computers could learn about things through data collected without human intervention, it would be possible to optimize many routine activities.
Time went by, and technology evolved rapidly in many areas that helped turn this idea into reality.
Because of the greater development of wireless networks and mobile devices, such as tablets, smartphones, and wearables like smartwatches, interest in the IoT concept grew exponentially, with smaller and more powerful processors enabling a wider range of integration activities.
IoT contributes immensely to driving technological innovation and, consequently, the economy, science, infrastructure, healthcare, and even environmental preservation. This is because, basically, we are talking about a network that connects devices to the internet and lets them access information from one another.
What is IoT used for?
IoT allows everyday objects to be connected to the internet, making people's lives easier. It can also be used to promote automation in many areas, such as industry, agriculture, healthcare, and security, for example.
In industry, IoT can be used to monitor machines, increasing their efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.
In agriculture, sensors can be installed to monitor soil moisture, avoiding water waste and helping increase productivity.
In healthcare, wearable or implantable sensors can collect information from our bodies, helping in the treatment of chronic diseases.
In security, cameras and sensors can monitor environments and raise alerts in case of danger.
In short, IoT is changing the way we interact with everyday objects, making them more connected and intelligent. This is a technology trend that is expanding rapidly, contributing to the automation of many processes and making life easier for people.
How does IoT work?
The idea behind IoT is that objects with this functionality can communicate with one another and exchange data. An IoT-enabled device is therefore nothing more than an electronic device that can communicate with other systems over a wireless connection.
In other words, the device can transmit data to a digital solution, just as happens between devices connected to the internet. A smart sensor can be applied to units of merchandise stored in your distribution center.
As products are moved, the tags with the sensors are tracked by your system. This way, you can know exactly where your products are, improving your control. This is just one of the applications in industry, a sector that is among those that benefit most from IoT.
Here are 5 uses of IoT in Industry 4.0:
1. Machine and equipment monitoring: IoT allows sensors to be installed on machines and equipment, providing real-time data on their performance, making it possible to detect failures and stoppages before they even happen, in addition to enabling predictive maintenance.
2. Product tracking: by adding smart tags to products, it is possible to track the entire process from production to delivery, allowing greater control of the production chain and reduced losses.
3. Inventory control: IoT sensors can monitor the inventory levels of raw materials, parts, and finished products, allowing more precise control and preventing shortages of any item.
4. Energy efficiency: IoT enables sensors to be installed in HVAC systems, lighting, and industrial machines, making more efficient monitoring and energy optimization of the plant possible, reducing operating costs and environmental impacts.
5. Improved safety: IoT sensors can be used to monitor accident risks, such as altitude, temperature, and levels of toxic gases, enabling better safety measures for workers and for the plant in general.
Here are 5 examples of IoT applied in everyday life:
The optimization of activities does not occur only in the market; it is also widespread in the home environment and in cities as a whole.
1. Smartwatches – one of the main examples of the Internet of Things is the smartwatch. Connected to the smartphone via IoT, the smartwatch becomes extremely practical. This is because it not only optimizes the phone's functions but also extends its capabilities. Heart rate and physical activity monitoring systems are good examples of this.
2. Smart Homes – in smart homes, electronics communicate with a smartphone so users can manage their environments in the palm of their hand. Smart refrigerators, automatic shopping systems, television, and lighting are just a few examples, which can even be controlled by voice commands.
3. Smart cars – autonomous vehicles are getting smarter thanks to IoT. With the technology, they can communicate with your mobile device and exchange data. They can also optimize the route in real time and promote safer, more economical driving.
4. Smart cities – the concept of smart cities involves applying digital technologies to improve the well-being of the population. The focus should always be the specific demand of that region, which does not rule out adopting strategies that have succeeded elsewhere. In Barcelona, for example, the garbage collection system was fully automated and works by vacuum, because the bins are connected by an underground network.
5. Drones – drones are already considered an essential part of complex IoT systems, especially because of their technology, which allows them to fly completely autonomously, based on algorithms and programming. They are applied in many areas such as civil construction, for example, whether to monitor construction sites or to enable other technologies, as in the case of smart contracts.
The Internet of Things enables better company performance, making them more operationally predictable and profitable. In the market since 2009, Enacom works on the efficient optimization of many segments using the disruptive technologies of Industry 4.0. Talk to our specialists and unlock your business's potential.