Summary
Highlights
Benson, a self-described 'geek,' introduces the Internet of Things (IoT) as the next major technological leap. He explains that while the internet was initially about connecting people and information, the IoT extends this connectivity to everyday objects, allowing them to sense, communicate, and interact with each other. This shift promises to change the world again, enabling things to share experiences and collaborate.
The core concept of IoT involves giving 'things' the ability to sense, communicate, and control. Just as humans interact with their environment through five senses, IoT devices are equipped with sensors to gather data (e.g., location, movement, light, sound) and communicate over networks. This intersection of human and 'thing' interaction allows for a new level of environmental awareness and control.
Benson provides several personal examples of IoT devices, starting with smartphones, which possess numerous sensors and communication capabilities. He then discusses a fitness-tracking bracelet, a smart thermostat (Nest), connected light bulbs, a smart garage door opener, and a dog collar tracker. He also mentions tools like Arduino boards and programmable automation controllers that can add sensing and communication to existing 'dumb' objects.
Illustrating the practical applications of IoT, Benson describes a typical morning. His armband detects his sleep cycle and gently wakes him, triggering a chain of events: his smart thermostat pre-cools his house, his coffee maker starts, and his bedside lamp brightens. He checks his sleep data, takes his dog for a walk using a GPS tracker, and manages his smart spa and water-saving sprinkler system via an app. He even monitors his wine aging in a barrel from miles away.
Major corporations like GE, IBM, Samsung, Google, and Apple are heavily investing in IoT, with acquisitions like SmartThings by Samsung and Nest by Google demonstrating the massive financial commitment. The IoT was 'born' around 2008 when connected devices outnumbered people. Currently, there are over 10 billion IoT devices, projected to reach 50 billion by 2020, driving billions in economic growth across various industries.
Beyond business, IoT promises to improve quality of life. The ability to sense, communicate, and acquire data will lead to better healthcare through remote diagnostics, safer environments with early warning systems, and increased comfort and convenience through automation. Benson introduces the knowledge pyramid, suggesting that IoT's data collection capabilities can transform raw data into knowledge and ultimately, wisdom, benefiting humanity.
Despite its potential, IoT faces challenges. One is human resistance to change, or the 'Who Moved My Cheese' syndrome, similar to the slow adoption of past transformative technologies. Another is complexity; current IoT systems are often difficult for the average user to integrate. Privacy and security are paramount concerns, as users need assurance that their personal data is protected and devices are secure, akin to online banking security.
Benson concludes with a powerful hypothetical scenario: his armband detects a medical emergency (heart attack) and proactively alerts him, recommends actions, and transmits his vital signs to his doctor. The doctor then dispatches EMTs with his medical data, leading to timely intervention and saving his life. This example underscores the profound potential of IoT to significantly enhance quality of life and even save lives, making the 'internet of things' truly worthwhile.