I aim to simplify all the arms of Industry 4.0. My last post focused on 3D printing (additive manufacturing). Read it here: https://thespearking.com/additive-manufacturing-and-industry-4-0-an-exciting-world/. For this post, I have chosen a different arm of Industry 4.0: The Internet of Things (IoT)
The first movie of ‘The Terminator’ was released in 1984. At the time, I was transfixed. However, I could not help thinking ‘ Here we go again’!!! another sci-fi movie. In hindsight, ‘The Terminator’ was an IoT and a sneak preview of the ‘real-life’ world to come.
The Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
‘The Internet of Things’ (IoT) describes the network of physical objects—“things”—that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies. The purpose is to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet. Note the word ‘Data’ .https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_of_things
A subgroup of the above is the Industrial Internet of things (IIoT). This is the connection of machine to machine within industries. This enables the understanding of processes involved in manufacturing and production. The aim is to improve sustainability and efficiency. However, the crucial reward is to facilitate automation. DOI: 10.1109/TII.2018.2852491.
A simplified definition of Automation is ‘When most or all of the machines/processes run with little or no human control; to perform work without the aid of people’. SCARY!!
Layman’s explanation of the Internet of Things (IoT)
Devices/machines are connected via the internet and can talk/think as one, enabling the exchange information with the aim of improving function and collecting data.? This creates a cyber-physical system
Do you know How devices/machines connected?
I wondered this and decided to find out. ?. Wireless technology such as 3G and mainly, 4G are essential. In applications where 4G is not effective, 5G is hoped to be the game-changer for complex communication. 4G technology can be disturbed by buildings and microwaves. It is also slower at a speed of 1 Gigabit per second
…..5G?
5G is superior to 4G. It is faster (speed: 10 Gigabits per second) reliable and can connect up to 1000 devices ? at the same time. An advantage of 5G is its ability to connect IoT devices to smart environments using sensors. In the future, it is hoped that 5G can connect multiple small devices to form one large IoT. These devices will connect and interact without human support. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jii.2018.01.005
….What about the other G’s??
G = generation.
2G enables text messaging
3G enables phone calls, send text and browse the internet
4G enables phone calls, send text, browse the internet and download/upload videos
5G is a higher frequency signal therefore does not travel as far as 4G. Hence the need for multiple input and output antenna’s (MIMO) in areas that offer 5G.
https://gizmodo.com/what-is-5g-and-how-will-it-make-my-life-better-1760847799
Application areas of IoT Technologies
How does this affect me, you ask??
IoT is already around you, you probably already own a ‘thing’ that runs/works with the internet.
For me, it’s my Mobile, Smart Watch, Laptop/ Internet devices, and Car. For the majority of us, this list includes home lightenings which you can turn on from miles away, electrical gadgets like a refrigerator that reminds you to purchase milk, street cameras that can recognize faces, security systems, and the list goes on.
IoT is already in use to monitor:
- Structural health of buildings
- Waste management
- Air quality
- Noise management
- Traffic congestion
- City energy consumption
- Smart lightenings
- Smart Parking
I don’t trust that Artificial Intelligence (AI) called ‘Alexa’ AKA Delilah. Firstly, It is a woman that can control all your IoT (Smart devices)?. Secondly, for ‘Delilah’ to respond to you, she will need to listen to your whole conversation. YEAP, Delilah is listening to everything you say within your home, using a device that you paid for, and collecting your information/data for free?.
For most companies, the delight is the ease of data collection from the IoT. Personally, I am uncomfortable with the way data/information is collected. Unfortunately, I cannot do without my IoT?.
Take home message: Regarding IoT, How well do we understand the ‘Terms and conditions’?? Are you happy with Delilah? (Don’t know who Delilah is? Read the last 2 paragraphs?)
