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Delve into the often-overlooked Internet of Things History, uncovering the contributions of the individuals who made connected devices a reality.
Introduction to IoT

IoT means Internet of Things. Linked items, such as autos and appliances, include sensors, software, and connections to connect and share data. This technology collects and shares data from a massive network of devices, enabling more automated and effective processes.
The networking of physical items with electronics integrated into their architecture for communication and interaction detection between them or with the outside world is known as the Internet of Things (IoT). Advanced services will be provided by IoT-based technology in the coming years, which will essentially transform how people live their daily lives. IoT is well-established in a number of categories, including biomedicine, power, gene therapy, agriculture, smart cities, and smart homes.
Uniquely identifier-tagged things, electronic devices, digital and mechanical gear, objects, animals, and humans form the Internet of Things (IOT). and the ability to transport data across a network that requires human or computer connection.
What is Internet of Things?
IoT is the network of linked devices and the technology that lets devices communicate with the cloud and other devices. Low-cost computer chips and high-bandwidth connectivity have connected billions of items to the internet. This implies vacuums, cars, machines, and toothbrushes may use sensors to gather data and intelligently respond to users.
The internet is integrated with commonplace “things” through the Internet of Things. Since the 1990s, computer engineers have made sensors and processors a part of commonplace items. However, due of the large and heavy chips, development was initially sluggish. Tracking costly equipment was the original application for RFID tags, which are low-power computer chips. These chips grew in size, speed, and intelligence over time as computer systems got smaller.
It is becoming far less expensive to incorporate processing power into little items. You can, for instance, give MCUs with less than 1MB of embedded RAM like light switches Alexa speech services capability. With an emphasis on equipping homes, workplaces, and enterprises with IoT devices, an entire industry has emerged. Data can be automatically sent to and from the Internet by these smart items. The Internet of Things is the collective term for all of these “invisible computing devices” and the related technology.
Internet of Things History
You will learn about IOT’s involvement here, and you will also understand how IOT contributes to these advances when each is explained!

The vending machine in 1982
A Carnegie Mellon University vending machine that was linked to the internet to transmit its inventory and status gave rise to remote monitoring, which was the first indication of the Internet of Things.
The Toaster, 1990
A toaster that was connected to the internet and could be controlled remotely was an early example of IoT innovation, hinting at the ease of smart home appliances.
IoT created in 1999 (Kevin Ashton)
The phrase “Internet of Things” was created by Kevin Ashton to refer to the network of networked objects that communicate and share data, establishing the groundwork for a new era of connectedness.
LG Smart Refrigerator, 2000
An example of the Internet of Things’ potential in everyday life was the LG Smart Fridge, which was revolutionary because it allowed users to remotely monitor and control the refrigerator’s contents.
Smart Watch, 2004
Smartwatches brought IoT to the wearable technology space by providing on-the-go fitness tracking and notifications.
The Smart iPhone in 2007
Apple’s iPhone changed the game by combining IoT features with apps that linked consumers to a wide range of devices and services, turning handsets into hubs.
Car Testing in 2009
With the advent of IoT, automobiles now have sensors for remote testing, performance monitoring, and real-time diagnostics.
The Smart TV of 2011
With the advent of Smart TVs, the Internet of Things entered the living room, allowing for internet access for interactive content, streaming, and app use.
Google Lens (2013)
Google Lens demonstrated the Internet of Things’ promise in picture identification, enabling smartphones to offer details about real-world objects.
2014 echo
Amazon’s Echo with Alexa demonstrated voice-activated IoT’s promise by making smart homes more responsive and usable.
In 2015, Tesla Autopilot
Tesla’s Autopilot enabled semi-autonomous driving with networked sensors and software.
Evolution of IoT
The rise of the Internet of Things is accelerating global connectivity. The Internet of Things consists of millions of internet-connected physical items. It gives every business a platform to promote creativity and efficiency. Even though the technology is still in its infancy, it has enormous financial potential and is the next step in the linked world’s evolution, with the statement “interconnectedness is the new normal” being a fitting one.
How does IoT work?
Real-time data collection and exchange is how a typical Internet of Things system operates.
Smart devices
This is a gadget that has been endowed with processing power, such as a television, security camera, or workout equipment. It gathers information from its surroundings, user inputs, or usage trends, and transmits that information to and from its Internet of Things application via the internet.
IoT application
A collection of software and services that combine data from multiple IoT devices is called an IoT application. To evaluate this data and come to wise judgements, it makes use of artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning technologies. The Internet of Things (IoT) device receives these decisions and reacts to inputs intelligently.
A graphical user interface
A graphical user interface can manage IoT devices or fleets. A website or mobile application that may be used to register and manage smart devices are typical examples.
Why is IoT important?
Smarter living and work are made possible by IoT. IoT-enabled gadgets, such smartwatches, thermostats, and automobiles, can help consumers live better lives. For instance, a person’s thermostat could be programmed to a certain temperature, their automobile could speak to the garage to open the door when they get home, and their lighting could be dimmed and changed to a more subdued hue.
IoT not only provides smart home automation devices but is also vital to business. It gives businesses a real-time glimpse into how their systems function, offering insights into anything from supply chain and logistics operations to machine efficiency.
With the help of IoT, machines can now finish laborious jobs without human assistance. Process automation can help businesses save money on labour, eliminate waste, and enhance service quality. Transparency into consumer transactions and lower manufacturing and delivery costs are two benefits of IoT.
The Internet of Things is developing further as more companies recognise how linked devices may help them stay competitive.