We’re sure you would have watched a Hollywood sci-fi movie where the hero snaps his fingers and all lights turn on or off. Or where someone scans their thumb to open a secret locker. Awesome right? Well, technology like this is no longer limited to the realm of science fiction. With the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart devices, today devices can connect and engage with each other without human intervention.
Have you ever wondered what is IoT and where can it be used? If yes, you have come to the right place! In this guide, we explain what is IoT and list the
top IoT applications India. Let’s get started.
The Definition of IoT
Technopedia defines IoT
as, “The Internet of Things is a concept that describes everyday appliances connected to the internet and with other devices over the internet.”
With IoT, your everyday devices can get “smarter” and offer added functionality. You would have probably come across terms like Smart TVs, smart lights, smart locks and more. It’s predicted that smart devices will soon become the norm instead of an exception.
IoT devices are equipped with sensors that collect data from the environment and transmit the collected information via the internet to a processing algorithm/software. This software then allows these devices to perform highly functional and value-added tasks. Due to their incredible benefits and advantages, IoT devices are exploding in popularity steadily. Studies reveal that on average around 127 devices are synced to the internet every second.
List of Top 8 IoT Applications in India
Let’s take a look at the top 8 IoT applications in India:
Smart Homes
Smart homes are the most popular and practical applications of IoT. Smart homes offer both added convenience and home security. Though there are several IoT applications for smart homes, the best feature is the one that combines utility, entertainment and security. For example, you can use smart locks on your door that alert you when there are signs of forced entry, while recognising each member of your home with their thumbprints. Automatic lights, smart AC, smart remotes, smart utility systems are all examples of smart home applications.
Smart City
A smart city is a technological utopia where not just the citizens but all devices are connected to high-speed internet. The Indian government has an ambitious programme to usher in the era of smart cities in the country. Efforts are made by corporations, state governments and the national government to build smart cities that excel in traffic management, water management, waste management, electricity distribution and more.
Wearables
From fitness bands to smart watches, virtual glasses to blood sugar monitors, wearable devices are immensely popular right now. These smart devices have made their way into our daily lives. Equipped with sensors, these devices can track crucial data and provide you with detailed insights about your daily lives. For example, smart watches can help you keep track of your emails and calls right on your wrist without reaching for your mobile phones.
Smart Hospitals
Wearables and sensors connected to patients make it possible for doctors and nurses to track and monitor patient health records in real-time. These devices alert doctors if there are any changes in the vital signs of a patient, helping them intervene quickly without losing out on precious time. Another example is integrating IoT technology with the hospital beds, helping doctors observe blood pressure, oxygen levels, body temperature and other vital signs in real-time from anywhere.
Smart Traffic Management
Indian roads are notorious for traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. IoT can help in alleviating traffic off roads, by monitoring and diverting traffic in real-time. These sensors can show the condition of different routes as well as real-time traffic on these roads, helping drivers use other less congested roads.
Smart Fleet Management
Installing IoT sensors in trucks can help drivers and their managers monitor and track fleet movement in real-time. Both the driver and the manager can access a huge array of data, helping them make smarter decisions improving productivity. One example of smart fleet management is receiving alarms regarding truck maintenance helping drivers proactively detect and avoid roadside breakdowns.
Smart Agriculture
IoT is slowly making its way into our farms and fields. The applications of IoT in farming are many. For example, sensors mounted in the ground can detect the quality of soil helping farmers gain valuable information about the soil condition. Based on this data, farmers can choose the right crops that will offer higher yields without depleting soil nutrients. Another example is using smart sensors to irrigate farms. These sensors can turn on/off sprinklers at the right time, helping them uniformly irrigate fields without wasting precious water.
Smart Hospitality
IoT brings a whole world of convenience and benefits to the hospitality industry. By using electronic sensors and mobile apps, guests can skip the check-in counters and head directly to their rooms using digital keys sent directly to their mobile devices. Using the geolocation of each guest, hotels and restaurants can send customised and personalised offers, thus improving sales and profits.
The Future is IoT Powered
We are just in the nascent stages of IoT technology. As the technology is being experimented across industries, we can expect numerous applications that make our daily lives faster, better and smarter. If you are interested in exploring the potentials of IoT for your business, get in touch with FutureAlgos. As the top IoT services provider for small businesses, we help you make your business future proof with IoT and other technologies. Speak to our technology experts today.
