Examples of connected smart devices out and about

IoT devices are not limited to the home. In fact, many devices are connected to the IoT to make the world outside of our homes more efficient and safer.

Device 3: The smart shelf

There are a number of smart systems that are being used in warehouses to track stock. For example, there are systems that use RFID tags to keep track of items on shelves, so you can easily find out how much you have, and where it is.

Device 4: The smart delivery

If you have RFID-tagged items, then it makes sense to track them once they leave the warehouse and go out for delivery. This opens up a great deal of opportunity for logistics, quality and security. GPS tracking has been around for quite a while, but now you could know where your products are, how many are still on the van, and, if you are willing to integrate with your customers’ stock systems, it could also tell you that they all made it safely into their stock rooms.

Device 5: The smart car

Not long ago, the idea of a driverless car would have been considered an exciting idea for the far future. Today, a number of car manufacturers and researchers are showing off their driverless cars, and there are regular predictions of a near future in which we can all sit back and let the machines take us from place to place.

But being ‘smart’ isn’t just about safely driving around autonomously. Most modern vehicles today have a number of connected systems. As an example, consider the keyless start function that uses RFID to detect the presence of your key fob; Bluetooth connections for music and phone calls; built-in satellite navigation, and more. Each of these can be considered an IoT device, even if it isn’t clearly separated from the environment in which it sits.

Your task

Do you think connecting devices to the IoT really makes the world a more efficient and safe place or does it just introduce more problems?