People with non-technical background must have had used an IoT device at some point in their life even if they had no idea what is IoT. We now live in a world where there are more IoT devices than non-IoT devices. As per IoT Analytics, there are already approximately 19 billion IoT devices in the world. The number of devices is currently growing at 13% but courtesy of 5G networks and other technologies, the number will easily exceed 40 billion by 2030. So, it is safe to say that the world will be driven by IoT technologies if not already. The term IoT is not new as it has been around in the industries for decades. However, its popularity has exploded in recent times because of its ability to automate tasks, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.
In this blog, let us study what is IoT in layman terms. We will start our discussion with a real-life example that signifies the importance of such technology in our everyday life.
IoT in Everyday Life
Let us consider that you have no idea what IoT means. However, imagine a day when you wake up and your smart alarm system adjusts itself automatically. It has all the data related to your calendar appointments and schedules and knows that it is an important day for you. As you get out of bed and go to the living room, you observe that your coffee machine is already on. It has started brewing your coffee after getting a signal from your alarm. At the same time, your refrigerator has noticed that you are now short on milk and has updated your shopping list app.
On your way to the office, the navigation system of your car reroutes you to a non-traffic route. It has gained insights from the sensors fixed around the city and knows which path has the least traffic. Did you realize that you didn’t have to interfere in any of these tasks? This is automation achieved by seamless connectivity between devices. Now, this connectivity is achieved with the help of a technology called Internet of Things (IoT). And one of its applications is connecting our daily life objects and enhancing our routine through smart automation.
What is IoT?
Let us first understand what IoT means. Essentially, the Internet of Things (IoT) embodies a game-changing technology that is revolutionizing industries and changing the way we live by expanding the Internet to include the physical objects in our lives. Through Access control Of IoT devices, they can talk and work with each other, becoming efficient machines and creating new insights across many domains, from your smartphone to industrial machines.
History of IoT
The roots of IoT technology that we see today can be traced back to the 1980s. College students of Carnegie Mellon University made modifications to the vending machines for Coca Cola to keep track of the content from a distance. However, it was found that technology was a little heavy and no significant progress was made
The term “Internet of Things” was actually first given by the computer scientist named Kelvin Ashton. He was working at Procter & Gamble when offered the idea of embedding RFID chips on packages to keep track of products present in the supply chain. Over the next decade, the interest in IoT grew as more smart devices emerged in the market.
Core Components of IoT Architecture
An IoT system typically comprises several Building Blocks Of IoT:
1. Devices/Sensors:
The others are the IoT's 'things', from everyday objects to complex industrial tools. These IoT devices collect data, such as temperature readings device stats, or location information using IoT sensors equipped on these devices.
2. Connectivity:
Connectivity is the ways the devices are connected and work together over the internet to send the data they acquire. Communication protocols in IoT Technologies such as WiFi, Bluetooth Low Energy, cellular networks, and LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Networks) could all be part of this type of this.
3. Data Processing:
It’s the process of taking those transmitted data and processing them through IoT Data Visualizer in the cloud or at the network’s edge so that complex computational functions can be done, like real-time data analysis or machine learning algorithms.
4. User Interface:
An important piece of the IoT system, usually through mobile apps, web platforms, or other interfaces for monitoring and control of connected devices.
What Technologies Have Made IoT Possible?
Parallel advancement in certain technologies have caused the evolution of IoT, yielding its current form that we see today. Let us discuss some of the core technologies that help in building the IoT we know today-
Connectivity
There cannot be any IoT technology without connectivity, which is the core idea behind the entire concept. As numerous protocols for the internet emerged in the market, it became quite easier to tether the cloud, sensors, and other physical devices.
Machine Learning and Analytics
Since smartly managing data lies at the heart of IoT, machine learning and analytics has emerged as another key component of the Internet of Things. Regular progress in the field of machine learning and analytics have made the method of collating data and deriving insights quite easier.
Sensor Technologies
The role of sensors in an IoT technology is instrumental. As economical and economical sensor technologies have become greatly accessible, engineering IoT environments have become a lot more simpler.
Benefits of IoT (Internet Of Things) Technology
Increased Efficiency and Productivity
Through automated processes and real-time insights, IoT brings in better operational efficiencies across sectors and helps manage resources and make better decisions.
Cost Reduction
By catching problems early and utilizing resources optimally, especially in manufacturing and energy management, savings can be huge.
Enhanced Quality of Life
Smart devices make it easier and faster to do core tasks, offer more control of our home's security, and increase the monitoring of our health, all of which lead to a better quality of life.
Innovation and New Business Models
IoT creates new business opportunities by opening up new product service business models where the customer pays for the use of the product rather than acquiring ownership.
Improved Customer Experience
IoT devices analyze customer preferences and offer personalized services, providing recommendations tailored to individual user requirements.
Increased Automation
IoT allows for remote monitoring and control of machines. It simplifies daily tasks by automating the processes, ensuring smooth operations and saving time and effort.
Safety
Real-time environment monitoring by IoT devices ensures a more secure living and working environment by sending out notifications for any dangers like fire, gas leaks, or security breaches.
Challenges and Concerns In IoT
Despite its advantages, IoT also poses significant challenges:
Security Concerns
With so many devices connected with billions of others, protecting ourselves and our privacy from unauthorized access and breaches in data must be encrypted.
Interoperability Issues
Though different manufacturers and technologies can create issues, seamless communication between devices can be difficult.
Data Management and Privacy
IoT devices generate immense volumes of data that have to be stored efficiently which also poses issues around data privacy and user consent.
Scalability Issues
As IoT networks continue to grow, it is critical to keep performance and reliability on track, requiring large investments in robust infrastructure and technology.
Also Read
IoT in Agriculture | Everything You Need to Know
What Is the Conceptual Framework of IoT?
How Should Businesses Approach IoT?
The Internet of Things can allow businesses to revolutionize operations, make customer's experience better, and take innovation to a new height. Here’s how they should approach IoT integration:
1. Identify Business Goals
First, know what IoT can do for your business on a specific level. Success will be the result of IoT implementation if the goals are clearly defined such as reducing costs improving operational efficiency or improving customer experience.
2. Conduct a Feasibility Study
Explore the current infrastructure and technology capabilities in place. Assess network capacity, data management capabilities, and cybersecurity measures to ensure they can support IoT systems.
3. Choose the Right Technology
Choose IoT solutions that meet business goals and the technical environment. Consider scalability, compatibility with existing systems, and ease of integration to ensure seamless adoption and future expansion.
4. Focus on Data Security and Privacy
Protect data and private data with robust security measures. Establish encryption, access controls, and regular security audits risk mitigation security strategy for IoT devices.
5. Start with Pilot Projects
Try to solve smaller-scale IoT solutions with pilot projects. It provides the space for businesses to iterate the viability and impact of IoT applications, gather information, and create strategy before large-scale deployment.
6. Foster a Culture of Innovation
Indulge yourself into a culture that loves innovation and continuous improvement. Frame IoT as a means of innovation, and leverage IoT data to strategically drive innovation and decision-focused initiatives.
7. Partner with IoT Experts
Connect with technology partners and IoT experts who can walk you through technology and IoT ecosystem implementation, as well as help you navigate a complex IoT ecosystem.
Strategically planned and methodically integrated IoT helps businesses unlock new opportunities, stay competitive, and pave the way for future technological advances.
Applications of IoT
IoT’s potential is vast, influencing various sectors with numerous applications:
Smart Homes:
Facilitating automation and remote control of home devices, including lighting, heating systems, and security cameras. Smart thermostats such as Nest will adjust heating according to user habits while offering the comfort and efficiency of energy.
Industrial IoT (IIoT):
IoT in manufacturing in production is used for highly advanced equipment and machinery monitoring, prediction of failures, as well as automation of processes in order to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
IoT in Healthcare:
IoT plays a major role in healthcare as it helps healthcare providers in remote monitoring of patients, improving healthcare mechanisms, and data-driven decision-making. Connecting healthcare devices leads to early disease detection, personalized treatment plans, real-time data collection, more efficiency in healthcare, and better outcomes for the patients.
Agriculture:
IoT supports precision farming by integrating sensors and drones to monitor crop health, soil quality, and moisture levels using Humidity sensors, thus optimizing resource use and improving crop yields.
Automotive:
Vehicles are increasingly connected, offering features like real-time navigation, remote diagnostics, and even autonomous driving capabilities, revolutionizing transportation.
Weather Systems Using IoT:
Weather tracking systems enhanced through IoT can collect precise meteorological data in real-time. Essentially, such systems can be used to collect data related to wind speed, humidity, temperature, and more. The collected data can then be sent to remote users to keep them up to date with weather patterns over a location. This data can help users make informed decisions related to farming, traveling, logistics, pest control, etc.
Since there are vast applications of IoT in various industries, career opportunities are abundant and lucrative. Let us explore that further-
Career Opportunities in IoT
Presently, there are approximately 3.9 million developers in industrial IoT and 4.3 million consumer electronics developers. The number of startups and enterprises involved in IoT projects are also growing exponentially. The market value is soaring and has already reached an estimate of $1.03 trillion in 2025. Therefore, irrespective of whether you are a weathered professional or a new graduate, the possibilities of a rewarding career path are endless. Prominent job roles in this domain include IoT security/specialist, IoT developer, Cloud Engineer, Embedded Engineer, IoT Solution Architect, IoT System Administrator, etc.
However, it is a demanding field and requires a vast range of skill sets and dedication. To gain a good career path, IoT developers must have a good grasp on the fundamentals of the IoT ecosystem, programming languages, and hardware concepts. Essentially, freshers must look to boost their skills in C/C++, Java, Python, data analytics, cloud computing, data visualization, artificial intelligence, machine learning, encryption techniques, etc. It is advisable to go through various IoT interview questions like what is IoT to be aware of recruiter expectations. As per Indeed, the average salary of an IoT developer in United States in 2025 is $108,930.
The Future of IoT
IoT has a bright future with the progression of AI, Machine learning, and 5G connectivity. But these technologies will help make more intelligent, autonomous systems, that integrate IoT even further into smart cities, personalized healthcare, and energy-efficient solutions.
There is a very good chance that IoT will become an even more pivotal part of daily life, and industrial applications too, for there are simply no benefits or efficiencies it won’t bring in its wake.
Conclusion
Understanding what is IoT? and IoT levels we can conclude that the Internet of Things is a leap towards a world where intelligent, more effective systems change industries and enrich our daily lives. Solving issues like security and Interoperability, however, doesn't quite get us there.
As more and more technologies continue to advance, IoT stands poised to enable even more innovation for the next new oil field it accelerates the production of, productivity, the safety of ours, and the convenience for our economies.
FAQs for Internet of Things
- What is IoT in simple terms?
The term IoT (Internet of Things) refers to the network of connected physical devices embedded with sensors and internet connectivity. It allows devices to communicate and exchange data between themselves and between devices and the cloud.
- Who defined IoT?
IoT was developed by a computer scientist, Kelvin Ashton, in 1999 while working at Procter & Gamble. He believed that radio-frequency identification (RFID) was crucial to the Internet of Things at that time because it would enable computers to control every single device.
- Where is IoT used in daily life?
IoT is used in many aspects of our daily lives, like agriculture, healthcare, transportation, smart homes, and wearable devices, by embedding sensors and automation to make our daily lives secure, faster, and efficient.
- What are the common examples of IoT?
The common examples of IoT include voice assistance like Amazon Echo, smart home and kitchen equipment like smart refrigerators, smart locks, home heating and cooling, smart TVs, self-driving cars, and home security systems.
5. What is the difference between IoT and WoT?
Ans: The difference between IoT and WoT is that IoT allows you to connect physical devices to the internet. Where WoT allows you to integrate the IoT devices with the web standard to drive communication through web protocols for a broader interoperability process.
