As a whole, the Internet of Things is more than just cellular phones and computers but

rather include all kinds of smart devices. New opportunities have and continue to present

themselves in order to maximize efficiency and to improve the customer experience. The only

real requirements to become a part of the Internet of Things is having the ability to connect to

the internet while being able to collect and share data without actions by a human being. The

various types of Internet of Things devices include consumer applications, commercial

applications, industrial applications, infrastructure applications and military applications.

Consumer applications are everyday consumer devices that can, and usually do,

increase an individual’s quality of life. Devices like the Apple watch are known mostly for the

wireless capability of answering phone calls, text messages, or alerts on the watch screen

without needing to touch the wireless device itself. Baseline studies have shown that devices

like the Apple watch are capable of replacing medical equipment such as heart monitors and

can transmit the data to medical professionals.

Commercial devices are those that are similar to commercial devices, but are typically

larger scale and on a business level. In the healthcare industry, implanted devices such as

pacemakers can be directly connected to the internet to constantly report accurate data in real

time. Sensors in health equipment allow for the equipment to be found quickly by healthcare

workers. For example, if a patient goes into cardiac arrest and the on-call physician needs a

defibrillator cart then the physician will know exactly where the closest cart is.

Transportation has been affected by the Internet of Things as well. Uber and Lyft have

used revolutionized the way people move around in their every-day lives. In only a few buttons
a person can have a vehicle ready to pick them up and drop them off at their desired location

for only a few dollars. Toll booths utilize sensors to sense toll passes and cameras to take

photos of license plates of passing vehicles. This alone cuts down a substantial amount of time

for drivers since there is no need to stop and fiddle around with physical money.

The military uses drones and other technology for reconnaissance purposes. Devices

such as drones, embedded sensors and hidden cameras for collecting information that can be

gathered through remote monitoring stations. As an example, sensors can be imbedded within

walls or around the outer security perimeter of a military installation or camp to set off an alert

when tampered with or crossed. This is an efficient way for personnel to keep track of

movements within compounds while making sure military personnel are safe to conduct their

daily activities.

Our infrastructure is the backbone of society, providing the framework for the everyday

workings of society. The Internet of Things offers ways to monitor and control the operation of

both rural and urban architecture types such as bridges, windfarms and railroads. In turn, this

can safe a great deal of money and increase efficiency of critical infrastructure systems. The

railway system is a vital part of our economy, transporting both good and people daily. Sensors

have been developed and placed on railways to track trains all across the country. These

sensors are designed to monitor and record statistics such as pressure, temperature, humidity,

deformation, and locations of trains with their speeds.

Many iconic bridges, along with less popular ones, have Internet of Things devices

installed on them. These devices are designed to monitor and analyze the condition of the
bridge in order to detect any faults in the structure that could pose a danger to people. Sensors

send the real time data to a central monitoring network where it is logged and stored. If there

are potential safety threats of these bridges then alerts can be sent out enabling the repair or

closure of affected structure before anyone can get hurt or cause more damage.

Internet of Things networks are still considered relatively new technology especially

with its recent year surge in popularity. There is almost an unimaginable amount of ways that

these devices can be used in our daily lives, even if we don’t realize it. Internet of Things

devices are not only everywhere but, they are also flexible in how they collect, store and use

data to ensure safety and efficiency make our lives better.