Ari Abramson

The Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the concept that everyday objects are able to connect to the internet, which allows them to send and receive data through a dynamic global network. Society is becoming more reliant on technology by the day. New objects are acquiring the ability to connect to the internet at a rapid rate. We are now tracking entities that have never been tracked before, allowing humans to use newly available information to improve process or make better decisions.

The data being generated and stored by the “smart” everyday items is done through a standard database, similar to the ones we designed using entity relationship diagrams in the beginning of the course. Tools like ETL, SQL, and R are used to slice and dice the data generated by connected device. This data is then turned into information, and which leads humans to make better decisions with the information that is available to them.

LG developed the first web-enabled refrigerator in 2000, called the “Internet Digital DIOS”. The device connected to the internet, allowed the user to shop online, and serve as a video phone, all made possible through an internal computer and a 15.1 inch LCD screen. Since the first smart refrigerator was invented, other leading tech companies have followed suit. Samsung’s new RF28K9580SG not only has a built-in LCD touchscreen and WiFi compatibility, but a powerful food management system. The refrigerator uses three built-in cameras to take pictures of the refrigerator’s interior, making it easy for the consumer to order groceries online right from the fridge’s user interface.

We’ve seen watches. We’ve seen refrigerators. We’ve seen toothbrushes. As technology continues to evolve, there is no telling what will be next to connect to the global network.