IoT in Action: Real-World Applications and Technologies

The historical context of the Internet of Things (IoT) can be traced back to the early days of the Internet and embedded systems. The concept of interconnected devices emerged in the 1960s, when researchers began exploring networked communication for sharing information among computers. The development of the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) in the 1970s laid the foundation for the modern internet, enabling disparate systems to communicate seamlessly. This era also saw the emergence of early sensors and microcontrollers, which would later become pivotal in the development of IoT technologies.
The term "Internet of Things" was popularised in 1999 by Kevin Ashton, who envisioned a world where everyday objects could connect to the internet and communicate with one another. This idea gained traction as wireless communication technologies advanced in the early 2000s, making it feasible to connect devices in various environments. With the introduction of IPv6, which vastly expanded the number of IP addresses available, the potential for connecting billions of devices became a reality. As a result, industries began to recognise the value of IoT for enhancing efficiency, productivity, and data-driven decision making.