The Internet of Things ( IoT ) is the digital interconnection of anything physical (vehicles, buildings, refrigerators, watches, cell phones, etc.) with the global network, equipped with embedded technology for this purpose.
For some time now, the internet has been providing great possibilities for interaction between people, breaking down all types of barriers, whether physical or not. Now it is the turn of objects to have a certain level of intelligence and use the internet to communicate, transmit relevant information that fits the needs of man.
Recently, a smart watch saved a user’s life after detecting a very strong tachycardia (heart rate) and immediately sent the information to the doctor’s cell phone, warning him of the risk of a heart attack. The man barely escaped death, because if he had waited any longer he would have died, the doctor confirmed.
What impact does this technology have on the world?
In its initial conception, it is extremely positive. Helping humanity through computing power, helping to live better in the world, anticipating problems that could cause harm or compromise physical, emotional, or financial integrity, and even preventing the premature loss of people’s lives, is something, let’s say: divine.
But for its implementation, all this requires great care, it needs to respect the privacy, as well as the security of the people who will be exposed to so much information, being published on the network like a real ‘Big Brother’. Therefore, its essence is tremendously important, however, privacy and security precautions are necessary.
What is the relationship between the Internet of Things and consumer behavior?
Directly aimed at people, whether individuals or legal entities, in this case companies. The impact is positive in this generation and especially in future generations, when technology is more robust and consistent. Information is generated through monitoring, collection and analysis of data, greatly facilitating people to make important decisions in life, in an increasingly accurate, safe and fast way.
Companies already use this technology
Companies increasingly want efficiency in their processes and to use the monitoring capacity of embedded systems in things to anticipate failures that could compromise production and thus anticipate viable solutions at reduced costs. This is a dream for both sides, consumers and companies.
One example is the use of sensors in agricultural tractors that measure soil conditions and send data to be analyzed by systems capable of diagnosing important details in the land, and thus making suggestions for improvements to planting.
In the real estate construction market , it is possible to build smart homes so that residents can control them remotely, equipping them with thermometers, energy consumption regulators or appliance managers. All of this makes life easier for residents, as well as enabling companies to increase sales.
Why do companies need to be prepared for this reality?
IoT is the future and robotics is knocking on the door, artificial intelligence is working together to offer this new reality to people, providing a much more comfortable and safe quality of life.
Of course, all of this has its cost, the evolution of this technological wave is increasingly accelerated, however, it is not cheap to be developed, the technological input is very expensive and consumer adherence ultimately comes from the top down in the socioeconomic pyramid.
Not to mention that we are increasingly losing our privacy, as our data is becoming more and more dispersed on the internet by ourselves, and now by things. Therefore, companies need to be prepared for the General Data Protection Law – LGPD.
How to prepare for this new technology?
This technological era is so compelling, persuasive and attractive that it flows very smoothly into society. Who wouldn’t want to come home and have their digital butler ask them what they want? Or go and draw a bath, activate the devices connected to the internet for a relaxing soak in the tub? Better yet, a snack coming out automatically? That’s fantastic!
The ability of this digital butler to show, remind and encourage activities that we usually do at home, such as reading a book, exercising and putting clothes in the washing machine, comes from a technological wave where the user’s effort is minimal. What is worrying is the financial aspect, as it will not be cheap to acquire this type of technology initially, so it is necessary to prepare.
Now, speaking of technology companies, it is a great certainty that they increasingly need to develop intelligent programs, use advanced languages, train professionals, create targeted sensors, modern equipment capable of communicating with each other and with humans, all of this via the worldwide network, our beloved, versatile, addictive and adherent, internet.
The Internet of Things is here to do good
It is important to emphasize that all this intelligence comes from man. He transmits, programs and develops software capable of making decisions through Things , to solve everyday issues in our lives in a skillful, consistent and fast way. These are the objectives of this technological reality, to bring benefits to humanity. Evolution is certainly a constant improvement, as man never stops evolving and learning from his mistakes.
The path to this is through algorithms, languages, programs, artificial intelligence, modern equipment, advanced sensors and nanotechnology. All of this is increasingly modern, safe, fast and communicative, therefore using the Internet, or rather, the Internet of Things ( IoT ).
