Sensing technology brings new trends in the development of the Internet of Things

All objects will be connected, regardless of cars, containers, street lights and parking lots, or ballpoint pens, watches, glasses and coffee cups. No one now asks if the Internet of Things will appear because we have lived there and witnessed the rapid expansion of the Internet of Things. The question is how we should build the Internet of Things to meet our needs. In the next year, in 2014, some new trends will emerge, which will have a major impact on our future lives, and make our lives and work closely linked.

Because of the improved sensing technology, even everyday items like tables and chairs are quickly connected. Temperature sensors, light sensors, distance sensors, and pressure sensors are getting smaller and smaller and cheaper. Now, no one will buy a box-sized device for $50 to integrate a piece of furniture in a smart home landscape, but if the device is just an inconspicuous button size and can be bought for $1, I think people will I will reconsider this matter. Suddenly these everyday items have become "smart", which we didn't even think about before. These sensing devices are able to sense the different parameters around us and tell us what has changed.

Nowadays, almost all industries have realized automatic data exchange between connected devices, or machine-to-machine communication (M2M). Transportation companies can use sensors to optimize their vehicle routes; individuals can enjoy services based on sensors, such as package tracking; even farmers can use sensor technology to know their cows' estrus and illness. Sensing technology not only can sense a specific situation, but also share information, so that we can benefit from it, which will make it occupy an increasingly important position in our daily life.

In 2014, the consumer market for connected products and services will gain new momentum. Many companies have previously focused on business-driven M2M departments, and now they have broadened their business scope and focused on a wider range of network solutions for all areas of life. The first is telecom operators, who used to be seen as purely communication system providers. Now, they have become pioneers of the network ecosystem. They provide comprehensive network solutions for connectivity to virtually all industries, including end users. These solutions include computer operations, smart home alarm systems, and watches with emergency calling capabilities.

Even if the devices and objects we connect from are from different areas of the network, they will have something in common. They must bring us extra benefits. Once the device is connected, the opportunity to get additional services comes along. Let's take an example of automating telemetry. Operators start operating from the best of their business every day. If the vending machines are networked, they can check the volume of the goods remotely over the network, greatly reducing replenishment and maintenance costs. The connection also provides us with a wider range of development opportunities, including mobile payments and social media platforms. The use of big data analytics and machine learning to assess recorded data and predict future business will have tremendous potential for growth in the future.

A year ago, the analysis of a large amount of machine data was still in the early stages of development. Today, we have the corresponding technical knowledge and specific solutions in different market segments to support the effective implementation of large-scale assessments. For example, we can accurately observe the performance data and wear of individual wind turbine components. As the accuracy of the assessment increases, machine learning algorithms can predict when to replace components and perform repairs. The data evaluation of the vending machine can tell the operator exactly what time and where the customer will buy the product. Data evaluation creates a new basis for decision making.

Next, we will connect the data silos that are still independent today. When we combine data from different data sources, all new services are generated. This is an important interface between the Internet and the Internet of Things. It is not just a connection to machine data. Integrating data such as social media channels, weather forecasts, timetables and delays over the Internet will have tremendous potential for growth in the future.

At the moment, we also notice a strong development trend: sharing. Sharing is applicable to both digital goods and connected objects and machines. Taking cars as an example, according to data provided by the University of California, Berkeley Transportation Sustainability Research Center, the number of members sharing global car sharing has increased from 346,610 in 2006 to 1.8 million in 2012. It is estimated that this membership will increase further in 2013. The networking of objects is a prerequisite for this type of sharing. For example, the sharing of free-floating cars requires the user to know where the cars are available. With the GPS receiver on the car plus an app, you can display all available cars on their map.

While business applications must consider the benefits that can be clearly reflected on the daily balance sheet, while consumer goods are completely different, it can focus only on leisure and entertainment. In such a world with all types of sensors, there are more and more consumer devices that interact with these sensors in an interesting way. In the early days, there was a very popular game - Geography Treasure Hunt, which is a treasure hunt game using GPS positioning technology.

The structure of the Internet of Things is complex. Not all objects connected to the Internet of Things need to be rebuilt from scratch. In many areas, such as the automotive market, all we need to do is upgrade the existing database. We have to figure out the old interface so that it serves the appropriate modules. To this end, working with industry experts is essential. The right solution can only be achieved through partnerships along the value chain, and only cooperation can accelerate networking and drive market development.

The long-term goal must be to create a secure and sustainable structure based on trust, security and privacy. The autonomy of the connected system is the key to ensuring security. Even if the connection is lost, the system core can continue to operate reliably. Only in this way can our world continue to operate when the network really collapses, and we only need to temporarily give up the comfort of additional services.