What is the Internet of Things?

[MUSIC] 0:00 Hello, world. 0:04 Andrew here, JavaScript developer and electronics enthusiast. 0:05 In this workshop we're going to talk about the Internet of Things with JavaScript. 0:09 Firstly, what is the Internet of Things or IoT? 0:14 The Internet of Things is described as physical objects that have embedded 0:16 sensors, software, and electronics that are connected to the Internet. 0:21 Data is collected by or sent to the devices. 0:26 Internet of Things devices can connect to the Internet in a couple of ways. 0:30 Directly via WiFi or Ethernet connected to a router, or 0:34 IoT devices can connect through a gateway device like a smartphone via Bluetooth. 0:39 There are other wireless technologies too, like Zigbee and Z-Wave, 0:45 where devices connect to so-called hubs, 0:50 that in turn connect to your phone or Internet services. 0:52 Let's take a look at some examples of IoT devices. 0:56 There's the Nest thermostat that can be controlled remotely via an app. 1:00 The Nest can also automatically adapt and 1:04 program itself depending on your habits and as they change throughout the year. 1:07 Samsung produced a line of security cameras that can connect to the Internet, 1:12 so you can see what's happening when you're away from home or your office. 1:17 It also allows you to speak to intruders, relatives and 1:21 friends through a built-in speaker. 1:24 There are a number of smart lock solutions on the market, which make it easy for 1:27 you to lock and unlock your doors. 1:32 Smart locks allow you to check your doors and lock them even when you're miles away. 1:34 We all can get forgetful when we're rushed. 1:39 AirBNB hosts often use smart locks to give guests digital keys that allow 1:41 them to access their property for short amounts of time through their smartphone. 1:47 IoT is being used in the medical industry too, for 1:52 example, with smart glucose monitors. 1:55 All your blood sugar history is stored online and can be shared with your 1:58 physician, allowing more personalized and real time care. 2:02 Fitness is another area that's seen growth in IoT products. 2:05 Fitbit uses sensors to collect information on activity, and 2:10 then connects to your smartphone to send that information back to the Internet. 2:13 Not only does it help you keep track of your activity, but 2:17 you can also work on your goals with your friends too, through social features. 2:21 Have been creating smart mirrors that display calendar and 2:25 weather information, amongst other things. 2:28 This can be handy to remind you to take your umbrella 2:31 on the way out if it's going to rain later. 2:33 Retail stores can install smart signs that can be updated in real time. 2:36 This is great for AB testing sales in physical locations. 2:41 Amazon has a number of smart devices, like their Dash button. 2:45 These buttons connect to your Amazon account, and 2:49 reorders commonly used products. 2:52 This technology is being built into devices like coffee makers and 2:54 washing machines. 2:58 Lighting is another area that is being connected to the Internet. 3:00 Imagine being away from your home longer than you expected. 3:03 With Internet connected lighting, 3:07 you can switch on your bulbs when you're away to look like you're home. 3:09 With the combination of big data and 3:14 IoT, farmers are able to use algorithms to generate better crop yields. 3:16 The automotive industry are making you safer 3:21 by alerting emergency services if you're in an accident. 3:24 Climate researchers can deploy cheap, 3:28 inexpensive sensors to get approximate readings over vast distances. 3:30 If any of their weather stations report back interesting or 3:35 peculiar readings, they can go out and get more detailed readings. 3:38 Both commercial and consumer electric meters can help you monitor energy 3:43 consumption and give you suggestions on how to save electricity and money. 3:47 On production lines, sensors can be triggered when things go wrong. 3:53 If they're connected to the Internet, they can alert who needs to know immediately, 3:57 so that they can come and fix the issues. 4:01 In the next videos, we'll start looking at the solutions available for 4:04 JavaScript and the Internet of Things. 4:08