According to the Consumer Affairs Journal of Research, an estimated 57% of U.S. households have at least one smart home device. From smart thermostats and sensors to security systems and beyond, these interconnected devices can improve quality of life, reduce energy consumption, and automate daily routines.
However, these devices aren’t just for consumer applications; they’re also being adapted across a wide range of industries, such as healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and even agriculture.
If you’re interested in a career that uses these interconnected devices to improve processes and enhance everyday life, it’s essential to understand the Internet of Things (IoT) — and how IoT devices are shaping the future.
What Is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
The Internet of Things refers to a network of interconnected devices that communicate with each other and exchange data across the Internet. You can find IoT devices almost anywhere, with some common household examples including:
- Smart thermostats
- Doorbell cameras
- Fitness trackers/smart watches
- Smart appliances
How Does IoT Work?
Put simply, IoT devices “work” by connecting to the internet and collecting, uploading, and exchanging the data needed to operate. There are four main components that an IoT device needs:
- Devices and sensors – These are used to collect information/data that is shared over a network.
- Connectivity – Connectivity refers to how a device connects to a network. Wi-Fi is the most common method, but some devices may connect via Bluetooth or even cellular data.
- Data processing – This is how data is collected and used. While methods vary, many types of processing rely on artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to identify trends and extract insights from data.
- User interface – The user interface is the front end of the device that the user interacts with (usually in the form of an app).
Benefits of IoT (Value, Efficiency, Cost-Savings, Enhanced Experience)
Because IoT devices are constantly connected and exchanging data, they can offer numerous benefits to users — particularly when it comes to cost savings, efficiency, and the overall user experience. Specific IoT device advantages include:
- Increased efficiency – IoT devices can automate time-consuming tasks, which streamlines workflows and boosts efficiency.
- Cost savings – IoT automation can minimize waste while optimizing resource allocation, helping cut down on costs.
- Enhanced user experience – IoT devices with user-friendly interfaces allow for easy control of devices, customization, and other practical features that enhance the user experience.
- Greater visibility – IoT devices make it possible to better monitor and manage resources and assets, giving users a greater sense of visibility and control.
- Scalability and flexibility – IoT devices and systems are flexible enough to grow with businesses and individuals as needed.
How IoT Is Transforming Daily Life
You’d be hard-pressed to find an American household where IoT devices aren’t present. In fact, data suggests that the average U.S. household owns 21 connected devices.
Smart Homes
One of the most common IoT devices involves smart home technology, which users leverage to monitor, control, and manage many aspects of their homes. Common examples include smart thermostats, water leak detectors, smart lighting, and video doorbells.
Wearable Devices
These devices can assist with remote health monitoring, fitness/nutritional logging, and even communication. Common household examples include smart watches, fitness trackers, and wearable medical devices.
Connected Vehicles
Some newer vehicles come equipped with IoT devices. For example, built-in sensors can tell car owners when their vehicles will need preventive or predictive maintenance and repairs. Connected navigation systems, meanwhile, may be able to reroute drivers around traffic in real time.
The Role of IoT in Industry
Aside from everyday household and consumer products, IoT devices can be used in several different industries to streamline operations, maximize efficiency, and reduce costs.
Healthcare
Hospitals are using IoT devices to improve patient outcomes with innovations like automated medication dispensers and wearable medical sensors. Sensors on medical equipment can notify staff when preventive maintenance is needed and ensure that costly equipment doesn’t go missing.
Manufacturing
IoT in manufacturing can improve quality control by embedding sensors on production lines. This helps detect flaws and defects in products and manufacturing processes before goods reach the consumer. Furthermore, IoT can be used to automate processes, better maintain costly equipment, and streamline operations.
Agriculture
In agriculture, IoT innovations like smart irrigation systems help ensure that crops receive the right amount of water while also reducing water waste. Meanwhile, wearable devices (such as smart collars) can help farmers better monitor the health of their livestock to prevent disease outbreaks.
Retail
Interconnected devices in retail help automate time-consuming processes, such as the replenishment of inventory. From a customer experience standpoint, IoT innovations can also be used to automate checkout processes, thus reducing wait times.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the many advantages of IoT devices, there are some inherent obstacles and challenges that need to be addressed.
Data Privacy and Security
With so much IoT data being constantly collected, exchanged, and stored, there’s always a concern over data privacy and security. Data breaches and other cyberattacks can result in sensitive user information being compromised, which may lead to reputational (and legal) concerns for businesses.
Interoperability
Devices from different manufacturers may not integrate smoothly, making deployment and upgrades more complex.
Scalability
Because of the large amount of data collected and exchanged through IoT devices, businesses integrating IoT systems may need to scale and adapt their data storage networks to handle increasing data processing needs.
IoT Technologies and Infrastructure
Those interested in exploring IoT devices as a career option should be familiar with the common technologies, infrastructures, and components used to keep these systems running smoothly.
Sensors and Actuators
These physical components are used to collect and transmit data across a network. Most often, they come in the form of IoT sensors and actuators, which receive input and carry out specific actions based on said input.
Connectivity Protocols
Not all IoT devices connect and transmit data in the same way. Although Wi-Fi is the most common connectivity protocol among IoT devices, other options include Bluetooth, cellular data, and LoRaWAN.
Edge and Cloud Computing
Data collected by an IoT sensor needs to be stored somewhere. Many systems rely on cloud computing as a scalable, cost-effective way to securely store data. Edge computing is another popular option, allowing data to be stored physically closer to the device itself.
Future Trends in the Internet of Things
Only time will tell what the future holds for IoT technology. However, there are some up-and-coming trends worth keeping an eye on if you plan to enter this field as a computing professional.
Smart Cities
IoT systems may potentially be used to build the first smart cities, which would utilize a series of interconnected cameras, sensors, and other devices to streamline every aspect of city life, including:
- Traffic management
- Waste management
- Energy use
Digital Twins
As technology advances, IoT systems may be applied to create digital twins, or real-world objects that are represented digitally through IoT devices. These digital twins can be used in simulations for conducting research, improving safety, and reducing costs.
Sustainable IoT
From optimizing the use of resources to improving energy efficiency in homes and businesses, there are many ways in which IoT can be leveraged with sustainability in mind.
Career Opportunities in IoT
According to a State of IoT Summer 2024 Report, the number of globally connected IoT devices was projected to grow 13% to 16.6 billion by the end of 2024. This, combined with new innovations in IoT technology, opens opportunities for computing professionals to explore several roles in IoT, including:
- IoT Software Developer
- Embedded Systems Engineer
- Data Analyst
- IoT Security Specialist
- Cloud Solutions Architect
Whether you’re interested in working in a specific industry or are looking for a career path that’s centered around a specific skill (like software development or cloud computing), there are plenty of potential career paths.
How Texas A&M University Prepares You for the IoT Era
Interested in working in IoT? Texas A&M’s Master of Computer Science (MCS) is a 30-credit STEM program that’s designed to be completed in 1.5 to 2.5 years. This online program includes career-focused coursework in areas such as AI, machine learning, computer architecture, cybersecurity, and networking. Not to mention, this program is backed by Texas A&M’s esteemed reputation and a wealth of resources for online learners.
Learn More in a Master of Computer Science Program
Across the globe, IoT devices make it possible to streamline efficiency, automate time-consuming tasks, and even enhance the everyday user experience. And with more IoT applications than ever, businesses across many industries are seeking out talented, knowledgeable IoT and cloud computing professionals to help them get the most out of their interconnected devices.
Ready to rise to the challenge? A Master of Computer Science from Texas A&M University may be the next step in your academic journey. With career-focused coursework in a convenient online format, you’ll build the skills needed to explore roles in IoT software development, data security, cloud solutions, and more. Contact us today to request more information or get started with your online application.