Internet of things is the interlinking of devices that would deliver their best possible functionality by capturing the users’ data. This data will be used further to produce results in accordance to human expectations. When we hear of IOT, we often think about sensors, apps and devices. Smartphones have already led to intuitive app development but as other smart devices like wearables grow with leaps and bounds, the age of sensors seems to have taken a stringent threshold over the mobility world. There is hardly any device that comes without making use of sensors. A new set of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) have come with better cost efficiencies. This has made it easy for the organisations to invest in sensors that are definitely the core drivers of Internet of Things.
Today we are surrounded by sensors on all sides. Every appliance and equipment come fitted with sensors and actuators. The self learning applications that track the user data function with the aid of sensors. From the most intricate device to the simplest of physical object, sensors are finding use in all media due to falling sizes, prices and enhanced functionality. They are being used to measure temperature, pressure, vibration, fluid flow, and acceleration. It is much common to see cameras and microphones installed within smartphones, now the same smart devices come embedded with gyroscopes as well as magnetometers. Many of single chip solutions contain three accelerometers, three gyroscopes and three magnetometers. As further developments in the field of connected devices takes place, the sensors are becoming more accurate and sensitive.
As these hardware pieces continue to grow, they are being used for imagery, motion, touch and sensing detrimental activities in the environment. Combining a group of sensors leads to creation of data acquisition systems. These systems trap the real world data to be manipulated by an internal software that analyzes and displays required finished output on a device. Machines like PC, smartphones and wearables can be used to capture data from the sensors and further acquire it for later referrals. Sensors also regulate communication enabled using WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, NFC and other IOT standards. Semiconductor devices have been replaced by about 5 percent in last two years by sensors and low cost microcontrollers which are exceedingly being used to collect, process and communicate data.
