Internet of things (IoT) is a network of physical objects (or things) containing embedded technology to communicate and interact with their internal states or the external environment. “Connections” in a 5G world are no longer just about phones and tablets, but will largely involve low-cost, low-battery power, and low-complexity sensors & devices to support a massive IoT environment. Examples of Internet of Things applications include smart cities, agriculture, asset monitoring and fleet management.
The Internet of Things has two sub-groups. Firstly, personal devices such as wearables and smartphones. Secondly, devices with industrial use applications, known as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), which is based on sensors and actuators to collect digital data.
Personal device adoption is accelerating as consumers use IoT products in their home. Examples include: smart speakers (Google Home, Amazon’s Echo and EchoDot, Apple’s HomePod), security cameras, smart plugs, smart lighting, smart air conditioners and smart appliances.
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology will heavily rely on 5G given latency improvements which enable Industry 4.0 and robotics in manufacturing.
