The first internet connected appliance could be found at Carnegie Mellon University in 1982. It was a Coke vending machine that could report inventory and if newly loaded drinks were cold or not. These days the Internet of Things has become one of the biggest phenomenons. Internet of Things simply means adding intelligent connectivity to everyday objects. IoT spans across a multitude of areas that affect our lives including business enterprise, commercial, home, and government. Just from 2014 to 2015 there has been a 30% increase of IoT products. A report predicts that by 2020 there will be 25 billion things connected to the internet.
One of the most popular areas of IoT is home automation as people are converting their homes into “smart homes.” These residences have appliances that can be controlled remotely from a phone application or devices with internet connection. Such appliances include thermostats, pool pumps, water heaters, sprinklers, yard fixtures, and more. With the emergence of new applications and hardware, companies at the forefront of IoT development will be looking to hire employees with a background in consumer electronics design, wireless/RF technology, sensors, signal processing, and related industries.
Stack Lighting, a startup in Cupertino, is working with Nest Labs—a leader in IoT development—and developing responsive light bulbs for commercial buildings and homes. Stack’s lights are able to respond to changes based on users’ preferences by adjusting brightness and color temperature. Adjustments can be made through a mobile application to change temperature, brightness, and schedule usage patterns. These lights will help reduce energy costs by 40-60% and create a more adaptable user experience.
Mark One, another startup in San Francisco, is developing Vessyl, a cup that can track liquid consumption amount and the content within that liquid. This cup will help its users track calorie intake, regulate caffeine intake, and track hydration needs. The product is designed to improve customer health by providing immediate answers to questions that drinkers typically ask.
IoT is reinventing the way we are using every day items and pushing us towards a more adaptable way of life within our environment.
-Alycia McGeever
Social Media Intern at Ryzen Solutions