A lot of things have been said about the Internet of Things. As the world keeps evolving, technology keeps advancing. All of these things have an impact on our daily lives from how we do our shopping to the way we travel. The Internet of Things, popularly known as (IoT) refers to the connection of any device to the Internet and some connected devices.
Also, the IoT is a network of connected people and things which receive and share data about things happening around them. Therefore, one can simply say the Internet of Things (IoT) refers to physical devices that are linked to the internet, all receiving and sending data. IoT is merging the physical and digital worlds.
A physical object can become an IoT device if connected to the internet. An example of an IoT device is a light bulb you can easily switch on with the use of a smartphone app. The motion sensor in an office connected to streetlight is a good example of an IoT device. A smartwatch or other wearable device is an example of an IoT device.
Top IoT Based Projects
There are several IoT projects. These projects have made our lives easier one way or the other. Below are some IoT based projects around you.
Smart street lighting monitoring system
Most times, streetlights are usually left on during the day. This is a major challenge in the street lighting system. Therefore, IoT profers a solution to this major challenge by enabling the monitoring of street lighting system with the introduction of a smart street light. Also, this system will help to detect faulty light, monitor power consumption.
The smart street light has LDR sensors. These sensors monitor people’s or vehicle’s movement on the street. Therefore, if they detect movements, they make a signal to the microcontroller to switch on the street light. Also, this street light regulates the consumption of power and as well detects any fault. The IoT monitoring system will fix any fault detected by the street light.
Smart money transfer
The smart money transfer is another example of IoT based projects. In today’s world, we are gradually heading towards full digitization. With smart money transfer, it is easy to carry out transactions on your mobile phone using Apps like Paypal, Apple pay, and Google Pay.
Smart money transfer offers a reliable and comfortable platform for payment transactions. Also, this system ensures authenticity in order to ensure safety. Furthermore, smart money transfer helps in minimizing the problems that occur during mobile money transfers. It offers a reliable and comfortable platform for any money transactions.
Car parking management system
Car parking is one of the problems vehicle owners face, especially in urban areas. Efficient car parking management system is crucial in urban areas. This helps in solving parking problem. IoT has helped in achieving car parking management system. Also, an IoT based car parking management system helps in utilizing parking space.
It integrates a WiFi modem, IR sensors, an AVR microcontroller, and DC motors. The DC motors monitor gate opener motors and IR sensors detect parking slot occupancy. Also, the car parking management system checks the number of parking slots that are available and then updates information on the cloud server. Furthermore, this system enables car owners to view any free space online. This helps you know where you can park your car.
Health monitoring system
The health monitoring system is another popular IoT based project. Sometimes, people forget to go for their regular checkups, due to the several activities they might be involved in. The health monitoring system helps patients to keep record of all vital signs of the body. Also, this system helps in keeping track of a patient’s regular check-up. It then sends the data to the doctor. If the vital signs are unusual, this system alerts the health care provider.
Air and noise pollution monitoring system
In urban areas, there is an increasing level of air pollution and environmental noise. Therefore, there is an immediate need to control these. With an IoT powered noise and air pollution monitoring system, the level of noise and air pollution can be completely monitored. Also, the data provided by this system can be used in solving further problems.
Furthermore, the system comprises air sensors that detect any harmful compounds and gases in the air and monitors the levels of sounds. The sensors communicate with the microcontroller that transfers this data. Authorities can make use of this data to adopt measures for pollution control.
Smart home security
At one point in our life, we have been a victim of theft. Theft could happen due to a break-in or not paying attention to valuable items. It could be very frustrating to know that your property has been stolen. However, there is a solution to this problem. The smart security system can notify you when someone moves your things without you knowing.
Also, this system prevents thieves from carting away your valuable items. The smart home security system is usually installed in homes to kick against any form of theft. This system makes light and sound alerts whenever an intruder picks your things. It will as well send a notification to your Gmail to inform you someone tried to pick your item. The smart home security system is a good IoT based project.
Smart agriculture system
This is one of the best IoT based projects. Smart agriculture system simply focuses on the development of an agricultural system that is capable of performing and as well regulating farming tasks. For example, a farmer can schedule this system to spray pesticides or fertilizers on the crops.
Also, the smart agricultural system can make use of a moisture sensing system to monitor soil moisture. With this, farmers can easily detect dry soil and as well handle some farming tasks. Furthermore, this system enables cultivators and farmers to focus more on manual-intensive projects. One of the benefits of this system is that it increases productivity. This system offer more benefits like real-time update, accuracy, ease of use, and timely monitoring.
Smart traffic management system
The number of vehicles on the road keeps increasing as population increases. Therefore, traffic congestion is now a problem due to the rising number of vehicles that ply a road everyday. The smart traffic management system as an IoT based project has helped to manage traffic effectively and as well provide clear roads for emergency vehicles.
Also, emergency vehicles can easily connect to this system to look for free pathways. The smart traffic control system gives a green light for any emergency vehicle. Furthermore, this traffic management system can monitor the activities of traffic violators. This system provides safety from any road accidents and real-time traffic management.
Smart energy grid
This is another wonder of IoT. In our world today, energy grids are not well optimized. Most times, when a region experiences a fall in electricity grid, there is blackout in the whole area. Therefore, this could hinder people’s daily activities. The smart electricity grid provides solution to this problem. It integrates the ATmega family controller to regulate and control the system activities.
Also, it makes use of WiFi technology to interact over the internet. The main task of the smart grid system is to enhance the reconnection of the transmission line. Therefore, the system moves to another energy grid’s transmission line in case there is a faulty energy grid. This system monitors the consumption of energy and detects any electricity theft.
Smart waste management system
Cities are keeping up with the IoT projects. They are now integrating this projects in most of their systems. The old practice of waste disposal is now being abandoned and smarter cities are now integrating a smart waste management system. This system sends an alert to waste management team whenever the dustbin is full.
Also, this system separates waste in wet or dry garbage. It helps waste management workers to save energy and time spent on segregating waste in wet or dry garbage. Smart waste management system can help to prevent garbage from overflowing since this system sends alert when the garbage is about to get filled.
Home automation system
Automating homes via the internet is one of the greatest IoT based projects. The home automation system permits the functioning of household devices through the internet. With this IoT project, home owners can connect all their household appliances over the IoT. Also, they can control this device from their smartphone wherever they are.
The home automation system integrates an LCD screen for showcasing system status, an AVR family microcontroller, and a WiFi connection. Also, the microcontroller processes the user commands it receives and displays the system status. The home automation system is becoming popular in some homes in developed countries. With this system, you can easily know what is happening in your home and you can take charge at anytime from anywhere.
Weather Reporting System
The weather reporting system is an IoT based project that forecasts weather around your locations. There are times the weather suddenly changes. The weather is unpredictable due to the climate. It is good to know what the weather will be like in the next few hours, this helps you prepare for what is coming.
The weather reporting system minimizes the need to depend on agencies that specialize in weather forecasting. Also, this system embeds rain, humidity, and temperature sensors that can keep track of the weather and offer real-time statistical reports.
Flood Detection System
The flood detection system is an important IoT based project. Many countries experience natural disasters such as flood. Flood usually cause a lot of damage to properties and lives. One of the best ways to prevent the loss of lives and properties caused by flood is the integration of the flood detections system.
This system helps to forecast flood. The IoT based project detects different environmental elements like water level, humidity, and temperature to forecast possible losses. Whenever a possible loss is forecast, it sends an alert.
What are the Benefits of IoT?
The Internet of Things (IoT) offers a lot of benefits.
Ease of access
With IoT, you can get necessary information about a task wherever you are in the world. A smart device and connection to the internet is what you need. You can easily buy tickets and check your location on Google Maps.
Data monitoring
One of the most important benefits of IoT is data monitoring. For instance, smart street lights can monitor the consumption of power and as well detect any movement on the street. Also, with IoT, you can easily get the additional data.
Automation and control
Internet of Things provides different levels of automation, making it easier for you to do more tasks. Automation helps in achieving uniformity in tasks, regulating daily chores, and improving quality of service. IoT devices are internet-connected devices that offer more enhanced and timely production while maintaining transparency across the whole process with higher quality.
Money saving
Another important benefit of IoT is that it helps you save money. The cost of monitoring devices is much more than the cost of purchasing these IoT devices. For instance, the integration of the smart energy grid system and smart waste management system is a way to save cost. IoT helps you connect your devices with other devices. This helps in saving money and energy.
Time management
One of the benefits of IoT is time management. With IoT, you can do everything you want to do from the palm of your hands. You can make an online purchase, switch on a bulb, and also know when an intruder breaks into your home. Also, healthcare providers can keep track of their patient’s check-ups. IoT makes all this possible.
Conclusion
IoT based projects make life easier. Also, these projects save lives and properties in cases of flood detection, weather forecast, anti-theft, and more. There is a vibrant future for IoT due to the increasing demand for more accessibility and advancement. We have discussed a wide variety of IoT based projects and their impacts in human lives and the environment in this article.
