What is IoT hardware?

The internet of things 

 

IoT hardware is comprised of a wide range of different devices that are completely connected to one another. IoT stands for the internet of things. IoT hardware is the technology that is slowly beginning to govern our world, from new ways of driving, to fully integrated home systems, IoT hardware is everywhere.

 

However, what exactly is IoT hardware? What are these devices we constantly hear about? In fact, you have more than likely been using IoT hardware in some form or another. There has been a surge in startup companies working in the IoT industry and has shown no signs of slowing down. So lets dive in to the world of hardware IoT

 

What are the examples of IoT hardware devices?

 

The most common examples of hardware IoT devices are of course, your smartphone, smartwatches, laptops, and more advanced products like digitalized vehicles. Our entire physical surroundings are full of IoT hardware devices. 

 

As i’m sure you’ve experienced how connected devices work, a good example of this is between your smartphone and your smartwatch. These are fundamentally two of the most popular IoT hardware devices. After connecting, or linking, your phone to your smartwatch, you can easily control either device through one of the other. From messaging and calling, to scrolling through social media, this can all be done because of your connected devices. 

 

Another example is through exercising. If you’re wearing a smartwatch your steps, distance taken, heart rate, etc… will be transmitted back to your smartphone and recorded for reference or guidance to improve. The idea behind hardware IoT is to assist us in day-to-day living, and make life a lot more convenient. 

 

This was just the basic concept of hardware IoT, but many companies are fastly transitioning in to the smart home industry, looking into new ways to have everything in your house connected through hardware IoT devices. Xiaomi is a great example of a company working in the smart home IoT industry. Xiaomi is a technology company that sell, well, almost everything. Although their hardware IoT platform consists of sockets & sensors, smart lighting, appliances, humidifiers, and many other IoT connected devices. 

 

The idea behind Xiaomi’s IoT platform is that everything inside your home can be connected and controlled through one device, furthermore, Xiaomi’s smart home IoT platform is designed to recognize and remember people’s preferences. Such as, if someone walks into a room Xiaomi’s IoT devices will set all the electronics according to past preferences.  

 

What are the skills required to develop IoT hardware?

Now we’ve somewhat explained what IoT hardware is, it’s time to explore what skills are required to develop IoT hardware. Not surprisingly you need a large team of engineers, both in hardware and software, to successfully develop IoT hardware devices. 

 

Firstly, as part of your team to develop IoT hardware, you’ll need UI/UX designers, as they will be able to build the interface of the hardware IoT platform.

 

Secondly, you’d, of course, need a team of hardware engineers. The product development cycle is a difficult journey in itself. Especially developing your first IoT prototype

 

Thirdly, you’d need mobile developers as most IoT devices will be managed through smartphones. The ability to develop apps that communicate with external hardware and sensors is essential to hardware IoT devices.

 

Conclusion of hardware IoT

As you can see hardware IoT has fast exploded into our lives, and furthermore, developing hardware IoT requires a large team to roll it out. We see numerous startup companies focusing and dedicating themselves to this industry to better improve our way of life. 

 

The internet of things will become, if it hasn’t already, a standard part of our daily lives, helping us to connect faster, travel easier, and live better. Without the development and integration of new IoT devices, we wouldn’t be where we are today. 

 

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn