What is the Internet of Things? And why should you care? | Benson Hougland | TEDxTemecula

Summary

In this engaging script, Benson, a self-proclaimed 'closet geek,' delves into the fascinating world of the Internet of Things (IoT). He illustrates how IoT devices, from smartphones to smart home appliances, interact and enhance our daily lives. Benson highlights the potential of IoT to transform healthcare, safety, and convenience, while also addressing challenges such as complexity, security, and privacy. The script concludes with a dramatic scenario where IoT saves a life by quickly responding to a heart attack, emphasizing the technology's life-changing potential.

Takeaways

• 🧑‍💻 Benson is a self-identified 'closet geek' fascinated by technology and its impact on his life and career.
• 🌐 The Internet of Things (IoT) is a significant technological leap forward, expanding the internet beyond human interaction to include connections between devices.
• 🔄 IoT devices can sense, communicate, touch, and control, allowing them to interact and collaborate with one another.
• 📱 Examples of IoT in everyday life include smartphones with multiple sensors, activity-tracking bracelets, smart thermostats, and network-connected light bulbs.
• 🔧 Tools like Arduino boards and programmable automation controllers enable the retrofitting of IoT capabilities into existing devices.
• 🛏️ Benson's morning routine is automated through IoT, with devices communicating to prepare his home and even wake him up based on his sleep cycle.
• 🌡️ IoT applications in industry are highlighted by smart systems for utilities, automotive, electronics, and healthcare, promising significant economic growth.
• 🏢 Major corporations are investing heavily in IoT, with companies like Samsung, Google, and Apple developing products and services in this space.
• 📈 The number of IoT devices is projected to grow exponentially, from over 10 billion devices today to an estimated 50 billion by 2020.
• 🛡️ Security and privacy are paramount in IoT, with concerns about data sharing and the need for robust security measures to protect user information.
• 🚑 A compelling example of IoT's life-saving potential is the scenario where health-monitoring devices detect a heart attack and dispatch emergency services in real-time.

Q & A

What does Benson describe himself as in the script?

Benson describes himself as a 'closet geek' who loves technology and is fascinated by it, although he wouldn't call himself an 'Uber geek'.

What is the Internet of Things (IoT) according to Benson?

The Internet of Things, as described by Benson, is a network that connects 'things' to the internet, allowing them to sense, communicate, touch, and control, enabling interaction and collaboration among these things.

How does Benson explain the intersection of the Internet of People and the Internet of Things?

Benson explains the intersection as the ability for 'things' to sense and communicate, similar to how humans interact with their five senses and then communicate within their environment.

What examples of IoT devices does Benson mention in the script?

Benson mentions several IoT devices such as smartphones, fitness bracelets, smart thermostats, networked light bulbs, garage door openers, scales, and a device for a dog's collar called 'Whistle'.

What is the purpose of the devices Benson uses in his home to start his day?

The devices in Benson's home are used to automate and enhance his morning routine, such as waking him up at the optimal time, adjusting the thermostat, starting the coffee maker, and turning on the bedside lamp.

What role does Benson's smartphone play in his morning routine?

Benson's smartphone is used to check his sleep quality, communicate with other IoT devices in his home, and receive notifications about his home's status, such as the spa turning on.

How does Benson's IoT-enabled sprinkler system help with water conservation?

Benson's sprinkler system communicates with a local water district's sensor to determine the optimal amount of water to apply to his lawn, which helps conserve water and save on his water bill.

What are some of the real-world applications of IoT that Benson discusses?

Benson discusses applications such as remote diagnostics and monitoring for better healthcare, early warning systems for natural disasters, and smart textiles and clothing.

What challenges does Benson identify with the adoption of the Internet of Things?

Benson identifies challenges such as resistance to change, the complexity of integrating IoT devices, and concerns over security and privacy.

How does Benson envision the future impact of IoT on the economy and society?

Benson predicts that IoT will drive significant economic growth, with the number of connected devices expected to increase from 10 billion to 50 billion by 2020, impacting various sectors such as utilities, automotive, electronics, and healthcare.

What example does Benson give to illustrate the potential life-saving benefits of IoT?

Benson gives an example where sensors in his armband detect a medical emergency, alert him, and automatically transmit his vital signs to his medical provider, who then dispatches EMTs to his home, potentially saving his life during a heart attack.