IoT (Internet of Things): The What and Why

A few decades ago, we wouldn’t have imagined devices across the world working and interacting with each other. Today, there are over 15 billion IoT (the Internet of Things) devices, changing the way we function on a daily basis. And this number is estimated to go up to 30 billion by 2030. IoT has revolutionized not just the way home appliances work, but has also impacted major industries like healthcare, finance, retail, automobiles, and manufacturing. Of course, IoT has significantly improved the consumer’s life through smart home solutions and health tracking wearables. But businesses too are hiring mobile app developers in Kuwait in order to incorporate IoT into their strategies and integrate and simplify their processes, removing a range of tasks from the hands of employees. People are using IoT to ensure human safety, improve environmental sustainability, and facilitate ease of living. IoT has so many potential use cases and convenient answers to complex problems, that it will continue to be in high demand in the future.

What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?

Simply put, IoT is a network of interconnected “things” or physical objects that are equipped with electronics, software, and sensors, that allow them to collect and exchange data with each other. These “things” include but are not limited to cars, applicances, mobile devices, household items, and animal trackers. IoT in general refers to any item/equipment that uses embedded software to connect to the internet. With IoT, distance and time do not matter, as it is possible to remotely control digital equipment and software across different geographical locations. Developing IoT apps can improve the efficiency, convenience, and sustainability of device usage, benefiting manufacturers and users alike.

What is IoT App Development?

Also known as M2M (Machine-to-Machine) app development, IoT app development is a system in which devices communicate data without the involvement of humans. These include business security systems, smart home systems, or the accounting system of a firm. Devices with built-in sensors are connected to an IoT platform. This platform then combines data from different devices and shares the most useful information with apps that are tailored to individual needs. This data has the capability to spot trends, make recommendations and identify potential issues.

IoT devices and mobile phones communicate through mobile apps created by app development companies in Kuwait. So the app becomes the primary interface for controlling smart devices. For instance, your phone can notify your coffee machine that you are approaching, and signal it to begin brewing your coffee before you arrive. Or, your phone can detect your location when you’re close to home, transmit your geolocation information to your smart home devices, and heat or cool your house in preparation for your arrival.

Main Components of IoT

An IoT application’s individual needs and capabilities will estabish the tech stack to be used. However, to make any kind of IoT work, you need 4 key components:

1. Hardware

   Hardware may include different low-energy sensors like smartphones, control panels, motion sensors, and other devices that work over Bluetooth and connect to the internet. These sensors or devices can either be custom-built through IT companies in Kuwait or bought ready-made from third-party vendors. It is important to pick devices that are in line with your project requirements. And depending on whether your device is consumer-based, industrial, or automobile-focused, you will have to look for appropriate sensors. For instance, smart vehicles may need GPS and altitude monitoring sensors whereas smartwatches may call for oxymeters and pulse monitors. Getting down to the details of your hardware from the beginning is important as changing them down the line can turn out to be time-cosuming and expensive.

2. Cloud

   Responsible for data processing and storage, cloud is one of the most crucial elements of IoT. A cloud is basically a network of servers with databases that can be accessed remotely. All data from the smart IoT devices is sent to the cloud, wherein it is collected, analyzed, and stored. So you don’t need to use your own physical resources for data storage. When choosing an IoT platform that works for you, look for factors like uptime, data security, feature stability, migration capabilities, and connectivity among others. There are several cloud services out there that offer a scalable, dependable, and secure infrastructure. These include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.

3. Software

   The software is responsible for managing all devices within an IoT system. This software should be cloud-based and like a dashboard that presents all information collected from sensors and devices and lets you manage it. The user-end of a software usually takes the form of a web, mobile, or cross-platform IoT application, which can be curated with the help of web and app development companies in Kuwait.

4. Network

   The network facilitates two-way communication between all relevant IoT components in the IoT ecosystem, and links these components with each other. They can be linked using different data and network protocols including WiFi, Bluetooth, HTTP, LAN for stationary devices, or others depending on the use case. For instance, if your devices are used in home/office environments, WiFi may suffice for data transmission. On the other hand, if your devices are going to be in motion or in remote locations, something like GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication), the technology behind 2G networks, should be beneficial. However, you will have to incur cellular data charges. Furthermore, a companion device like a smartwatch is usually used with Bluetooth. Just like hardware, it will be harder to change your network protocols down the road, so choose wisely.

Why Develop an IoT Application?

IoT is one of the most promising technoogies out there, one that can transform the way people move around in their houses, drive their cars, and the way they work and entertain themselves. Moreover, IoT applications offer improved flexibility and productivity, enable collection of rich data, and reduce operational costs. It has become one of the key technologies responsible for improving people’s lives. And the number of IoT devices are only projected to grow. Creating a customized IoT mobile app can be your entry into this market, which is yet to be saturated.

Over the next few blogs, we will further the detail how IoT is shaping the future, the various IoT market trends and areas, a step-by-step on IoT mobile app developement in Kuwait along with the challenges faced when developing an IoT application, and examples of the many successful and popular IoT apps out there.

With an experienced team of mobile app developers in Kuwait, and the right tools in place, anyone can develop an IoT app that can transform industries and improve people’s lives. We understand that the process of developing an IoT app can be challenging, which is why Design Master, one of the best Kuwait IT companies, is happy to consult you on architecture, hardware selection, tech stack, cloud services, security, and other components of an IoT application. Contact us to discuss your concept for an IoT application, and we’ll help you bring it to life.