The Internet of Things has grown phenomenally in recent years, and is one of the most popular technologies of the Industrial Revolution 4.0.

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As we have already seen in our previous article "What is IoT?", the applications of connected objects are virtually limitless and can benefit all industries.

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As this graph tells us, in the space of just 5 years, investments in IoT technologies have multiplied:

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X6 for the retail and utilities sectors

X5 for the B2C sector

X4 for the manufacturing, transportation, process and energy sectors

X3 for the health & insurance sectors

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But what are the objects behind these trends? What are the most influential IoTs gadget these days?

In this article we will review the most innovative and popular connected objects!

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1. Smart Watches

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As part of the "wearables" family (e.g., glasses, clothing, bracelets), smartwatches are undoubtedly the most popular IoT objects in the world! If we exclude from the statistics phones and computers (which technically are connected objects), smartwatches are the most purchased IoT objects in the world.

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Currently, this market is largely dominated by Apple, with 80% of the market share with its iWatch. Other big players in the connected watch industry are Samsung, Fitbit, Garmin, and Fossil.

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With the improvement of batteries, smartwatches are still gaining in popularity and have been able to go beyond the stage of the simple fashion phenomenon to bring real utility to their users. As true extensions of your phone, smartwatches allow you to display customizable information or alerts to keep up to date with everything in the blink of an eye. But that's not all.

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What are the features of smartwatches? Beyond the classics (timer, clock, alarm), smart watches also act as pedometers, health monitors, weight monitors, sleep monitors, etc. By measuring our activity, movements, and pulse, these devices can teach us more about our bodies and inspire us to adopt healthier behaviors.

Other wearables like fitness trackers, health monitors, and other IoT healthcare devices also play a significant role in healthcare technology by providing continuous monitoring and data collection. The market for wearable technology is rapidly expanding, expected to reach USD 265.4 billion by 2026, driven by advancements in technology and increasing consumer awareness of health and fitness.

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2. Voice Controllers

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Another prominent example of connected products, Voice Controllers are personal assistants connected to your home and its devices, which allow you to give orders or request information by simple voice command. Google Home (activated by “OK Google”) and Amazon Echo Plus (activated by “Alexa”) are two of the most popular ones.

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Voice Controllers enable a broad range of functions that enhance convenience and efficiency in the home. For example, they can regulate the temperature of your home through integration with smart thermostats, such as the Nest Learning Thermostat or Ecobee. By issuing a voice command, you can adjust the heating or cooling settings to ensure your home is always at the perfect temperature without having to manually interact with the thermostat.

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Many other connected objects utilize voice recognition technology to enhance their functionality. Smart TVs can be controlled through voice commands, allowing you to change channels or adjust the volume without needing a remote control. Lighting systems equipped with voice control features can automatically switch on or change colors upon command. 

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For example, by saying "Alexa, turn off the lights in the living room," you can easily manage the lighting throughout your home, adjusting brightness or color based on your preferences.

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3. Smart Locks

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Forget your traditional lock and keychain. In the age of IoT, doors unlock automatically!

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Smart locks revolutionize the security of offices, homes, shops, warehouses...

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Thanks to smart locks:

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Don't ever worry about forgetting or losing your keys anymore

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Check who has accessed (or attempted to access) an environment

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Your doors lock automatically after use

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But smart locks are just one component of a comprehensive IoT-enabled home security system. The integration of various IoT technologies enhances overall home automation security, creating a cohesive and efficient security network.

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For example, Smart cameras can provide real-time video feeds and can be accessed remotely through mobile apps. Features such as motion detection, night vision, and cloud storage enhance surveillance capabilities, allowing homeowners to monitor their property from anywhere.

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Motion Sensors should also be mentioned as they work in tandem with smart locks and cameras to detect and respond to movement within and around your property. These sensors can trigger alarms, send notifications, or even activate lights when motion is detected, adding an extra layer of security and deterrence against potential intruders.

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In the end, the true strength of IoT-enabled home security lies in its ability to integrate various devices into a unified system, allowing for remote management and enhanced communication. 

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For instance, a smart security system can be programmed to lock doors, turn on lights, and activate cameras when motion is detected or when the system is alarmed. A notification will then be sent to the home owner’s phone or/and their emergency contacts. This level of automation ensures that your home is consistently protected and can respond dynamically to security events.

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4. Air Quality Monitors

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Air pollution has become a central concern in our societies. Did you know that connected objects can help you take care of this part of your health?

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Thanks to Air Quality Monitors, you can measure the air quality of an environment at all times and the presence of lead or other pathogens. Avoid going out to protect yourself in case of dangerous thresholds or activate your air purifiers or ventilation systems automatically to clean indoor air.

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Also acting as weather stations, these monitors also measure humidity and temperature. Soon, these devices will be Must Have for all city dwellers concerned about their living environment. Imagine also using these objects during your real estate visits to make sure you do not choose a home where the air would be harmful to you, or when you are doing work involving the use of chemicals. Other devices also make it possible to check that there is no gas leak or CO2 pollution.

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Examples: Footbot Air Quality Monitor, Flow by Plume Labs Pollution Monitor.

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Beyond air quality monitors, several other connected devices contribute to maintaining a healthier and more modern living environment by integrating advanced technologies for comprehensive home environment monitoring. To name a few:

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IoT-Enabled HVAC Systems (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): They can monitor temperature, humidity, and air quality in real-time, providing detailed insights into your home's environment and allow for remote control and automation. For illustration, if the system detects high levels of indoor pollutants, it can automatically adjust ventilation rates or activate air purifiers to improve air quality.

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Smart Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers: Smart humidifiers and dehumidifiers, such as those from brands like Dyson or Philips, can be controlled via mobile apps to maintain the ideal humidity levels in your home. 

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Leak Detectors: These devices can monitor areas prone to leaks, like under sinks or near appliances, and alert you immediately if they detect moisture. This proactive approach helps prevent mold growth and structural damage, contributing to a safer living environment.

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5. Connected Cars

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With Tesla and Ford spearheading the industry, connected and smart cars are undeniably the dream of any driver in the twenty-first century!

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The integration of IoT is transforming our interaction with vehicles, providing unparalleled connectivity, convenience, and safety. With the advent of 5G technology, we are set to see the evolution and deployment of connected cars, characterized by high-speed data transfer, low latency, and extensive connectivity capabilities.

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Here’s a closer look at how IoT is reshaping the automotive landscape:

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Remote Diagnostics:

IoT technology enables vehicles to perform remote diagnostics, continuously monitoring engine performance, battery health, and other critical systems. For instance, if a sensor detects a malfunction, the vehicle can send diagnostic data to a service center and schedule an appointment, minimizing downtime and reducing repair costs.

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Vehicle Tracking:

Advanced tracking systems using GPS and cellular connectivity provide real-time location updates and historical movement data. This feature is invaluable for fleet management, personal vehicle tracking, and theft recovery. 

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Personalized Driving Experience:

Connected cars can learn and adapt to individual driver preferences. From adjusting seat positions and climate controls to suggesting routes based on driving habits, these vehicles offer a tailored driving experience. Integration with personal digital assistants enables voice commands and personalized settings, further enhancing driver comfort and convenience.

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6. Tracking Devices

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No bigger than a coin, tracking devices rely on GPS technology.

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Their applications are, again, countless and real-life-savers! They can be placed in your children's school bag, around your pets' collar, on your keychain, in a valuable package, or in short, on everything you want to keep an eye on and make sure of their location at all times. 

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7. Smart Mats

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Gyms can now offer you access to connected machines that can track your physical activity through a personalized application to keep track of your progress, for example.

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But you can also afford the luxury of a connected sports device at home!

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Smart mats are equipped with pressure and movement sensors and will give you personalized recommendations to improve your posture and exercise routine while measuring your activity level day after day.

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8. Health Monitoring Smart Devices

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We mentioned in a previous article the countless applications offered by the IoT in the field of health, including the amazing example of toilets capable of analyzing your urine and stool, or devices for measuring vital signs that can be used by patients to monitor their health. 

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But there are simpler solutions for individuals to communicate data with medical authorities. 

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This is what Withings offers, the Blood Pressure Monitor. Comparable to any device that takes blood pressure, Withings measures your heart rate and blood pressure to offer you regular follow-up that you can share with your doctor.

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The future undoubtedly holds many new similar medical-connected objects to take care of ourselves and watch over our condition wherever we are, and this is great news!

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9. Irrigation Systems

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This is one of our favorite technologies at Dirox! In the past, we have been able to work on connected object projects for the benefit of agricultural facilities, which is why technologies aimed at better use of natural resources and optimization of crops seem obvious to us today.

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Thanks to online information or weather sensors measuring sunshine, air humidity, soil humidity and a collection of other indicators impacting the good health of a crop or garden, connected irrigation systems deliver the most accurate amounts of water for your plants at the best times.

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Able to consider the different types of plants and crops, connected irrigation systems allow for perfect attention to the good health and growth of plantations. Thanks to these systems, we observe a gain in the quality and quantities of any crops, for more responsible and productive agriculture. 

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Ex : Hydrawise, WittFlow, Edyn Garden Sensor, Microsoft

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10. Connected Factories & Smart Supply Chain Management

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To finish this article, let's focus on connected objects for the B2B sector. If the automation and robotization of factories have existed for decades, the Internet of Things completes existing systems and significantly improves their productivity.

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The recipe always remains the same: make all the machines open to communication and monitor them using sensors and alerts to:

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Detect failures and reduce periods of inactivity

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Accelerate transitions from one stage of manufacturing or delivery to another

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Monitor machine and employee performance as well as safety conditions

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Keep track of inventories and handle restocking autonomously

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Optimize energy use

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If you are looking to reduce the risks and uncertainties of your production or logistics chain and increase the yields of your facilities, there is no doubt that IoT is the technology you need!

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Honorable Mentions of IoT Gadgets & Devices:

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Connected smoke detectors

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Video game consoles

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Smart lightbulbs & lighting systems

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Smart plugs, smart outlets (turn appliances on /off remotely)

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Smart TVs

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Smart photo frames

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Smart doorbells

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Smart coffeemakers

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Alarm systems (smoke, intrusion…)

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Connected printers

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Connected cameras

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Are you interested in Internet of Things technologies?

Join the IoT revolution and develop your own connected objects and applications with Dirox!

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