Industrial IoT

Find out how the Internet extends to the world of concrete objects and places

Industry 4.0

ALL-ENCOMPASSING COMMUNICATION for a new technological experience

IoT or Internet Of Things is an innovative technological process that connects physical objects to the Internet or other communication networks. Once connected, the devices receive and transfer data over a wireless network and proceed autonomously to carrying out the activities for which they have been programmed, restricting manual user intervention to a minimum after the devices have been associated and connected.

IOT: about it and what it consists of

Devices with IoT technology lead to the user interfacing with a new technological experience, made up of automation, connections and new methods of use. The most striking example of IoT technology is undoubtedly the smart home and the devices associated with it. Indeed, thanks to the IoT, it is already possible to connect smart lightbulbs, smart TVs and voice assistants, as well as manage devices remotely (i.e. from smartphones, PCs, tablets) using voice commands or even set automatic activities to be carried out at a certain time or moment of the day. Below, we will explain how the IoT works, what it is used for and what are the main data processing steps. You will also find a series of examples and applications of the Internet Of Things in different fields.

IOT: what it is and what it consists of

The concept of the Internet Of Things was first introduced in 1999 by Kevin Ashton, a well-known British computer scientist. IoT is the acronym for “Internet Of Things”. It includes all the smart objects that we use daily, such as smart-watches, LED lightbulbs, smart TVs, smart toothbrushes and so on. All these objects are continuously connected to a network and are able to operate automatically or in any event without excessive manual intervention by a user.

Which ones are IoT devices?

As already mentioned, IoT devices are smart objects with which it is possible to interact for the performance of certain tasks. Involving minimal user activity, the devices will in fact proceed almost in complete autonomy.

They include home automation devices (e.g. for smart homes), wearable devices (e.g. smartwatches), automated point-of-sale systems (for companies and professionals), company machinery and equipment capable of performing their functions autonomously, as well as smart-city systems.

IoT devices and systems

SMART HOME
  • Voice Assistants
  • Led lightbulbs
  • Sensors (e.g. doors, lights, etc.)
  • Smart surveillance cameras
  • Automated shutters
  • Smart TVs
  • Thermometers and Weather Stations
SMART CAR
  • GPS tracker
  • Driving Assistant
  • Cameras
  • Sensors
SMART CITY
  • Meter Monitoring and Management Device (water, electricity, gas, etc.)
  • Public or private video surveillance system
  • Sensors for Smart Parking (free parking space indicator)
  • Sensors for Smart Waste (vehicles capable of automatically collecting and managing waste)
  • Sensors for Smart Governance of public green areas (automatic irrigation management, state of the soil, etc.)
  • Systems for Smart Mobility (sharing or rental of green vehicles)

What is IoT for?

IoT (Internet Of Things) systems are essential for the development of industry 4.0. They are able to render equipment, production lines and accessories intelligent thanks to the integration of certain sensors. By doing so, the user will be able to process data and info in real time and start automation processes. The latter will work thanks to the sending, receiving and analysis of data that, in turn, will be regulated by a continuous feedback loop. IoT technology is also particularly useful for the creation of intelligent devices capable of improving the quality of life (e.g. smartwatch, light automation, etc.).

IoT architecture

The architecture of an IoT computer system is based on a series of different elements, each of which is essential for the proper functioning of a smart device.

The essential elements for IoT systems are:

Sensors

Sensors are essential for detecting the different states of a device, measuring, analyzing and managing the various external inputs used for the correct functioning of the automations. For example, please note the sensors capable of detecting pressure, humidity, movement, brightness and so on.

RFID

RFID technology, on the other hand, is essential for the identification and location of objects. This occurs without “touching” the object, but directly through electromagnetic waves.

Localization technologies

Location technologies, on the other hand, are used to transmit data regarding objects or locations close to the user. This includes Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth. Lastly, there are wireless networks, an essential element for IoT systems and their future applications. For the correct use of IoT devices and systems, a simple wireless connection or an NFC sensor is often not enough (especially in the industrial sector).

Wireless communication network

Currently, these systems work on 4G networks, which makes the IoT display its limitations. However, thanks to the introduction of 5G technology (already in use in Italy for over a year), IoT systems have become more instantaneous and, with the passing of time, detect fewer and fewer problems. 6G should definitively consecrate the IoT as a technological system for daily use.

How the IoT works: the 4 main phases

Data collection via
sensors and actuators

La prima fase è quella di raccolta dati tramite i sensori e gli attuatori integrati. Quest’ultimi sono in grado di raccogliere dati dall’ambiente circostante e trasformarli in informazioni utili e determinanti per l’utente.
I sensori sono quindi in grado di registrare, acquisire e condividere dati relativi a stimoli esterni come pressione, umidità, luminosità, e così via.
1

Data acquisition
and Gateway development

La seconda fase è quella di creazione di un Internet Gateway e conseguente acquisizione dei dati raccolti tramite sensori e attuatori.

I dati e le informazioni raccolte verranno trasformate (o meglio convertite) in formato digitale.

2

Pre-processing and pre-analysis
of data (Edge Information Technology)

Seguirà poi la fase di pre-elaborazione e pre-analisi dei dati, comunemente chiamata Edge Information Technology.
Questo passaggio servirà per inviare i dati filtrati e selezionati al sistema “effettivo” di elaborazione.
La pre-elaborazione dei dati è utile perché l’IoT riesce ad acquisire una mole così grande di dati che se passerebbe direttamente al Data Center causerà enormi problemi alla velocità del sistema nonché alla larghezza di banda del router. Soltanto dopo esser stati pre-elaborati, i dati ritenuti “utili” passeranno al Data Center.
3

Sending data to a Server and
Data Center

L’ultimo passaggio riguarda proprio Data Center e Cloud Analytics. Dopo la rimozione dei dati inutili nella fase di pre-elaborazione, le informazioni verranno trasferite al Data Center.

Una volta archiviati in quest’ultimo, i dati potranno essere analizzati e utilizzati per lo scopo finale. Segnaliamo che solitamente i Data Center (o server fisici) vengono posizionati lontani da sensori e attuatori, possibile anche affittare lo spazio di un server di una struttura di colocation.

Anche le piattaforme cloud sono perfette per l’archiviazione dei dati, tra i tanti vantaggi segnaliamo la riduzione dei costi legati all’hardware per lo “stoccaggio” di dati e info.

4

Examples and Applications
of IoT in different sectors

Smart Home

By Smart Home, we mean an “Intelligent Home”, one that is manageable via smart devices in a straightforward, digital manner. Thanks to the IoT, it is possible to turn the lights on and off via voice commands or remotely, raise and lower the shutters, change channels on the TV or even use appliances remotely.

Smart Car

By Smart Car, we mean a car that is continuously connected and in communication with the user. Thanks to IoT systems, the car will be able to provide real-time information, data on its position, detect and prevent accidents. Various sensors will also allow it to define and manage external stimuli thanks to objects such as cameras, weather stations, parking sensors and so on. Some car manufacturers have recently introduced automatic driving.

Smart Metering

Smart Metering is already in use in Italy, even if the potential of this system is not currently being fully exploited. However, we believe that, in the future, it will become the system that is most used in smart cities and by the giants in the gas and energy sector. Indeed, thanks to IoT technology, it is possible to install connected meters (Smart Meters) capable of automatically and remotely recording the consumption of water, electricity and gas of certain residential or commercial units. Consequently, the system can also automatically issue correct billing and can be used for the remote management of meters.

Smart City

By Smart City, we mean the monitoring and smart use of certain elements that help to improve the quality of life in cities and simplify the job of the Public Administration. For example, please note solutions for public transport (info in real-time), for public lighting (automatic switching on-off or based on external parameters detected by sensors), for parking (sensors capable of reporting the number of free or occupied spaces, and the total time of the stay) and so on. The goal is to improve the livability of the city, make it eco-sustainable, allow citizens to easily access services and, obviously, make the city itself more competitive.

Industrial IoT

IoT technology is very useful in the industrial sector for simplifying work, optimizing time and reducing the costs associated with it. It is therefore possible to connect machinery and equipment in order to receive feedback in real-time, digitize production lines, locate products in the warehouse and manage inventory.