Strange way people are using Internet of Things devices.
IoT devices have proliferated to remote corners of the world: ruminant stomachs, remote ocean buoys, and the final frontier: diapers!
IoT technology has seen remarkable advancements in recent years, leading to widespread adoption in a surprising range of industries. The quantity of IoT devices has surged, thanks to lower costs, increased capabilities, and different approaches to powering the devices. In this rapid period of expansion and experimentation, IoT technology has found its way into unconventional and innovative applications that were previously unimaginable.
I come across a good deal of news-of-the-weird type articles about IoT. Some of them seem
Different use cases require different capabilities, such as communication range and data volumes. Fortunately, there is an ever-widening range of sensors available and software developers continue to specialize applications for new types of sensors as they become more widely available. It is a period of rapid and diverse innovation. Industries that were once reluctant to adopt IoT technology due to complexity and cost are now able to embrace it. I see this as a widespread experimentation period, with the pendulum swinging far in the direction of exploration, as every industry tries to discover an IoT fit that aligns with their most important needs. Many of these experimental endeavors will not create enduring solutions, but some will. The pendulum of experimentation will swing back as each company finds their right balance of IoT penetration.
The pendulum equation is always changing though–as the variables of cost, ease of deployment, battery technology, and general technological capabilities change, the balance of what’s right for them will evolve. I expect it to quickly!
Pendulums, aside, I want to share some interesting and unusual use cases of people using IoT technology on things that are important to them:
Sheep Rumen Monitoring - What IoT sensors are used to monitor the stomachs of sheep in real-time. These sensors measure pH levels, temperature, and movement, providing proactive visibility of individuals and herd health issues. This enables early intervention and ensures the well-being of the sheep. Geek out more here
Ocean Buoy Data for Ship Routing - Real-time buoy data is utilized to develop micro-weather models that include wind and current locations, which have a significant impact on ship efficiency. By updating ship routes in real-time based on this data, IoT technology optimizes ship routing and enhances overall efficiency. Geek out more here
Medication detection sensors - Knowing patient adherence to prescription medical can be a source of comfort for loves ones and important data for their doctors. Non-adherence to medications can cause major issues for patients. One solution (in development) is an ingestible sensor that provide real-time feedback on whether a patient is following their prescription. Geek out more here
Smart Diapers - RFID chips embedded in diapers can detect moisture and notify parents or caretakers when it's time for a diaper change. This not only enhances convenience but also helps reduce overall diaper usage, resulting in cost savings and environmental benefits.
Concrete curing sensors - Since I had other careers in architecture and geotechnical engineering, I have lots of experience with concrete. Most people don’t realize it, but concrete is quite complex, and imperfections in curing can mean that it needs to be replaced, resulting in massive wastes of time and money, and needless additional carbon emissions. Validating the curing process through data provides a high level of assurance that concrete is going to meet expectations. Geek out more here.
This is just a sampler pack to highlight the versatility and impact of IoT technology in unconventional domains. We’re unlocking answers to tough challenges across diverse domains. I sincerely hope that we can discover major efficiencies in both healthcare and climate change.
Where do you think IoT devices will show up next in your life? What bizarre and unexpectedly useful applications have you seen?