IoT Innovations @CeBIT 2014

If you think the digital world is thriving now, you should probably wait to see what the next few years will bring. Currently, there are 1.9 billion devices in the world and it is forecasted that this ratio will rise past six times of what it is now. This means we can expect to grow to nearly 50 billion Internet-connected devices in the next decade.

The Internet of Things (IoT) represents this revolution which is happening right now. Today, organizations from diverse sectors are linking "things" as multifarious as cars, smartphones, household appliances and industrial-strength sensors to the internet connecting one to another. The technical outcome may not be extra ordinary such as intercommunication and machine-to-machine (M2M) data transfer, but the potential benefits to lifestyles and businesses are immense.

Delivering on the potential
The rise of the Internet of Things is a concept when everyday objects are allied to the internet and contribute together on a system, which gives way to the convergence of smart appliances‏ and conventional connected devices. Internet of Things (IoT) is about facilitating the interaction and communication from machines to machine, people and into businesses. IoT is focused on machine generated data and how you translate that into insight and action.

The power of the network enabled connectivity has transcended across verticals that were previously considered obsolete, thus connecting traditional devices and automating tasks. Today there are vehicles that would make us look like the Jetsons. It doesn't meant that cars can fly, but they're getting equipped with internet and networking technologies. It would amaze the common man to see how conventional tasks have now shifted in their working through the Internet of Things and it would've seemed like science fiction not that long ago. Today, some cars can predict the probability of injury after a crash; others will notify owners if someone is driving their car when they're not supposed to be. Vehicles can now update Facebook pages and Twitter feeds for you, thanks to new smart phone apps!

The possibilities and potential that this concept holds are boundless. For instance, it will enable transformation for businesses when it comes to supply chain systems and logistics. Manufacturing plants and factories in remote locations can operate without any human interaction. Consumer products will be able to share reports on usage and user patterns with manufacturers leading to improved product design and more efficient marketing strategies. The concept has a larger impact when applied to administration. Imagine a city where power consumption can be optimised basis demands through intelligent power grids.

The market value estimates for Internet of Things are huge, according to Gartner, Internet of Things vendors will top $309 billion in direct revenue by 2020, with most of that money stemming from services. Multinational organizations have been pushing stakes around the Internet of things this year, to enable them to enhance their market share as businesses have begun investing in connected technology.

Is the future technology ‘Internet of Things'?
Today, The Internet of Everything has become a catch-all phrase to define adding connectivity and intelligence to just about every device in order to give them distinctive functions. At CeBIT 2014 (provide a descriptor- the world's largest and most respected technology fair- please get the correct one from the website) Hannover, some of the recent internet of things innovations presented were:

1. BAG2GO-Smart Suitcase
T-Systems-RIMOWA - introduced Bag2Go, a "smart" suitcase. To ensure Bag2Go "knows" its ultimate destination, the user needs to enter the relevant flight information using a smartphone app. The airline then generates a barcode, which it sends to the display of the luggage item. The barcode contains information on the suitcase's weight and owner as well as the relevant flight information. Armed with this information, the suitcase is sure to meet its rightful owner at the final destination, no matter what happens along the way.

2. Software-Cluster - Agricultural
Multimodal Production
Also, Software-Cluster showcased a joint project "Agricultural Multimodal Production" at CeBIT that explained how agricultural machine drivers are informed about plan changes in the harvesting process due to notified events or are informed about available process data. Here, the machine operator is supported by a multimodal mobile application. Furthermore, the driver can ask for details about his contract via the dialogue.

3. IBM Germany and DIEHL - Smart Ecosystem
IBM Germany and Diehl Controls jointly showcased the "Smart Eco System" together at CeBIT. By incorporating all the energy-related features of a building, such as photovoltaic inverters and heat pumps, into its central control system, the Smart Eco System from Diehl Controls can optimize energy consumption. This capability represents a significant step forward beyond simple smart home solutions.

What Lies Ahead?
The Internet of Things encompasses communications beyond the traditional boundaries. Cars, Home appliances, vending machines and containers, previously considered as unrelated to communications, are now linked with intelligent communication systems. As more devices are added into communication networks, pervasive networks will emerge. This capability to bring the big picture into sharp focus enables us to provide a real-time digital representation of our constantly changing world. With the growth and development of intelligent system technologies, Internet of Things systems will usher in the next generation of efficiency and a level of effectiveness. This year CeBIT 2014 will be held in India for the first time and will serve as a platform to showcase latest ICT trends and projects and a driver of new business for all sectors of the Indian industry.