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The History of Internet of Things & IoT Future Predictions

The Internet of Things (IoT) has become a commonplace in business, but where are IoT trends headed?

In This Article:

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the billions of physical devices that are connected to the internet at any given time.

The Beginnings of IoT

The history of the Internet of Things begins as early as the 1980s.

Security Concerns with IoT

With billions of devices connected, it's not beyond the realm of possibility that someone could compromise the security of an IoT device.

Who Uses IoT?

If there is a connection to the internet, chances are that you'll find at least one IoT device.

Predicting the Future of IoT

The growth of IoT has been explosive and continues to grow each year with businesses leading the way.

This article was updated on July 23, 2020.

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the billions of physical devices that are connected to the internet at any given time performing a multitude of functions. These internet-connected devices have emerged from a novel concept to an integrated part of everyday experiences. Predicting the future of these connected devices requires an understanding of the evolution of IoT, today's trends and how IoT devices are evolving. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Internet of Things and reveal some exciting predictions about the future of IoT.

What is IoT?

One of the main ideas behind IoT is to connect devices with one another via a network or the internet. Imagine if your alarm clock not only wakes you up but also alerts the coffee maker to begin brewing coffee. The coffee maker could then connect with your devices (such as a laptop or tablet) to show you the latest headlines so you can sip coffee in the morning and catch up on current events. Though these connected devices make your coffee maker or alarm clock seem smart, they're just communicating over a network or the internet.

These emerging IoT devices and technology can make your morning more convenient, but the potential can be leveraged to make your organization operate smoother and smarter as well. This could mean utilizing internet-connected thermostats that adjust the temperature of your office or building automatically, connecting and automating software for everyday tasks, or helping with industry-specific needs such as inventory management and real-time insights for retail businesses. The concept behind IoT devices takes these tasks, ties them together with connected technology to a network or the internet, and makes them smart—allowing them to operate without manual inputs.

The Beginnings of IoT: 1980s-2000

The history of the Internet of Things begins as early as the 1980s. Let’s explore the origins of IoT:

1980s IoT Origins: Soda Anyone?

One of the first examples of a connected device occurred in the 1980s at Carnegie Melon University. Local programmers linked to a soda machine via their internet connection to see if there were sodas available before walking across the grounds to get one. Though only an isolated usage, the ability to connect with something like a soda machine to communicate and get information from (making the machine appear "smart") was an innovation for the time.

1990s: Introduction of GPS

In the 1990s, the first Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) were launched by the Department of Defense. This led to privately owned commercial satellites being placed in orbit for the same purpose. More importantly, this laid the necessary groundwork for connected devices to be meaningfully utilized.

1999: The Term “Internet of Things” is Coined

The actual term "Internet of Things" was not officially coined until 1999 by Kevin Ashton, Executive Director of Auto-ID Labs at MIT.

An Emerging Technology: 2000s to Today

Soon after the term “Internet of Things” was coined, the technology seemed to spread like wildfire. More and more IoT devices were developed, as companies around the world sought to cash in on the trend. But IoT was no fad. According to Cisco, connected devices grew rapidly during the 2000s, and there are now more connected devices than people on the earth today:

2003: 500 million IoT devices
2010: 12.5 billion IoT devices
2015: 25 billion IoT devices
2020: 50 billion IoT devices

From wearable fitness tech to smart thermostats, refrigerators, coffee makers and more, new IoT technologies continue to emerge every day.

Security Concerns with IoT

Sensors and cameras are a part of many IoT devices, raising privacy and security as hot-button issues for both developers and users. With billions of devices connected, it's not beyond the realm of possibility that someone could compromise the security of an IoT device. Someone hacking into your coffee maker and accessing your network is suddenly a real threat to many.

Developers are releasing devices that have two-factor authentication requiring a password or pin as a robust security solution to manage access. Additionally, communication data between devices is now encrypted both at rest and when transmitted using standard cryptographic algorithms, limiting data sniffing by potential hackers.

IoT trends and technology continues to be introduced, making security a top priority for those that use these devices — regardless of whether they're connected to a closed network or public internet.

Who Uses IoT?

If there is a connection to the internet, chances are that you'll find at least one IoT device. Cars, home appliances and voice-assistant apps are just some examples of internet-connected devices. But the Internet of Things goes beyond these examples.

Entire ecosystems that control heat and cooling systems, lighting and other home or business functions free up time for people to do other things. Many IoT-enabled devices have apps designed, so you never have to wonder if you left the oven on or need to turn on your security system. You can perform those functions anywhere via your smartphone. Industries such as healthcare, energy and utilities, retail, manufacturing and consumer goods use IoT to monitor various tasks and operations, just to name a few.

Predictions for the Future of the Internet of Things

A simple prediction to the future of Internet of Things would be that there is nowhere to go but up. The growth of IoT has been explosive and continues to grow each year with businesses leading the way. The consumer market is not far behind, with more smart home devices being adopted by users every year.

Future IoT Trends

Reduced technology costs
Improved connectivity with greater range
Greater proliferation of IoT devices, with devices to fill nearly any niche market
Greater app usage to control and interact with IoT devices

IoT Industries to Watch

Clothing. Smart clothing is a current trend that is expected to grow with a range of devices for niche markets, like wearable body sensors for pregnant women that track baby heartbeats and positions.
Healthcare. From personal health and fitness trackers to commercial devices to track glucose, deliver insulin, and more, there are many areas to improve healthcare and make data more accessible for patients and physicians. Other interesting developments to watch in this sector include ingestible sensors, asthma monitors and connected inhalers, and more.
Automotive. Commercial trucking companies will likely use IoT sensors and devices to improve fleet management. Likewise, more and more sensors are being built into the latest car models, and drivers will soon have diagnostic tools accessible via their mobile devices. And of course, autonomous vehicles are in development, relying heavily on IoT for function and safety.
Agriculture. Precision farming with IoT powered devices is an emerging trend. Equipped with sensors and smart technology, farmers are finding new ways to optimize their crops. Similarly, drones and other sensors are allowing farmers to monitor their livestock and crops from anywhere, collect crucial data, and find ways to optimize production while minimizing cost.
And More. Companies are developing new IoT devices and technologies every day. The future of the Internet of Things is certain to include an array of devices for nearly every niche.

Take Advantage of IoT for Your Business

The history of the Internet of Things is fascinating. IoT devices are in nearly every facet of both business and home life, and they are continuing to grow with a bright future ahead. If you want to leverage the full power of IoT for your organization, contact CDW today. One of our network experts can assist you in designing an individualized IoT solution that fits your needs.