September 16
IOT devices and prototyping boards changing the way we do research
Image source: http://techfactslive.com/
Internet of things (IOT) devices has made data acquisition, remote real-time monitoring and remote control. With the advent of new and productive prototyping boards such as the Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and Particle Photon, being IOT capable has revolutionized the way modern day research can be performed. The ease of how they can be customized to the specification of a given project makes it simple enough for anyone with basic programming and electronics experience to develop cutting edge solutions within a span for few hours.
The recent introduction of remote labs around the globe, where people can monitor research work remotely and control devices, has enabled researchers to control and monitor experiments hazardous locations and while traveling. Such remote labs also enable collaboration through remote sharing with investigators around the globe who can access data in real-time and even engage in control of experiments.
The simplicity and infrastructure in the current era also support the use of IOT based devices almost anywhere in the world and for a low cost. Most of the climate control systems, home appliances, etc. have all become IOT devices. With integration of real-time data acquisition and analytics, we can make conclusions for improvement in a variety of areas including improvement in research methods and reduction of energy consumption not just in labs, but also in our homes