IEEE Internet of Things survey provides clarity around definition, future uses and challenges

USA:  IEEE, the world's largest technical professional organization, announced the results of a survey that gathered insights from more than 1,200 Facebook members, which includes engineers and technologists, on the future of the Internet of Things, the developing ecosystem of Internet-connected devices.

The Internet of Things is quickly becoming a reality as manufacturers are increasingly linking "things", such as smartphones, appliances, cars and machines, to the Internet and to each other.

As the Internet of Things continues to develop and expand, much discussion revolves around the role that connected devices will play in users' everyday lives. IEEE's survey identified the ways in which consumers envision using connected devices. A surprising 65 percent of respondents said they are most interested in using connected devices to improve their work productivity, versus interest in managing their homes (14 percent), interest in improving their commutes (12 percent) or interest in improving their health (9 percent).

"As the Internet of Things evolves, we're discovering the varied ways connected devices can improve every aspect of our lives," said IEEE senior member Raul Colcher of Brazil.

"People have always been most interested in technology that provides an immediate benefit, and connected devices can meet consumer need for instant, gratifying results that enhance quality of life. While one might imagine that improving the quality of ones' personal life would be most important, the overwhelming majority of survey respondents are most interested in using connected devices in the office. This statistic provides great insight about the types of devices that will be most well-received in the future."

In light of its rapid development, the Internet of Things faces growing pains and has yet to be clearly defined within the industry. Leaders hold differing opinions as to what qualifies a device as connected.

According to IEEE's survey, unity may be closer than it seems. Nearly 70 percent of respondents feel connected devices can be defined as those that are either directly connected to the Internet, or indirectly connected by way of another component within the ecosystem; for example, a pulse counter wristband connected via Bluetooth to a cell phone. Only 30 percent of respondents feel that a device must be directly linked to the Internet to be considered connected; for example, a smart phone or laptop.

"The Internet of Things is still new and people have varying perceptions of what the network entails," said Roberto Saracco , an IEEE Senior Member and Director of the Italian Node of the EIT ICT LABS. "As people become more used to interacting with connected objects, for example using a cell phone to read a bar code, the way they define connected devices will become more clear and universal."

Beyond definitions, the Internet of Things faces pressing challenges that must be overcome to continue its path of growth.