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Table of Contents
What actually the term “SMART Technology” stands for?
As per the definition from Netlingo, the term “SMART” refers to “Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology.”
A unique & outstanding technology that employs AI, machine learning, and data analysis to convey cognitive awareness to previously lifeless things. Following are the three differentiable examples of Smart Technology;
- Smart gadgets are the gadgets with some automation and their configuration is an easy process using a user friendly interface. Consider a smart coffeemaker that you configure to produce coffee at a specific time. There is no requirement for network connectivity.
- Smart linked devices are managed or monitored remotely by Bluetooth, LTE, Wi-Fi, wired, or by other modes of communication. A smart lamp, smart security camera, smart refrigerator, or smartphone are some of the examples.
- IoT devices– Software-defined products that is a mixture of a product, an application, analytics, and Internet/networking. They deliver more value to the world than smart or linked products. This is due to the fact that they are more scalable, upgradeable and automated. Smart cities, smart factories, and smart households are some areas of implementation.
Mechanism of this Technology
Smart technology works by establishing a technological barrier between the user and their connected devices. This layer is a medium used to control, monitor, or both of those devices.
The devices are often linked to the Internet or with one another via the local network. Some devices work in wired configuration or wirelessly.
A smart light switch will allow the user to have the privilege of using the light by voice and remote app control. However, the user will be able to use the light switch in the same manner as they used their previous non-smart light switch, but with an advanced mechanism.
When it comes to heating, smart thermostats are able to have tracking of your activities. They may then utilize that information and provide you with the most effective heating plan while still fulfilling your demands.
Application Areas
SMART technologies have a wide range of applications. They can be adjusted to nearly any technology so as to provide useful information about its own operation, the execution of the activity, etc. Following are some of the areas of application of this advanced technology;
- Wearable Devices
- Factory
- Logistics
- Healthcare
1. Wearable Devices
Smartwatches, fitness trackers, smart garments, smart medical attachments, virtual glasses, GPS tracking belts are some of the SMART devices that provide a different world scenario. These are compact, energy-efficient devices with equipped sensors, measurement devices, reading hardware, and software that gathers and manage user data and information to use it in an efficient way.
2. Industrial Processes
Smart Factory employs the similarities with smart home in different processes but these are more complicated algorithms with complex protocols and requirements
The smart factory is a step ahead from traditional automation to a fully linked and flexible system that can learn and adapt to new needs using a continual stream of data from connected operations and production systems.
3. Logistics
SMART logistics (organizing, planning, control, and execution of the flow goods) are the effective use of data for structuring traffic management and directing traffic for optimal logistics management.
Through Smart logistics, we can manage public transportation networks, such as city or highway traffic. Typically, it refers to solutions that increase commercial transportation and storage efficiency, as well as the facilitation of interconnectivity across different logistics networks.
4. Healthcare
Doctors can monitor a patient’s status outside of the hospital and in real-time through wearables or sensors attached to them. These aids in the improvement of patient care and the prevention of deadly occurrences in high-risk patients by providing continually monitoring particular warnings on their vital signs.
Another use is the incorporation of the technology into hospital beds, resulting in smart beds with sensors that monitor vital signs, blood pressure, oximeter, and body temperature, among other things.
SMART Technology Pros & Cons
1. Pros
a. More Convenience
Earlier it was considered impossible to be able to do so many activities at once with such little effort, such as by just using your voice. Smart technology has made this feasible and in reach. Smart technology is at your fingertips, whether you want to alter the lights in a room, secure your house, or order your favorite meal online. It elevates the concept of ease to new heights.
b. Better Sustainability
Commercial and domestic sectors are working hard to implement smart technology in order to ‘go green and preserve the earth and at the same time avoid excessive energy prices.
Given that we frequently do not optimize our energy consumption and instead waste it by forgetting to turn off household appliances, smart technology plays an important role in assisting in energy conservation.
c. Advanced Security
Traditionally, manually operated security systems are less trustworthy than smart technologies. Door sensors, alarm systems, security cameras, and video doorbells are examples of some of the smart devices that can alert building owners about the probability of different risks to their property. In addition to notifying the owners, law enforcement authorities are notified, and preventative measures are implemented on the spot.
Furthermore, the technology also allows for real-time preventive action, potentially protecting one from pain and even bodily injury.
d. Enhanced Efficiency
User data in smart technology is a tool to determine how & what improvements are necessary. It keeps track of what’s going on and analyzes it in order to provide better results in the future.
This means that your processes and systems will be more efficient in the near future, and hence increase productivity.
Imagine getting up on time, after a restful night’s sleep, and everything is in place for you to have a good start on the day, avoid distractions, and get to work on time.
e. Savings of Money and Time
Smart technical gadgets help lower energy expenditures by optimizing the use of energy and thus utilizing less of it to perform more. Smart technology automates mundane tasks and saves time.
2. Cons
While smart technology offers convenience and cost savings, it has its drawbacks also. Both technology producers and consumers of this technology continue to be plagued by security issues and vulnerabilities. A competent hacker, for example, can get access to a smart home’s internet-connected devices.
To minimize the risk factor one should use a strong password to protect smart appliances and gadgets, use encryption where feasible, and should connect only trusted devices to one’s network. Cost is the major concern in integrating smart technology which can vary from a few thousand dollars for a wireless system to tens of thousands of dollars for a complex system.
Conclusion
Smart technology has already gained significant acceptance due to its vast range of benefits across many industries, and it shows no signs of slowing down. After all, we all want to save time and money while also increasing our productivity, comfort, and security. We do, don’t we?
Smart gadgets aren’t always inexpensive, and they’re not always risk-free, but the dangers of buying one or building up a comprehensive smart system are often minor. And the convenience that smart technology provides is unmatchable.
Smart gadgets will most certainly become as prevalent to us as power is to us now, so getting ahead of the curve won’t hurt.
See SMART HVAC Systems, Home Automation also