The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the network of physical objects—"things"—that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the Internet. These devices range from ordinary household objects (like thermostats and lightbulbs) to sophisticated industrial tools (like jet engines and assembly line robots).
The concept of a network of smart devices was discussed as early as 1982, with a modified Coke machine at Carnegie Mellon University becoming the first Internet-connected appliance. The term "Internet of Things" was coined by Kevin Ashton in 1999 while working at Procter & Gamble. However, it was not until the early 2010s that the technology became widely adopted, driven by the development of low-cost sensors, powerful processors, and ubiquitous wireless networks (4G/5G).
The IoT has a wide range of applications, from smart homes and wearable devices to smart cities and industrial automation (Industry 4.0). The technology is also being used to improve healthcare (remote monitoring), transportation (connected cars), and agriculture (precision farming). The number of IoT devices is growing rapidly, with billions of connected devices generating vast amounts of data that drive insights and efficiency.