Technologic Tuesday: Sensor Revolution Part 1
Big data is king. Privacy concerns aside for the moment, companies and even entire industries are using data in ways that can help improve services they offer and, in some cases, make new products available to the public. Many of the new technologies and services are being made possible by some very small devices called sensors in a concept called the Internet of Things. Sensors have the ability to take data from the environment and turn this into useable information or automatically perform a task. Let’s take a look at three ways sensors are changing the world.
Connected Agriculture
Sensor technology is starting to take root (pardon the pun) in agriculture. Sensors in the soil can measure moisture levels and when those levels drop below a certain threshold they can automatically start the field pivots. Sensors are also being used in grain silos to measure current levels of grain being stored. Applications have also been designed to take the amount of grain, bring in the current prices and give you a current value that is currently stored up. Areas of animal health and monitoring the birth of new animals are other areas where sensors are taking a huge step forward.
Efficient Energy Conception
Governments, organizations, companies, and people in general are all working hard to find ways to reduce our impact on the environment. In race to be more efficient, power companies are using Smart Grid technology to design utility systems that can automatically respond to changes in the power grid. These systems work by monitoring demand and transferring output from areas that currently don’t need it and send the excess production to areas that are in higher demand. Sensors also work inside business and homes to help adjust the usage of power in devices in ways that are more efficient such as turning of air conditioning or lights when no one is in the home. This technology is a huge help to environment while also lowering our utility bills.
A Safer Road
Last week’s Technologic Tuesday featured driverless cars. The Internet of Things is a big reason why this technology is possible. Combining GPS and sensors, cars can sense other vehicles, pedestrians, and other obstacles to avoid accidents. These vehicles will also be able to interact with sensors in the roads to determine the most efficient routes to locations, minimizing drive time and the use of fuel. Driverless cars are not the only technology helping to make our roads safer. Apple is working on technology that will shut off the texting function on the iPhone when it senses that the owner of the phone is driving. Intel and Ford are also working on a new platform that would use facial recognition technology to only allow a car to start for drivers approved by the owner. All of this technology will lead to safer roads in the near future.
These are just three ways that the sensor revolution is having, next week we will explore additional areas impacted by this technology. Have an area you would like us to explore? Let us know in the comments below!
