Role of Physics for Internet of Things

Dr. Preyoshi P. Bose

Asst. Professor, Smt. C.H.M. College, Ulhasnagar-3, University of Mumbai.

Abstract

With the machine era, where computers or computing devices were considered to provide artificial intelligence; human beings could interact with each other very efficiently from anywhere and at any point of time via web media called as ‘Internet’. Thus, human interaction with machines is becoming so prevalent that any and every machine (‘Things’) will be required to be connected with each other via web so as to provide more such intelligence. Internet of Things (IoT) has been recognized as part of future internet and ubiquitous computing. On the other hand, Physics being a study of Matter, Energy and interaction between them;it’s applied in every sphere of human activity. This article provides the significance of Physics forIoT, as it (later) allows objects to be sensed and controlled remotely using Sensors and Actuators.While, a Sensor is a device (made up of various semiconductors), that converts real world data (Analog) into data that a computer can understand using ADC (Analog to Digital converter); an Actuator is a component of a machine (making up for instrumentation) that is responsible for moving or controlling a mechanism or system. Let us make an attempt to understand about role of Physics for IoT.

Keyword:Ubiquitous computing,Sensors and Actuators,ADC,instrumentation.

Introduction

We have always been fascinated by the gadgets we use or see. The thrill, what we get by watching a spy movie. It was not until few decades that we have started to appreciate the power of IoT. With advancement in wireless internet access and sophistication of embedded sensors people started to realize its use for personal as well as professional level.

  1. Internet of Things

The IoT allows objects which we call as ‘things’ in technical terms to be detected, sensed and controlled (the action) from a place that may not be physically accessible. Such kind of interaction can be made possible via the extensive use of internet network. The hardcore physics that is involved in the making of this infrastructure is really appreciable. This kind of integration helps direct access to the physical world to interact with the computerized systems. A typical diagrammatic representation of IoT is shown in Fig.1.

Fig:1Diagrammatic representation of Internet of Things

The hardware that is involved is majorly made of semiconductor devices. The sensors are primarily the semiconductor devices and their making involves a lot of solid state physics understanding. There is no upper limit for increasing the sensitivity in the sense that ‘a device able to sense the mood fluctuations of a person’ and act more sensibly to the situation. So actually we are moving to a world where machines will behave intelligently with the help of sensors.

Sensor is the heart and Actuator forms the circulatory system of IoT. With the advancement in sensing technology and the peripheral system to act on the sensed data/ the electronic signal and converting into useful information and then taking the action based on the analysis done makes the whole wiring concept much more of a skilled job. Although we realize that the whole circuitry is a skilled task, but for end user it’s just a gadget! That’s smartness!

  1. Sensors

A sensor is a device which is a constructed of various semiconductors; that detects and responds to some type of input from the physical environment. The specific input could be light, heat, motion, moisture, pressure, or any one of a great number of other environmental phenomena. The output is generally a signal that is converted to human-readable display at the sensor location or transmitted electronically over a network for reading or further processing.

There are many different types of sensors.

Some are used in everyday objects, and some are

separate.

  • Thermal sensors that detect temperature.
  • Electromagnetic sensors are used to measure a physical quantity such as pressure or loudness and convert it into an electronic signal of some kind.
  • Mechanical sensors are used to measure pressures and vibrations.
  • Motion sensors detect physical movement in a given area.
  • And many more…

There is always an increased thirst for improving the sensitivity of the probing sensors. With the invention of nanotechnology this field gathered momentum. The role of nanotechnology in the sophistication of sensors is immense.

For examples:

#1 - electronic implantable medical devices and robotic systems with human-like sensing capabilities are effectively used for healthcare purposes.

#2 - production of nanowires of CuOdemonstrated enhanced performances. Its fast and high response to CO (carbon-mono-oxide) which is a poisonous gas makes it a promising candidate for detecting the poisonous gas.

#3– transparent and elastic conductors are essential components of electronic and optoelectronic devices that facilitate human interaction and biofeedback.

  1. Actuators

An actuator is a component of a machine that is responsible for moving or controlling a mechanism or system, by converting energy into motion depending on signal received. It is the mechanism by which a control system acts upon an environment. It can be a simple system, such as electronic gadgets, or software-based,

such as robot control.

There are various common types of Actuators, like;

  • Pneumatic actuators that convert energy formed by a vacuum or compressed air at high pressure into either linear or rotary motion. The advantage of this type of actuator is that has a quick response time as the power source doesn’t need to be stored in reserve. Thus, large forces can be produced from relatively small pressure changes.
  • Hydraulic actuators that consist of a cylinder or fluid motor that uses hydraulic power to drive mechanical operation. The motion output can be linear, rotary or oscillatory. Despite having limited acceleration, a hydraulic actuator can exert considerable force as liquids are virtually impossible to compress.
  • Electric actuator is powered by electrical energy converted by a motor. Electrical energy is used to actuate equipment such as multi-turn valves. Its advantage is that it is one of the cleanest forms of actuator as no oil is required.
  • Thermal or Magnetic actuators tend to be compact, lightweight and with high power density. They are actuated by applying thermal or magnetic energy.
  • Mechanical actuator functions by converting rotary motion into linear motion to execute movement. It involves gears, rails, pulleys, chains and other devices to operate. An example is a rack and pinion mechanism.

Applications

  • Concept of being smart: With the concept of IoT we are actually providing smartness to the whole world of sensors. The concept of smart cities, smart colleges, smart traffic control system, air traffic signal system, smart homes and the list is endless has emerged out due to advancement of IoT. Rather IoT forms the substrate for the smart management systems.
  • Energy management: Energy management forms an integral part of IoT because we are interacting with smart objects/things that can be controlled via internet. All the power consuming objects like oven, lighting devices, cooling devices etc. connected through internet can be communicated and controlled effectively in terms of energy consumption. Such connectivity leads to efficient use of power consuming devices thus enabling energy management.

Analysis

When IoT is augmented with sensors and actuators, the technology becomes an instance of the more general class of cyber-physical systems, which also encompasses technologies such as smart grids, smart homes, intelligent transportation and smart cities. Each thing is uniquely identifiable through its embedded computing system but is able to interoperate within the existing Internet infrastructure. Experts estimate that the IoT will consist of almost 50 billion objects by 2020. Expansion of Internet-connected automation into a plethora of new application areas, IoT is also expected to generate large amounts of data from diverse locations, with the consequent necessity for quick aggregation of the data, and an increase in the need to index, store, and process such data more effectively. IoT is one of the platforms of today's Smart City, and Smart Energy Management Systems.

Everywhere, we see, it’s Physics and its deep study of matter, energy and interaction between them; is contributing heavily and intensely towards the journey of IoT. Moving forward, every gadgets and devices that we may be using or have access to; will be interconnected to each other in such a way so as to provide us with artificial intelligence. Following diagram (Fig 2.) shows the evolution of IoT and its roadmap for future.

Fig:2 Technology Roadmap of IoT

Conclusion

IoT is presently being used in healthcare centers, transportation system, warehouse management system etc. few of the future prospects could be smart home, smart cities etc. Physics is seen to be playing key and significant role in building up a wireless connected world. It is not too far when every object will be a thing that will be connected to internet and then communication will be fast and error free. It creates direct integration of the physical world into computer-based systems, resulting in improved efficiency, accuracy and economic benefit in addition to reduced human intervention.

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