Core Concept: The Internet of Things and the explosion of interconnectivity

It was 1982, and a group of computer science graduate students at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was thirsty for more than knowledge: some wanted a Coca Cola. But the researchers were frustrated. The Coke machine was on the third floor of the university’s Wean Hall, and oftentimes they’d venture up to the dispenser only to find it empty, or worse, full of warm soda. So the scientists connected the machine to the university’s computer network. By checking online, thirsty researchers could ensure the machine was stocked with cold bottles before visiting. This turned out to be more than an achievement in efficient caffeine delivery; it’s thought to be one of the first noncomputer objects to go online (1). Pervasive computing and its realization, known as the “Internet of Things,” entails an ever-expanding collection of connected devices that capture and share data. Image courtesy of Shutterstock/a-image. The notion of pervasive computing entails a vision of the world in which computing isn’t limited to tablets, smartphones, and laptops. The realization of this vision, called the “Internet of Things” (IoT), is the ever-expanding collection of connected devices that capture and share data. Any object, outfitted with the right sensors, can observe and interact with its environment. A homeowner can adjust the thermostat, close the blinds, or raise a garage door with a voice command to a smartphone app. A connected refrigerator can send a list of its inventory to a shopper. A soccer ball can analyze a kicker’s technique and suggest ways to improve her game. Smart tags on a cow alert a farmer when the animal spikes a fever or goes into labor. Perhaps the greatest potential …