WHAT IS THE INTERNET OF THINGS?
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of connected objects or devices. IoT technologies make it possible to collect, transfer, and exchange relevant data between those devices in real time without human touch.
Combined with machine learning and AI, the Internet of Things enables devices to analyse and act on the collected information, facilitating everyday tasks for people and boosting efficiency for businesses.
HOW DO IOT TECHNOLOGIES WORK?
The word 'things' in IoT refers to various physical objects or devices, from everyday household gadgets to industrial tools and machines. These things are connected to the internet to collect and share data with other devices or users. Let’s look at how IoT works in more detail.
Gathering
IoT devices are equipped with various embedded solutions and technologies, such as sensors, GPS modules, cameras, and others. These technologies help to collect data on device usage and different surrounding conditions. For example, the smartwatch you’re using may have a variety of sensors that measure different parameters, such as your heart rate, movement, temperature, and more.
Transmitting
Before a user can see the collected data displayed in a user interface, that data needs to be transmitted to a server and processed. To send it, an IoT device needs a communication module that uses either wireless communication technologies, e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GSM, LTE, and others, or wired, such as Ethernet, CAN, or fibre optics.
Processing
When data is received in the server or cloud storage, it can be processed – for example, classified, sorted, or calculated. As a result, a large amount of raw data turns into useful, meaningful information.
In addition, the server can have an integrated IoT application that uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to analyse the received data and then make decisions without human intervention. These decisions are then transmitted back to the IoT device, allowing it to respond intelligently to a situation.
Visualising
Once the data is processed, it can be accessed in a graphical user interface. It can be a mobile app, a computer program, or a web application where the information is visualised and presented in a user-friendly manner. The user can also manage and control their IoT devices there.
Gathering
IoT devices are equipped with various embedded solutions and technologies, such as sensors, GPS modules, cameras, and others. These technologies help to collect data on device usage and different surrounding conditions. For example, the smartwatch you’re using may have a variety of sensors that measure different parameters, such as your heart rate, movement, temperature, and more.
Transmitting
Before a user can see the collected data displayed in a user interface, that data needs to be transmitted to a server and processed. To send it, an IoT device needs a communication module that uses either wireless communication technologies, e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GSM, LTE, and others, or wired, such as Ethernet, CAN, or fibre optics.
Processing
When data is received in the server or cloud storage, it can be processed – for example, classified, sorted, or calculated. As a result, a large amount of raw data turns into useful, meaningful information.
In addition, the server can have an integrated IoT application that uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to analyse the received data and then make decisions without human intervention. These decisions are then transmitted back to the IoT device, allowing it to respond intelligently to a situation.
Visualising
Once the data is processed, it can be accessed in a graphical user interface. It can be a mobile app, a computer program, or a web application where the information is visualised and presented in a user-friendly manner. The user can also manage and control their IoT devices there.
HOW TELTONIKA STARTED IN IOT
The journey of Teltonika into the world of IoT started back in the 90s when RFID (radio-frequency identification) technologies were widely used to capture and record data. As chips and devices got smaller and the world started transitioning to wireless communication technologies, Teltonika embarked on the path to becoming a leader in producing unique IoT solutions.
Early 2000s
Teltonika launched a successful Guard GSM project. The purpose of this IoT device was to control external sensors and retrieve data from them to make corresponding security actions.
Then, the first GPS tracking device TBOXN12GPS came to light, marking the beginning of Teltonika’s telematics business niche.
2007
We produced Teltonika’s first GSM module for IoT devices – TM2. It was not only intended for telemetry equipment but also worked as an external 2G modem.
2009
Teltonika entered the personal and asset tracking business niche by introducing the GH3000 device. Its function was to quickly transmit the user’s location and call for help in an emergency.
2012
To give even more value to our clients, we launched the FOTA configuration tool, providing sophisticated remote device management.
2016
Combining big data and excellent user experience, we started the Easy Key to IoT campaign. Since 2016, every device developed by Teltonika has ensured an easily understandable user interface, allowing for effective remote management.
IOT APPLICATIONS IN FOUR BUSINESS NICHES
OPTIMISING EV CHARGING
Incorporating IoT technologies is a game-changing step towards building a sustainable and efficient EV charging infrastructure. The Internet of Things enables remote monitoring and management of charging stations, providing real-time data on usage and power consumption while timely detecting faults. This minimises downtime and ensures a seamless charging experience for EV users.
By analysing energy demand, grid conditions, and user preferences with the help of IoT, we can optimise energy distribution to prevent grid overloads during peak charging times. It ensures that EVs are charged when electricity is abundant and cheap, minimising costs for users and utility providers. IoT-driven data analytics can also help businesses gain insights into user behaviour, helping them make informed decisions and improve their services.
While offering countless benefits for service providers, IoT also enhances convenience for users, providing valuable information on station availability, charging rates, and charging statistics via mobile apps or web interfaces.
As IoT continues to advance, its integration into EV charging will further contribute to the adoption of electric vehicles. And Teltonika is ready to be at the forefront of this transformation by offering smart and powerful EV charging solutions.
TELEMEDICINE AND REMOTE HEALTHCARE
Telemedicine is reshaping healthcare by leveraging IoT technologies to remotely connect patients and healthcare providers. Its benefits are numerous, offering real-time information exchange for quicker emergency responses and more accurate treatments.
The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) helps to pave the way for a future where telemedicine becomes an integral part of healthcare, facilitating early diagnosis and saving lives. IoMT applications enable vital data sharing between various medical devices and healthcare providers, allowing for enhanced patient monitoring and proactive care.
Teltonika's telemedicine business unit plays a pivotal role in transforming the future of healthcare by developing innovative IoMT devices. Teltonika’s smart medical wristband is a breakthrough in cardiovascular care, capable of recording a 6-lead electrocardiogram and detecting atrial fibrillation, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Another groundbreaking device is the artificial lung ventilator with telemedicine capabilities, enabling remote monitoring and centralised transmission of patients’ vital data. Learn how these devices can advance patient care and minimise risks.
ENABLING IOT WITH CONNECTIVITY
Connectivity is the essence of machine-to-machine communication, making IoT a holistic network of connections. Without it, all devices are isolated. It means that data cannot be sent or received, and networking solutions do not function.
Connectivity facilitates the fundamentals of Industry 4.0 and automation, from predictive and remote management to data aggregation and analysis – and all the efficiency that comes with them. This is paramount to a wide range of industries, including clean energy, smart cities, and industrial manufacturing.
Relying on connectivity, the Internet of Things becomes the infrastructure the future of humanity is built upon.
Learn how Teltonika’s networking solutions play a vital role in such tasks as determining water quality and drinkability, transforming agriculture, and even monitoring CERN’s Large Hadron Collider.
SMARTER DECISIONS WITH TELEMATICS
Vehicles, boats, cargo, people, even pets… If it’s moving, there’s a good chance that telematics can help provide valuable data and make smarter decisions.
Transport is one of the main areas where GPS trackers are used to increase road safety, prevent losses, and facilitate maintenance routines. Fleet managers get a wealth of information – such as vehicle location, speed, fuel consumption, or how smoothly the driver accelerates or brakes – to analyse and optimise their business operations. No wonder telematics is widely applied in many industries, including logistics, car sharing, delivery services, agriculture, and more.
As innovation in IoT thrives and technology advances, telematics continues to evolve too, offering new ways to gain data-driven insights for companies around the globe.
Being the leading vehicle tracking devices provider in Europe, Teltonika’s telematics business unit offers a wide range of solutions, from tracking the whereabouts of a lost pet to improving drivers’ behaviour and ensuring protection from cargo or vehicle theft.
