As our world becomes increasingly connected, technology is often portrayed as a villain, sent to invade our privacy and steal our jobs; however, the real narrative of Internet of Things (IoT) is quite different.
“IoT for Good” – the application of IoT technologies to improve social, economic, and environmental issues – flips the often “doom and gloom” narrative of technology by showcasing positive, real-world applications of IoT in our daily lives.
From making our cities smarter and greener to expanding the scope and reach of healthcare in the face of adversity, connected devices are actively being deployed to make a positive global impact, which comprises the heart and soul of the “IoT for Good” movement.
By 2027, the number of households using IoT-connected devices like smart appliances and smart security cameras is expected to more than double; however, the benefits of these devices extend beyond starting your washing machine from the train. Smart devices not only add convenience to our daily lives, but they can help customers lessen their environmental footprint and save money in the process. From washing machines that track water usage, to thermostats that send automatic alerts when usage goals are exceeded, IoT is taking the guess work out of household energy consumption and enabling customers to save valuable time, money, and resources – all while making the planet a bit greener.
“IoT for Good” is also tackling your dirty work, like taking out the trash. Smart waste container management simplifies waste disposal for residents by tracking the frequency and volume of trash disposal. This information is used to enable wireless monitoring to prevent expensive overages.
Effective waste container management is essential for smart cities aiming to modernize and optimize essential services like waste management. It also facilitates wireless fleet tracking, container volume monitoring, and comprehensive management report generation for cities, towns and private businesses alike. IoT enhances waste management services, benefiting residents and city officials by improving efficiency, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectiveness.
In this case study, the value of “IoT for Good’” is highlighted as residents use chip-enabled swipe cards to access waste bins, while sensors monitor the number of bags disposed. This enables municipalities to automatically bill residents for exceeding their allocated limit and prevents misuse of resident bins by businesses. Additionally, sensors issue alerts when containers reach full capacity, aiding officials in monitoring their waste management fleet, thus minimizing overflow and ensuring uninterrupted service. Real-time data collection, monitoring, and analysis in waste management processes not only boost efficiency and cost-effectiveness, but also promote sustainable and eco-friendly waste handling practices.
IoT also promotes health equity by diversifying the ways patients can access healthcare, which is crucial in the face of pandemics and other threats that further strain already taxed hospital systems. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) solutions, for example, empower healthcare providers to oversee patients outside of traditional clinical environments, fostering increased care accessibility, cost reduction, and decreased hospital visits. Devices like blood glucose meters, heart rate monitors, and surveillance monitors transmit data via wireless networks to clinicians, enabling hybrid healthcare environments – i.e. virtual wards. These devices utilize IoT connectivity to improve patient outcomes and extend the scope of care provided by clinical staff.
Connected Health (CH) and Telemedicine are crucial companions to RPM, helping to bridge the gap left by the pandemic, our growing aging population, and even conflicts such as the war in Ukraine – all of which are more connected than one might think.
Another case study, GrandPad is a pioneering communication tool tailored for seniors that aims to effortlessly connect them with loved ones and caregivers at the touch of a button. Such devices can also be lifesaving, instantly connecting users to EMS if the need arises. GrandPad enables seniors – as well as those living with disabilities and/or in remote locations – to receive care from the comfort of their own home, avoiding often difficult and costly hospital visits. And in regions devastated by conflict such as Ukraine, where the elderly population has been disproportionately affected, GrandPad bridges the gap by connecting senior refugees with their loved ones.
As divided as the world can often seem, there is one truth that unites us – we’re in this together. Global issues – climate change and pandemics – affect all of us. IoT-powered CH solutions like RPM and telehealth, as well as smart home and waste management solutions, serve the greater good by inching us closer to a sustainable future. IoT-driven sustainability solutions in the private, public, and business sector lay out a blueprint for a brighter tomorrow, wherein technology can be applied to tackle our greatest obstacles. The future is undoubtedly connected, and with the help of initiatives like “IoT for Good,” it can also be one to which we all look forward.
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